Kudu in the veld surrounded by Spekboom on Van der Waltshoek farm
Trees reflecting on water on Van der Waltshoek farm
You will find a healthy population of Barbus Minnows at the stream.
23 SWEET AROMA OF FREEDOM IN VELD
The Trees of VAN DER WALTSHOEK FARM
Van der Waltshoek farm is situated northwest of Graaff-Reinet, situated in the Camdeboo Conservancy.
Waterfall Kloof: The mountains overshadow the farm catching snow and easterly rain, and release running water over a 104-meter waterfall. The stream below has a healthy population of Barbus minnows.
The hillsides are covered in Spekboom, Cabbage trees, Witgat, and Wild plum. By far the most girth measured at 3,5 meters at chest height.
The drive through the valley takes you over deep red soil with lots of Sweet Thorn (Acacia karoo), Camdeboo stinkwood (Celtis Africana), and Karee trees (Rhus Leancea).
The microclimate created by the steep slopes of the valley has also had a beneficial effect on some of the typical karoo trees. Lots of Karoo Witgat (Boscia Oleoides), Jacket Plum, and Mountain Cabbage trees (Cussonnia Paniculata).
Other alley trees include the Num-num (Carissa Haematocarpa), Karoo Cross-berry (Grewia Robusta), Pendoring, Blou Gwarrie, and Taaibos.
In the last section of the waterfall, you will find the Wild Peach (Kiggelaria Africana), Karoo Sagewood, and Cheesewood-Kaasuur.
Also in this area is a specimen of a Hard Pear (Olinia sp). If you crush the leaves, you get the smell of almonds.
The open veld vegetation
The veld is covered with Anker Karoo (Pentzia Incana) and the Geelgranaat (Rhigozum Obovatum), which is covered in beautiful yellow flowers after rainfalls.
Grasses are plentiful that give good coverage that improves water retention.