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Near Plettenberg Bay

Download: Reserve Brochure and Map.pdf

The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is situated about 8km beyond Plettenberg Bay on the N2 towards Port Elizabeth.  Look out for the “Ferry” signboard (approximately 1km after Forever Resorts’ entrance).  Turn left at the “Ferry” signboard.

The reserve incorporates an estuary and a river, and overlooks the Forever Resort and the Keurbooms Estuary.  Marine resources are afforded protection by the permanently open river mouth.  The estuary below the N2 bridge falls outside the reserve boundaries.  The Keurbooms Estuary is one of the best examples of an estuary along the Garden Route.  

The Keurbooms River bisects the small reserve of 740ha. The headwaters of the Keurbooms River come from the Langkloof, north of the main Tsitsikamma mountain range. This river was already flowing when sea level was 300m above its present level. The placid waters of its estuary hide the tortuous journey of the mother stream through the inland mountain valleys. Its gorge is spectacular and well worth a voyage upstream to enjoy the unspoilt, unpolluted beauty.

A variety of habitats are conserved including the relatively unspoilt riverine gorge, patches of Knysna forest along the flood banks and in protected kloofs, coastal fynbos, and estuarine littoral dune fields.

The reserve is named after the Western Keurboom (Virgilia oroboides) or choice tree. It has brown-grey, smooth bark and leaves with small leaflets. Sprays of pink-mauve flowers change are seen from August to September, and also between December and January. It grows in the coastal forest edges.

Other noteworthy trees to be seen in the forest is the Cape beech, giant stinkwoods and Outeniqua yellowwoods, as well as ironwoods….Other plants include agapanthus, arum lilies, bracken, various fynbos species like pelargoniums ….

Common mammals that may be spotted include the bushpig, dassie, caracal. genet, baboon, vervet monkey, blue duiker, bushbuck, grysbok, leopard, mongoose and the Cape clawless otter.

Forest, fynbos, mountain and river bird species are often seen. Most notably are the Knysna lourie, malachite and giant kingfisher, Narina Trogan fish eagle, kelp gulls, white-breasted cormorant, African darter, reed cormorant Egyptian goose, yellow-billed duck, little grebe, hamerkop, black-headed oriole, Cape batis, Knysna woodpecker and various sunbirds,

It is a popular tourism destination on the Garden Route.  A variety of activities and facilities are available, including braai, boating, ski-ing, canoeing, guided ferry trips (using an outside operator), windsurfing, picnicking and an overnight canoe trail up to Whiskey Creek.

Two-stroke powerboats are only allowed up to the 4km mark in the river.  Skiers are not allowed further than the 3km mark.  All boats and canoes require permits (obtainable from the gate).  Boats may only be launched from designated launch sites.

The well-shaded and extensive picnic site at the reserve entrance near the bridge, is a popular spot to spend a lazy afternoon. It offers braai areas and ablution facilities. Three other picnic sites further upstream are set within Knysna-like forest. They can only be reached by boat of canoe.

Canoes for day trips can be hired from the kiosk at the Keurbooms River bridge. However, the best way to experience the reserve is to follow the two-day Keurbooms canoe trail, which offers secluded overnight accommodation 7km upstream in a refurbished log cabin.

Reservations

To make a booking please contact our reservations office

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