Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, next to the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve in the Langeberg Mountains, boasts dramatic mountainous terrain, wild indigenous forests, lush mountain fynbos and almost exclusive access for visitors wanting to explore the wilderness. Boosmansbos was proclaimed a wilderness area in 1978 to protect the area’s indigenous forest, including yellowwood, stinkwood, white and red alder, beech and candlewood. It is also a World Heritage Site, as it falls within the Cape Floral Kingdom and is home to several rare erica species, such as erica blenna, erica langebergensis and erica barrydalensis.
This is an exclusive hiking destination and advance bookings are essential, as only 12 hikers a day are allowed on the 64km of marked trails traversing the conservancy’s 14 200 hectares. Hikers pass through fragrant mountain fynbos, beautiful proteas and ericas before descending into the kloofs and the shade of the forest canopy. Look out for a variety of buck, mongoose and genet. Shy leopards seldom make an appearance. This is a birder’s paradise with nearly 200 species regularly spotted, including eagles and the double-collared sunbird.
