Koopmanskloof Private Nature Reserve

Koopmanskloof Private Nature Reserve

Set in the majestic Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch, Koopmanskloof is a beautiful and historic wine farm dating back to 1777. While the farm is synonymous with great wines, Koopmanskloof is also well known for its dedication to the conservation and restoration of the Cape Floristic Region. In 1980, 98ha of the 220ha farm was proclaimed as a Private Nature Reserve, which now forms part of the CapeNature Stewardship Programme.

Situated on the slopes of the Bottelary kop, the reserve consists of three different vegetation types: Critically Endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld, Critically Endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld and Endangered Boland Granite Fynbos. The geological variation of granites and shales in the reserve supports a rich variety of species that remain in excellent condition due to regular alien cleaning. Guests to the farm can immerse themselves in this natural beauty via a number of hiking trails that meander through the majestic reserve.

In 2002, Koopmanskloof was instrumental in the registration of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy. This collaborative conservation initiative was initiated by Koopmanskloof and Mooiplaas and is now supported by 35 members dedicated to protecting renosterveld fragments across the Bottelary hills. Koopmanskloof is also a proud member of WWF’s Biodiversity & Wine Initiative.

TMF’s ongoing support of CapeNature’s Biodiversity Stewardship Programme and Conservation Outcomes Validation and Verification project has proudly contributed to restoring and protecting critical biodiversity areas such as the Koopmanskloof Private Nature Reserve.