Beaverlac Nature Reserve

Beaverlac Nature Reserve sits just above Porterville in the Western Cape of South Africa and offers plenty of outdoor recreation for nature lovers. Beaverlac also offers camping and cabins to maximize visitors’ enjoyment of nature. Located in a remote 5000-hectare valley surrounded by mountains, Beaverlac is graced with two rivers, the Ratel (Honey Badger) and the Olifants. The vegetation is made up of various types of Mountain Fynbos. This little talked-about gem lies just 25 kilometres outside of Porterville, roughly two hours from Cape Town, in the Olifants River Mountains in the Cederberg region. Beaverlac has been touted as a haven for nature lovers and is highly rated among botanists. Aside from the waterfalls, there are also some incredible rock formations and bird life that includes sightings of the black eagle.

Beaverlac Nature Reserve is a haven for several wildlife species, and visitors can sometimes hear Baboons foraging in the mountains. Beaverlac's rich bird diversity includes the majestic Black Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, and colourful sunbirds, making it a bird lover's paradise.

Clanwilliam Redfins and the rare Clanwilliam Yellowfish, both protected species, can be found in the rivers. Fishing is not permitted in the Olifants any longer due to dwindling fish stocks. In addition, the region is home to several species, the Rhebok and Klipspringer being more likely to be seen than the caracal, wild cat, and shy leopard. The Grysbokkie, Honey Badger, and the African Wild Cat are also found in Beaverlac.

The best time to visit Beaverlac Nature Reserve is during Spring and Summer as these seasons provide amazing weather and plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation. Winters are great for avoiding crowds, however, it does get rather chilly so bring warm clothing.

Beaverlac Nature Reserve offers waterfalls and stunning rock pools, bird life and rock formations, relaxation or activities like hiking and mountain biking over 5000ha of rugged mountain wilderness around the Olifants and Ratel Rivers. For bikers, there are two main intermediate circular trails, 10 and 14 km long, which can be done separately or as a combined ride.

The Leopard Trail is one of the best walks in the reserve, which is located on Grootfontein farm, a natural heritage site in its own right. It is great for amateur hikers, so those looking for more of a challenge should try the Dwars River Trail or the Olifants Trail. The Leopard Trail takes visitors through a series of pools along the Ratel River and allows them to easily make a day of it.

Beaverlac Nature Reserve boasts a campsite and cabins — the only way to visit Beaverlac is by staying overnight. Facilities include ablution blocks, some of which have water while others don’t. Furthermore, guests can make use of the braai areas, and there is also a shop that sells ice, beer, firewood and other general commodities.

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com