Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve

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within the reserve or one of the hotels in the surrounding area as a base.

The reserve, which has an area of 22,667ha/55,987ac, can be explored by car on a panoramic road, from which side roads branch off to various magnificent viewpoints. The floor of the gorge can be reached only on foot.

Flora and fauna

Varying climates and altitudes create very varied vegetation patterns. In areas of high rainfall (like the Blyde River Canyon, with an average of 2,000mm/80in. of rainfall in the year, compared with only 500mm/20in. in the lowveld) are dense forests, the result of large-scale redeforestation schemes. The ancient rocks, mainly dolomite and quartzite, are frequently covered by colored lichen. In addition to giant ferns and rare orchids the flora includes species of Erica and Protea. The reserve is also home to many species of animals, including all the species of monkeys commonly found in South Africa and many different species of birds.