South Africa's Treasured Land

South Africa is home to a huge variety of nature reserves. From the lush indigenous forests of the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve to the Southern Right Whales in Die Hooop Nature Reserve - the country protects vastly different animals and plant life. 

Established in 1974, The Gamkaberg Nature Reserve is home to the endangered and rare  Cape Mountain Zebra. It is also the site of ancient Khoisan rock art and fossils of early marine life have been discovered  in the reserve. 

Located in the Central Berg region of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Giant's Castle offers majestic views of the park. It is home to the rare Bearded Vulture and is also a site of well preserved San rock art - where vistors can gain insight into the lives of early San people. 

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a 10 000 hectare reserve in South Africa’s Western Cape province. The area contains over  1 000 plant species, many of which can only be found in the park.

Die Hoop Nature Reserve is one of Africa's largest protected marine areas. It is estimated that over 120 Southern Right Whales return to the area every year where they calve and mate. The reserve also emcompasses the Cape Floral Region and rare species of fynbos grow there.

Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is the largest remaining indigenous forest in Langeberg, an area in the Western Cape. This World Heritage site contains 35 forest tree species including  stinkwood, yellowwood, red alder and the ironwood trees.