The renosterveld is one of the richest ecosystems in the world, home to an extraordinary diversity of bulbous plants. Unfortunately, because its shale-derived soils are so fertile, it was also where most of the Cape’s burgeoning agricultural sector developed, with monocultural crops like wheat, barley,
Still one of my all-time favourites, this quick run/hike gets the blood pumping in minutes with a steep ascent to the top, where you are rewarded with some of the most spectacular 360 degree views in the country. You can either start at the toll booth
Often overlooked in the awe and wonder that the terrestrial species evoke is the equally remarkable and spectacular marine biodiversity that surrounds the Table Mountain chain. This is because two ocean current systems meet and merge off its southern tip – the cold Benguela current in
While its plants have, understandably, commanded most attention, the Fynbos region also contains several categories of the animal kingdom that are equally significant in global biodiversity terms. Because of its nutrient-poor soils, fynbos supports few big mammals, and its bird-life is not particularly spectacular, with just
My husband and I have never been routine people, we like to get out and explore different places (preferably mountains) every weekend – we love trying new things, experiencing new places and meeting exciting new people. But, to be honest, recently we have found ourselves
Insects, birds and mammals are crucial pollinators of fynbos plants! Recent studies have shown that these plants will go to extreme lengths to attract the attention of pollinators and this is particularly apparent amongst the geophytes that bloom just after fire when pollinators are particularly
It is estimated that less than 100 Black Harriers are protected within formally conserved areas and that outside of these protected areas, the birds are reliant on remnant patches of natural vegetation, feeding in agricultural landscapes. As the worlds most range restricted continental harrier with
Falling within the heart of the globes smallest floral kingdom, the Cape Peninsula is host to 40 of South Africa’s 160 endemic bird species. The area is not known for its quantity of birds but rather its quality and although there are around 300 bird
There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t hit Table Mountain’s trails, be it to run, to hike or to take our fynbos loving dogs for a “sniff-fest”. For too long I took our beautiful mountain and my proximity to her for granted.
The Cape Floristic Kingdom (CFK) is located in the southern tip of South Africa and stretches from Niewoudville in the north across to Port Elizabeth in the east. Oceans bound it to the south and west and the arid Karoo to the north and east.