Web Ref No 4341093

A unique opportunity to own a 1,000 ha property between Samara and Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape. Situated in the heart of the protected environment known as the Mountain Zebra – Camdeboo Corridor and completely surrounded by the only two Big 5 game reserves in the Great Karoo, this is a perfect lifestyle getaway with the added potential for further development as a conservation property.

LOCATION: ± 55 km south-east of Graaff-Reinet


CARRYING CAPACITY: ± 15 hectares / Large Stock Unit – Govt. Assessment (Total: 70 LSU’s).

ANNUAL RAINFALL: ± 350 mm
SIZE: ± 1055 ha

TOPOGRAPHY: The central valley floor is at an elevation of ± 870 m - 900 m ASL and is intersected by the meandering Melk River flowing in a south-westerly direction for 4 km through the property. The northern boundary is formed by cliffs at an elevation of ± 1,460 m ASL atop the south-facing lower mountain slopes of the Nardousberg mountain range. The southern boundary is formed by the top of the north-facing gradual slope of Mooiberg at an elevation of ± 1,300 m ASL. The gradient of the south-facing slopes varies from gradual to very steep at higher elevations and is bisected by two kloofs with adjoining low dolerite ridges that intrude into the Melk River valley.

VEGETATION:

• Central Valley – This area is dominated by dwarf and succulent Karoo shrubs including Anchor Karoo-bush (Pentzia incana), Kapokbos (Eriocephalus ericoides), and Wilde Aster (Felicia filifolia), with larger shrubs and trees alongside the banks of the Melk River and the other smaller water courses. Common species include Sweet Thorn (Vachellia Karoo), Karee (Rhus lancea), Spike-thorn (Maytenus heterophylla), Cross-berry (Grewia occidentalis), Karoo Num-num (Carrisa haematocarpa), Guarri (Euclea undulata), Karoo Kuni (Searsia burchellii) and Jacket Plum (Pappea capensis). Dominant grass species include Kweek (Cynodon dactylon), Steekgras (Aristida congesta) and other palatable species under the trees and larger shrubs and Red Grass (Themeda triandra) on the dolerite ridges.
• North-facing Slopes. This sweeter portion of the property shows signs of historical overgrazing and is mostly covered by pioneer grasses interspersed with Jacket Plum (Pappea capensis), Shepherd’s Tree (Boscia oleoides) and other larger shrubs like Wild Pomegranate (Rhigozum obovatum) and Cross-berry (Grewia occidentalis With proactive management Spekboom (Portulacaria Afra) could be encouraged to repopulate this slope.
• South-facing Slopes & Kloofs – Cooler with steeper slopes and dominated by Blinkblaar, Renosterbos, Spikethorn, Kapokbos, and Cabbage Trees with some Wild Olive and Camdeboo Stinkwood along the watercourses.

FARM INFRASTRUCTURE: The property is almost completely enclosed by a 2.4 m high electrified game-fence with only a small portion on the cliffs of the northern boundary enclosed by a standard 1.6 m stock fence. The property is currently fenced into 6 or 8 camps with smaller lambing camps and basic stock handling facilities situated in the valley floor. There is a rudimentary road network on the property.

WATER SUPPLY: There are 5 boreholes and an earth dam with associated reservoirs and drinking troughs. An additional borehole near the homestead has strong water and is fitted with an electrical pump. All the water supply infrastructure is in need of repair.

BUILDINGS: There are two 3 to four bedroomed homesteads on the property; a quaint older pitch-roofed Karoo homestead with veranda, outbuildings and a flat-roofed cottage. A staff cottage is located between the two homesteads. All buildings are in need of extensive restoration.


GAME: Naturally occurring species include Kudu, Klipspringer, Mountain Reedbuck, Steenbok, Duiker, Warthog, and Bush Pig etc.

POWER: Eskom electricity at homestead

FARM PRICE: R 12 m + VAT if applicable