Flora & Fauna

The Western Cape contains one of the world’s six Floral Kingdoms. Over 8,500 plant species live in an area of only 0.04% of the world’s landmass. Indeed the Cape of Good Hope Peninsula, which is only about the size of Greater London, alone possesses 2250 plant species compared to only 1500 found in Great Britain.

This tremendous biodiversity is characterised by “Fynbos” ( Afrikaans “fine bush”) the indigenous flora which covers most non wooded and cultivated land. The mountains, in particular, are covered in fynbos.

Predominant species in fynbos are from four groups, Ericas ( heathers and heaths), Proteoids (including Proteas), Restoids (rushes) and Geophytes ( bulbous plants, mainly from the lily, orchid and amaryllis families).

The Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest geographically, but the largest numerically. Compare the species numbers to those of the British Isles, and you can get some idea of the spectacular nature of this environment. A botanist’s delight.

The “Flower Season” lasts from August through to February, though even in April some bulbous plants are still flowering. The displays are only matched by the world famous Namaqualand flowers further to the north. No hike in the Cape is the same from one week to another as the phenomenal array of flowers changes with the seasons.

The unique flora of the Cape has led to the evolution of numerous indigenous animals, large and small. Bird life in the area is prolific and typically over 50 species can be spotted by any layman on a hike. Over 450 species have been recorded in the region. Amongst those that visitors should look for are the Cape Sugarbird and various sunbirds, particularly the spectacular Orangebreasted and Malachite Sunbirds. Raptors include Black Eagle, Steppe Buzzard and Black Shouldered Kite. There are many interesting aquatics too, including Egyptian Geese, Sacred Ibis and (rare) African Black Oystercatchers. Particular favourites of ours are the rather comical Guinea Fowl and the raucous Hadena Ibis, the Cape’s answer to the alarm clock! Very large birds like pelicans, storks and cranes are also very likely to be spotted.

The region has the only land based colonies of African Penguins and you can easily visit one of these. Numerous mammals have been recorded and many are seen regularly. Dassies (Rock Hyrax) are common in rocky areas and Chacma Baboons are found throughout the region. Larger animals like Bontebok, Eland, Red Hartebeeste, Ostrich and Cape Mountain Zebra occur in many of the Reserves where sightings are common. Leopard are widespread but rarely seen. We endeavour to help clients see as many of these fine animals as possible.

Lizards are ubiquitous, though snakes are only rarely seen and are generally very secretive. Frogs and tadpoles are found in almost all streams, a sure sign of the absence of any pollution. There are many interesting invertebrates, from the exotic Stink Locust to the many butterflies. There are very few dangerous animals and you are most unlikely to encounter any.

Dolphins and seals are often seen from the coastal ranges and in Spring, when they migrate north to breed, Southern Right Whales are regularly observed from the land. Looking down from a mountainside onto a 30 tonne monster "breaching" is an unforgettable experience.


African Penguin Colony