Marloth Nature Reserve

IUCN Category Ia - Strict Nature Reserve

BWf1

The Marloth Nature Reserve Nature Reserve is located in the district Overberg, Western Cape of South Africa, 230 km east of Cape Town and 220 km to the west of George above the town of Swellendam at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. It spreads between the towns of Swellendam, Ashton, Barrydale and Suurbraak. Entrance and visitor center are above Swellendam Swellendam in the State Forest. The rains are fairly evenly spread throughout the year, with June / July driest and October / November as the rainiest months. For multi-day hikes on the Swellendam Hiking Trail with overnight stay in reserve should you book in advance for a day visit, this is not necessary.

The reserve was founded in 1928, is 14,123 acres and is managed by Cape Nature Conservation Authority. Meanwhile additional 16,532 ha privately owned land nearby are with managed.

The vegetation consists mainly of mountain fynbos with scattered patches of montane forest aero. The Fynbos includes various types of Protea and over 25 species of Erica, typical representatives of the trees are yellowwood, Stinkwood ( Ocotea bullata ), Cape beech ( Rapanea melanophloeos ), wild olive ( Olea europaea subsp. Africana), Assegaaibos ( Curtisia dentate ) Cherry Wood ( Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus ) and Hardpear ( Olinia ventosa ).

It can be observed a number of smaller mammals such Rehantilope, Klipspringer, Duiker, Baboon, Caracal, mongoose, porcupine and hyrax. The bird life is described so far with 114 species, such as African Fish Eagle, Black Eagle, Woodford - fogy, Rotflügelfrankolin, Tambourine Dove, four kinds of woodpeckers, Cape Vulture and Narinatrogon. Puff Adder, Cape Cobra and Viper Mountain are the most watched snakes.

Is named after the botanist Marloth Nature Reserve Rudolf Marloth (1855-1931), who presented a petition to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry wrote together with a delegation of Swellendammer citizens in 1928, a part of the mountains (190 ha) as a nature reserve expel.

The following are lovely walks in the park:

  • Marloth Flower Route, length 5,5 km,
  • Koloniesbos, 6 km in length
  • Duiwelsbos. Length 5 km
  • The Plaat, length 8.5 km
  • Tienuurkop Trail, length 11.5 km
  • Twaalfuurkop, length 8.5 km
  • Swellendam Hiking Trail, multi-day hike 80 km

External links and sources

  • Nature reserve in South Africa
  • Geography ( Western Cape )
  • Swellendam (municipality )
Overberg District Municipality Common duiker
552918
de