Western Cape – Seweweekspoort and Surrounding Areas
About the Birding
To date, 195 different bird species have been recorded in the area surrounding Seweweekspoort. Diverse habitats are encountered in this area. In the Seweweekspoort there is always free flowing water that attracts several bird species whilst the very high and nearly vertical rock faces have their own attraction to other bird species i.e. Verreaux’s Eagle, Ground Woodpecker, Cape Eagle-owl, Cape Rock Thrush, Cape Rockjumper, Pale-winged Starling, African Black- & Alpine Swifts, as well as African Rock Pipit.
Birding in the Poort is difficult but the possibility of encountering some of the rock-loving specials makes the experience interesting albeit somewhat challenging. The road is fortunately not heavily trafficked and safe stopping points are easy to come by. Make frequent stops and pay attention to bird calls coming from the cliff faces above or from the dense vegetation along the streambed.
About the Birding Site
The area surrounding Seweweekspoort (Seven Week’s Gorge) and the regional roads surrounding the Poort are dominated by the majestic Grootswartberg (Great Black Mountain) Range to the east and the Klein Swartberg (Little Black Mountain) Range to the west of the Poort. The surrounding areas include the Towerkop Nature Reserve to the west as well as the Gamkaskloof (Die Hel/The Hell) Nature Reserves to the east. Both these reserve areas are managed by Cape Nature.
The Seweweekspoort Peak, at 2 325 meters above mean sea level, is the highest mountain peak in the Western Cape Province in the RSA.
The winding road through Seweweekspoort is arguably one of the most scenic drives anywhere within the RSA borders. Complex and majestic rock formations of the Cape Fold Mountains are on view for the whole length of the drive.
Birding along the regional roads surrounding Seweweekspoort is discussed in three different sections hereafter, namely:
• Seweweekspoort Road (R327)
• Boschluyskloof Pass and Gamkapoort Dam
• Rouxpos Loop Road
Other Related Information
Permits:
No permits are required to enter any of the detailed routes, but access to the Lodge facilities at the Boschluyskloof Private Nature Estate is reserved for paying guests. The road through the Boschluyskloof Nature Reserve is however a public road with free access.
Recommended accommodation nearby:
There are several guesthouses offering farm stays on farms surrounding the Seweweekspoort area and along the other routes described as well as other accommodation types in the area which are available through the normal accommodation booking sites.
Local guide information:
There are no community bird guides available for this area.
Text prepared by:
Francois Furstenburg
Key species:
Karoo Korhaan, Verreaux’s-, Booted- & African Fish Eagles, Peregrine Falcon, Cape Eagle-owl, Rufous-cheeked Nightjar, European Bee-eater, Ground Woodpecker, Black Cuckooshrike, African Red-eyed Bulbul, White-backed Mousebird, Karoo Scrub Robin.
Contact details:
Ladismith Tourism Bureau:
Tel: +27 (0)28 050 0158
Email: visitladismith@gmail.com
Boschluyskloof Lodge:
Tel: +27 (0)23 581 5046
Email: info@boschluyskloof.co.za
Gamkapoort Dam:
WhatsApp: +27 (0)72 925 8421
Email: gamkapoortdam@gmail.com