What climatic conditions can be expected?
The summer days are hot, in the mid thirties, with generally pleasant evenings. Thunderstorms occur between September and March. The winters are always very cold and temperatures drop below zero at night.
The landscape, plants and animals
Set in the south eastern Free State, with the majestic Maluti Mountains visible in the distance, the reserve, of 3,700 ha in size, is truly beautiful with an almost tangible atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. The game is concentrated in an area of about 1800 ha.
The reserve’s vegetation is as varied as its terrain, ranging from dense riverine bush along the river’s course to wide open grassy plains, from low grass covered hills to rugged, steep rocky cliffs.
Although thirteen species of plains game, including Black Wildebeest, Zebra, Gemsbok, Grey Rheebok and Red Hartebeest, are encountered, the reserve is better known for its bird life with more than two hundred species recorded. Here the majestic Fish Eagle reigns supreme, their calls ringing out over the waters and hills to greet each new day.
What facilities are available?
The camping site is situated in the heart of the game camp, is accessible to all vehicles. Only one group of five people are allowed at any one time. The camping site includes an ablution facility (with hot and cold showers and flushing toilets) and a cosy wooden house structure that can serve as a small kitchen. This area is equipped with a build-in braai (barbecue). Visitors are required to supply their own food, cutlery utensils, tent/caravan and fire wood.
- Facilities only available to booked visitors
- NO Electricity at Facilities.
- NO day visitor facilities are available.
- No shops are available and visitors must bring their own provisions.
Recreational activities
The reserve offers great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, game viewing, canoeing and bird watching. A short, but testing, 4×4 trail is available to visitors. The angling is excellent, with Carp in excess of 10 kg being regularly landed.
Who do I contact?
Mr. Kagisho Reid
Act. Reserve Manager
Caledon Nature Reserve
PO Box 84
Wepener
9944
Tel: (051) 583 2000
Fax: 051) 583 2003
Cell: 061 497 2535
Email: kagishoreid29@gmail.com.za
What, where, when?
- Hours: Gate: 07h30 – 16h00 (Mondays to Fridays / Weekends to be booked)
- Office: 07h30 – 16h00
The reserve is only 130 km southeast of Bloemfontein on the R701 between Wepener and Smithfield. Closest towns are Wepener (app 30km one way) and DeWetsdorp (app 50km).