Geology, Fossils, Vegetation etc.

Bosch Luys Kloof is situated in a remote area in the Karoo that was always very sparesely inhabited. It is adjacent to a World Heritage site at its Eastern and Northen (partly) borders and is 70% surrounded by State Nature Reserves. Potential for eco-experiences at the Reseve itself is abundant.

The Reserve is of considerable natural beauty and interest in respect of geology, fossils, botanical value, scenic beauty, ect. There are many different sedimentary formations running East-West accross the area as well as rapid changes in soil and vegetation, running North to South. It delivers varied flora species. These features are there to enjoy all year round. Bosch Luys Kloof was included in the historical fossil collecting trip of Atherstone and Bain, in the 1870's, which was pioneering South African geology.

The Bosluiskloof-pass which you follow from the entrance gate to the lodge will immediately wake your awareness to the plant and soil variances and the existance of fossils. Interested guests will be allowed to do pre-arranged walks on the Reserve and to do their own explorations and may even experience new discoveries! Guests will however not be allowed to remove any material of whatever nature from the Reserve.

The owners plan to have a scientific assesment done by a respectable palaeontologist which will be added to our website in due time.

The sedimentary rock types include the Table mountain type, Bokkeveld group and Witteberg group.
Fossils have been found and can be seen,eg Trilobites extending back some  250 – 500 million years.

The reserve includes interesting ecosystems and veld types: Renosterveld, Klein Swartberg fynbos, succulent Karoo, Rivierbosveld, Gannaveld and Spekboomveld.

Geographical Location

Bosch Luys Kloof was the name given to the pieces of  land that was consolidated  in the 20th century.
Originally the area was divided into 6 sections. According to maps 3321AD Ladismith and 3321BC Matjiesvlei these section were, Bosch Luys Kloof, Olyvefontein, Langfontein, Dwyka Rivier, Roode Rand and Lange Rug.
The reserve lies on the northern slopes of the Swartberg mountain range and includes the foothills of the Groot Swartberg. Besides the western entrance to the reserve the whole of the reserve is surrounded by State- and other nature reserves.
To the south of the reserve lies the well known Gamkaskloof (“Die Hel”), on the eastern border is the Gamkapoort Dam and to the north is the Elands- and Blouberge, partly owned by the State and held as nature reserves.
Bosch Luys Kloof is on the border of the Klein-(Little) and Groot (Great) Karoo. Only 4km south-west of the entrance gate is the beautiful and well known Seweweekspoort.

An interesting aspect is that the reserve borders on the Gamkapoort Dam that is the confluence of the Gamka-, Dwyka- and Bosluiskloof rivers. The confluence of these rivers is the historical departure point of water flowing to the Indian Ocean. When the water passes through the Great Swartberge  through the Klein Karoo, the Olifants- and Buffels rivers joins in and eventually it becomes the Gouritz river, which flows into the Indian Ocean, close to Mossel Bay. There is a rumour of a Gouritz river Mega Park Initiative, which could  mean that the Northern border of the park could be close to Bosch Luys Kloof.

Height above sea level is from 500m to about 1400m at the highest point, which is a clear indication of the hilly landscape of the reserve.