Flora

Anysberg lies within the Cape Fold Mountains and the vegetation is transitional between mountain fynbos and typical Klein Karoo veld. The plant life ranges from eye-catching succulents to impressive stands of proteas that occur at higher altitudes.

In 2015 the reserve was included as one of the protected areas making up the Cape Floral Kingdom Protected Areas World Heritage Site, declared South Africa’s 6th World Heritage Site in 2004. These areas are considered to be some of the most important and representative examples of the Cape Floral Region.

Fauna

Mammals include Cape mountain zebra, steenbok, duiker, gemsbok, red hartebeest, eland, brown hyaena and numerous other small, shy species. In 2013 the critically endangered riverine rabbit was discovered on the reserve. Cape Leopards roam the mountains. Other notable carnivores include black-backed jackal and caracal.

Birdwatchers will find this an interesting locality, with approximately 180 bird species having been recorded. Be on the lookout for Martial eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, Cape Rockjumper, and Southern Black Korhaan.

Reptiles are also well represented by five species of tortoise, boomslang, Cape cobra, puff adder, and various other snakes and lizards.

San Art & other history in the area

Numerous archaeological sites are dotted over the reserve. Khoisan paintings depicting scenes from the distant past when they were the only inhabitants of the area, as well as ruins dating from the late 1700s are reminders of the early hunters, farmers, and herders who traveled to the area.

Stargazing

The Anysberg Nature Reserve is one of the best places in the country for stargazing under unpolluted night skies, far away from city lights. Bring your telescope or binoculars to explore the night sky. It’s important to remember that stargazing is dependent on weather conditions and visibility of the different constellations.