Near Heidleberg

Boosmansbos Wilderness Area lies in the Langeberg mountains, 22 km north-west of Heidelberg, in the south-western Cape. The wilderness area is 14 200 ha in extent and is incorporated in Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. The name is derived from that of a hermit who lived in the forest in the early 19th century. Boosmansbos was proclaimed a wilderness area in 1978, and is managed to maintain its natural systems and to safeguard its pristine environment.

The Langeberg mountains lie in the transitional zone between winter and all-year rainfall regions. Boosmansbos has an average annual rainfall of 1 050 mm. Drier periods are from May to July and December to January. Berg wind conditions prevail from May to July.

Grootberg (1 637 m) is the highest peak in Boosmansbos. Several rivers originate in the wilderness area, including the Duiwenhoks River and its tributary, the Noukrans River.

The soils in this area are derived mainly from Table Mountain sandstone. Isolated pockets of Bokkeveld shales occur and it is on these that the indigenous forests are found.

An association of mountain fynbos and forest vegetation occurs in the wilderness area. There are several rare species, especially amongst the Erica family: Erica blenna, E. barrydalensis and E. langebergensis. Mammals that may be seen include grey rhebuck, klipspringer, grysbok, baboons, leopard, mongoose and genet. The area is particularly rich in birdlife, with 184 species recorded, including black, martial, crowned and booted eagle, redwinged and redneck francolin, blackrumped buttonquail, striped flufftail and Layard. s titbabbler.

CONTACT US:

Cape Nature

Tourism reservations and bookings: 
National callers: 0861 CAPENATURE (227 362 8873)
International callers: 0027 861 227 362 8873 / 0027 21 659 3500

For additional information please visit http://www.capenature.org.za