SEDERKLOOF BIODIVERSITY HIKING TRAILS
The term "biodiversity" refers to the degree of variation of life forms within a given species, ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. It is in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, tropical regions are typically rich, whereas polar regions support fewer species.
The Baviaanskloof supports 12 major vegetation types, and represents seven of South Africa’s eight biomes (see pictures in the lodge). In ecology, a biome is a major regional group of distinctive plant and animal communities best adapted to the region's physical natural environment, latitude, elevation, and terrain.
Many of the plant species in Baviaanskloof are found nowhere else on earth (endemism). Faunal diversity of the Baviaanskloof parallels its plant biodiversity. Some 310 bird species have been recorded – representing more than a third of all terrestrial and marine species in South Africa. Reptile species number 56, with 23 endemic to South Africa, and three found only in the Baviaanskloof. The area is also home to 17 amphibian and 15 fish species. Because of its diversity and complexity, the Baviaanskloof has been identified as a World Heritage Site.
The Baviaanskloof was once the home to 46 medium-to-large sized mammal species. Over the last three centuries, 14 species became locally extinct – including the lion, elephant and the black rhinoceros. The black rhino has since been re-introduced. Expanding the reserve size will make more wildlife reintroductions possible.
The Sederkloof Biodiversity Hiking Trails have its roots in our rich B.I.O.D.I.V.E.R.S.I.T.Y!
The Leopard Trail
This breathtaking route takes you up one of our pristine mountain gorges – Groot Naguna! From the lodge, walk along our main entrance road towards the bottom of the hill. Turn left once on the bottom. Follow our yellow leopard markers all the way! Distance: 10.4 km there and back.
The Rock Trail
Follow the route of our ancient ancestors and explore at your own pace! From the lodge, walk along out main entrance road. You will see the path on the right-hand side! Follow our black “The Rock” trail markers. Distance: 7.5 km there and back.
The Kudu Trail
Walk on top of the mountain ridge and into the back! Enjoy spectacular Baviaanskloof mountain views all the way. Follow blue kudu markers. Distance: 10.5 km there and back.
The Eagle Trail
Enjoy a walk through our pristine valley bushveld ecosystem, and get the chance to spot our majestic Black Eagles at their nesting site! This is one of our very special guided walks. Distance: 10.5 km in total.
The Protea Trail
The guided walk starts off at the farm’s other entrance, and takes one through the valley bushveld ecosystem. A herd of impala also inhabits this area – so be sure to take your binoculars with! Distance: App. 14.0 km!
