Komsberg Wilderness Nature Reserve is a big place: it is over 30,000 acres in size and 17 miles in length. Komsberg means "surrounded by mountains". The reserve includes a large area of mountain plateau, extensive mountain slopes and gullies, and seasonal rivers lined with thousands of Acacia trees winding downwards into the valley below. Measuring from top to bottom, the descent is over 2,400ft (730m). Several dramatic overlook points provide excellent views of this spectacular scenery. And at Komsberg, you will experience a real feeling of peacefulness and wilderness.

Komsberg is situated within South Africa's upland succulent karoo. The succulent karoo is widely recognised as one of the world's top 25 hotspots for plant and animal biodiversity. So we have many unique animal species and many special flowers. Komsberg is leading the recovery of an almost-extinct species of grass and has an important population of the endangered star tree.

Mammals include springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest, kudu, klipspringer, grey rhebok, steenbok, bat-eared fox, aardvark, dassie, baboon, black-backed jackal, caracal, porcupine, meerkat, and much more. Birds range from the black eagle (one of five eagle species recorded at Komsberg) and other birds of prey to flamingos and the exotic malachite sunbird. We expect up to 190 bird species will be recorded at Komsberg. Reptiles are also numerous, including brightly coloured lizards and tortoises. We plan to re-introduce the endangered Cape mountain zebra.

You can look forward to mostly sunny weather during your time at Komsberg. Whereas our mountains can be extremely cold during the South African winter (May to August) when it can even snow, temperatures are pleasantly warm to hot between November and March. At 5000ft (1700m) above sea level, the unpolluted air is genuinely refreshing.

To summarise: Komsberg offers a true feeling of wilderness. There is a lot to see which is interesting and unusual. And there's plenty of sunshine and fresh air.