Gamkaberg is an isolated mountain range in the Little Karoo, lying between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. The Gamkaberg Nature Reserve (9 428 ha) comprises virtually the entire mountain range and is situated 33km south-west of Oudtshoorn and 32km south-east of Calitzdorp. The name Gamka is derived from the Khoekhoen (Hottentot) word gami, meaning lion. The reserve was established in 1974 in order to conserve a local population of endangered Cape mountain zebra and their natural habitat. The terrain is rugged, with mountainous plateau incised by deep ravines. The main rock formations consist of Table Mountain quartzites and shales, and Bokkeveld sandstone and shales.
The reserve lies between the winter and summer rainfall regions, experiencing gentle soaking rain in winter and thundershowers in summer. The annual rainfall averages 500mm at the summits and 300mm on the lower slopes of the mountain. Although summers can be very hot, the moderate climate allows for visiting throughout the year (malaria-free area). The reserve has four main vegetation types, namely mountain fynbos, arid fynbos, succulent karoo and riverine vegetation. Many interesting plants occur, including the famous golden mimetes. A member of the protea family, this species was discovered in 1988. The rare and endangered Cape mountain zebra, leopard and honey badger occur in the reserve. Other mammals include eland, red hartebeest, grysbok, grey rhebuck, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, baboon, caracal and numerous smaller species. Gamkaberg hosts a wide variety of birds, reptiles and insects.
The reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Day visitors have access to the information centre, short hikes and picnic and braai facilities. Ablution facilities and shaded parking are provided at the information centre.

The Tierkloof bush camp provides rustic accommodation with a fridge, stove, lamps, beds and ablution and braai facilities. Tents can be pitched at Oukraal, which also has a primitive stone shelter, veld toilet and hearth. Firewood is for sale on the reserve. Mountain climbing, kloofing, hiking, mountain biking (on certain routes), bird-watching and photography may be enjoyed from the overnight sites. This pristine environment is best enjoyed on foot. Starting in succulent karoo, a moderately strenuous trail takes hikers through a deep, forested ravine to a fynbos-rich mountain plateau. The Oukraal camp is on this plateau and offers beautiful views of the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. Here you will find rustic accommodation built from thatch and reed, nestled within a Sweetthorn thicket at the foot of the Gamkaberg. The camp is reserved for one group at a time making this the ideal private getaway for family and friends. The main guest area consists of a kitchen/dining room and a bedroom with one double and two single beds. Separate to this are two safari style tents pitched under reed lean-to’s for shade, with two single beds in each. The bush camp includes a swimming reservoir, shaded deck, big lapa and braai area. Various day hikes can also be done from here.

Gamkaberg Campsite & Stables (sleeps up to 12 people). These are situated at the foot of the Gamkaberg overlooking the valley and the Swartberg mountains.
The Stables: The old horse stables have been converted into two separate rooms with their own entrances, sleeping four people each (two bunk beds in one stable and, in the other, one bunk bed and one three quarter bed). The rooms can be booked separately. Between the two rooms is communal ‘kitchen’ area with a table, chairs and a two-plate gas stove. Water is available but no electricity, so remember to bring torches. Mattresses are provided for the bunk beds but you will need to bring your own bedding. A sheltered communal braai area is situated just in front of the stables. This is the ideal spot if you don’t want the hassle of pitching your own tent!
The Campsite: Looking for some peaceful camping? This is it! Close to the stables, this is an un-demarcated area in which to pitch your tent. Including the guests in the stables, there should be only about 12 people at a time in the Stal area. Portable braais are provided in order for you to set up your own little camp. Water can be collected from the kitchen at the ablution facilities but there is no electricity.
Ablution facilities: The tent sites and stables share a warm-water ablution facility consisting of gents and ladies showers, toilets and a kitchen with a work-surface and sink (about 80m from the site). Wood can be purchased from the office so please do not take wood from the surrounding areas for your fire.
Oukraal Campsite(sleeps up to 12 people). A basic but quaint stone shelter with two rooms and a hearth, situated on a fynbos plateau on top of Gamkaberg with spectacular views over the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountains. Tents may be pitched in the dedicated areas near the shelter. The campsite is available to only one group at a time and is only accessible via the 4x4 trail or via a 12km hike. Guests going up by 4x4 must please arrive no later than 3pm. Keep your eyes open for the elusive, endangered Cape Mountain-zebras.

Things to remember
- Remember to take your booking confirmation as this is also your entry permit.
- Food and drinks (no cafes or restaurants close by).
- Outdoor gear (eg walking shoes, hats, binoculars, torches, reading material, swimming costumes & toiletries)
- Please remember that you are in a nature reserve. No fauna or flora may be damaged, removed or disturbed in any way.
Directions: Gamkaberg Office, Tierkloof Bushcamp, Oukraal and Ou Stal Campsites: Follow the R62 from Oudtshoorn, take the Warmbath/Gamkaberg turnoff (cement road). Then you take the Gamkaberg turnoff which is a 6km dirt road. This will lead to the main entrance and info centre.