Ouberg Private Nature Reserve

About the Accommodation

De Kuile Camp is situated along a typical Klein Karoo seasonal stream with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Camp under Karoovian skies, with no cell reception (free WiFi available), limited solar power, and water coming from a borehole. Wake to the dawn chorus, gently explore the veld, enjoy spectacular sunsets, and fall asleep to the sounds of the nocturnal Karoo.

The Tented Camp offers 4 safari-style tents, each with 2 single beds, warm duvets, and a plug point for lights and charging small devices.  Cooking and braaiing happen at the fully equipped communal kitchen boma.  A small plunge pool in the deck offers respite from the summer heat while the birds are cooling off in the shade of the trees.  A communal bathroom has 2 hot showers, 2 flush loos, and 2 basins.

For those who enjoy semi-wild camping, the 5 campsites at De Kuile Camp each can accommodate one vehicle and 4 guests.  Each site has a tap and a small braai.  The rustic bathroom has 2 flush loos and 2 semi-roofed outdoor hot showers.  There is also a double kitchen sink to wash the dishes.  A small plunge pool under a Gwarrie tree is a great spot to watch the birds during the heat of the summer day.

For those wanting privacy and to be completely off-grid (no cell reception, no wifi), Bloukrans Cabin is the place to stay.  Nestled in an amphitheatre below Bloukrans Mountain, the cabin sleeps 4 people – 2 people in the bedroom, and 2 in the lounge area.  It has a well-equipped kitchenette, a braai on the deck, a bathroom with a flush loo and a hot shower, and another outdoor hot shower.  Here, you may be lucky enough to spot the Ground Woodpeckers.

Guests have access to our 900-hectare reserve, perfect for hiking, mountain/gravel biking, birding, or simply relaxing with a good book.

Ouberg Private Nature Reserve is located in an ecotone – at the confluence of three biomes, namely Succulent Karoo, Proteoid Fynbos on the sandstone areas, and elements of Albany Thicket.  The mosaic of vegetation types, combined with the mountainous landscape and ephemeral dry-land river beds, provides a variety of habitats for the birds.  We have recorded 120 species on the property through observation, atlassing and ringing.  Along the drainage lines, Cape and Pririt Batis, Chestnut-Vented Warbler, Cape Bulbul, Southern Double-Collared Sunbird and all three species of Mousebirds can be found.  The open scrub areas are home to the Karoo Scrub-Robin, Grey-backed Cisticola and Karoo Prinia.  Bokmakierie and Malachite Sunbird tend to be seen in many habitats, depending on seasonal food availability.  In summer, Greater Striped Swallows breed on the farm, and Alpine, White-rumped and Little Swifts can be seen in small flocks feeding on aerial insects.

Both Karoo and Olive Thrush rummage in the undergrowth along the damper water-courses.  Southern Tchagra have also been spotted in this habitat.  Small colonies of Cape and Southern-Masked Weaver nest in the reed beds at the “mud” dam, as well as Southern Red Bishop.

Pied Starlings are more abundant in the summer months, and occasionally, a flock of Wattled Starlings spend some time on the farm.  Jackal Buzzards are frequently spotted, occasionally Verraux’s and Booted Eagles come hunting, while a Pale Chanting Goshawk pair call Ouberg their home.

Driving the roads around the property, up to the top of the Ouberg Pass, or down into Montagu itself, also provides a multitude of birding opportunities.  We look forward to you visiting Ouberg and our birds.

Contact details:

Ouberg Private Nature Reserve
Montagu, Western Cape
Cell: +27 082 577 2025

E-mail: info@ouberg.co.za/ bookings@ouberg.co.za

Web: http://www.ouberg.co.za