Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area are situated along the scenic Garden Route on the Cape south coast. It lies approximately 40km east of George and 20km west of Knysna – the turn off to Buffel’s Bay is between Knysna and Sedgefield. It is sign-posted from the N2 road at the Buffalo Bay turn-off. Follow the Buffalo Bay road for approximately 8km and turn right towards the river BEFORE the road works to the flood damaged area.
The nature reserve comprises an area of about 2 500ha, with a coastline of 14km, and the adjacent marine protected area extends seawards for 1,8km. The nature reserve includes a long beach, an extensive dune field with some of the highest vegetated dunes in South Africa, the Goukamma River and estuary, and the unique Groenvlei lake which has no in-flowing river and no link to the sea.
Goukamma lies between the winter and summer rainfall areas. There is no cold wet or dry season, although the rainfall is higher in spring and autumn, and less in summer. The weather is unpredictable, with some warm days in June and July and the odd cold day in summer. Prevailing winds in summer are southeasterly and in winter are westerly.
Marine Protected Area
The Marine Protected Area extends for approximately 18km from Buffalo Bay near to Sedgefield, and 1 nautical mile seawards (1,8km).
In this protected area one can observe bottle-nosed and common dolphins, visitors to this area, frolic in the surf.
Only angling with a rod and line from the shore is allowed. No bait organisms or shellfish may be removed or disturbed anywhere within the Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected area. Ski-boat fishing or spear fishing is not permitted. Licenses for angling are obtainable from post offices.
Coastal fynbos and coastal forest are the main types of vegetation. The coastal dune forest, occurring mostly on the dunes, consists of dense thickets of milkwoods, yellowwoods and candlewoods. Further inland, the fynbos is characterised by erica and restio species and is most attractive in September and October.
Goukamma's diverse habitats support many animal species. Grysbok, bushbuck, bushpig, porcupine and vervet monkeys occur, as well as caracal, water and grey mongoose, honey badger and otter. Groenvlei has seven fish species (two indigenous and five alien). More than 220 species of birds have been recorded including spoonbill, African fish eagle, African marsh harrier, Knysna lourie, three species of kingfisher, the rare African black oystercatcher and occasionally the endangered African penguin.
Goukamma has six self-catering units which are all equipped with stove/hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, pots, pans, crockery, cutlery and bedding.
Nearest Town/Shopping centre: Buffalo Bay (1km), Sedgefield and Knysna (approx. 14km)
Region: Garden Route
Mvubu Bushcamp
Mvubu Bushcamp is a very comfortable wood, reed and thatch cottage on stilts, nestled amongst the trees of the milkwood forest on the shores of Groenvlei lake. It has spectacular views and wide, sliding doors leading from both bedrooms and lounge onto a large deck overlooking the lake. An umbrella provides shade on the deck. The lodge consists of two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms divided by an open-plan lounge/kitchen/dining-room area.
Bedrooms: One room has a double bed, with bath and toilet en-suite, while the other is furnished with two single beds and has a shower and toilet en-suite. Bedding and towels are supplied.
Kitchen: Fully equipped with microwave, fridge/freezer, stove and oven, all necessary kitchen equipment and cutlery. A Weber is provided for cooking on the deck. Open fires are not allowed unfortunately due to the fire risk.
The camp has one double canoe explicit for the resident’s use. Please bring own briquettes for the Weber.
Groenvlei Bushcamp
The wooden, rustic Groenvlei Bushcamp is set amongst the trees of a milkwood forest and set behind the reeds at the edge of the freshwater Groenvlei lake. Access is via wooden decks and walkways, one of which leads to a private jetty and two double canoes.
Build of local timbers and thatch, the lodge has an open-plan kitchen/living/braai area, two separate double-story sleeping units, a separate semi-open shower and closed toilet. The sleeping units have one double bed and two single beds each, accommodating a maximum of eight people altogether. Bedding and towels are provided.
The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove and electrical fridge/freezer. Firewood and braai grids are provided.
Musselcracker House
This previous staff accommodation has been upgraded to a comfortable house with 3 bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom, an extra full bathroom, an outside shower and an indoor fire hearth. The house can sleep 7 people and has a sleeper couch in the lounge.
The house has a lounge/dining room and fully equipped kitchen.
The house has an outside braai area.
Please note: The house is situated next to the staff houses and a service road runs past the house, which is, used daily. There are no sea or river views from this house. Please bring own wood.
The Rondavels
At the Buffalo Bay side of Goukamma, there are three double thatched rondavels set against the hill overlooking the river and estuary. They sleep from 4 – 5 people each, in combinations of double, single and bunk beds. Please enquire when booking. Please bring own fire wood.
The reserve is open from 8am to 6pm daily and gate times are strictly maintained. An entrance fee is payable on arrival. No pets or firearms are allowed on the reserve.
Near Knysna
