Keurbooms River Game Trails

ABOUT KRGT

Ethos:

Restorative conservation-
Our aim is the restoration of traditional fauna and flora and the appropriate restoration of certain historic buildings, pathways and roads.
The Rae Family Trust is dedicated to preserving the land and its inhabitants for future generations. Once a hunting farm, the new owner is devoted to creating a sanctuary for animals in an eco friendly, harmonious environment.
There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the proliferation of newborns at privately owned KRGT. By ridding the land of Alien vegetation and creating a more harmonious sanctuary for the animals, we have seen a huge increase in numbers. Equally rewarding is the resumed trust in humans which makes game viewing a unique and ‘up close and personal’ experience.

Eco friendly:

We are highly considerate of the natural ecology of the farm and use rainwater as far as possible- tanks are supplied at all residences and chalets. We have numerous boreholes across the farm and also make use of natural spring water. All our water has been tested and treated where necessary. High tech solar and wind energy generators are used. We are well off the national electrical grid which we believe to be part of KRGT’s charm.

A bit of history…

Today the farm encompasses Tarka, Onbedacht, Assegaaibos, Knoetskraal, Uitvlugt, Willem se Kraal and Jakkalsdraai – all individual farms, sold off over the decades and again restored as one. The original farm Uitvlugt was divided into 13 portions of which 12 and a half have been consolidated to form KRGT, the current game farm. The thriving community includes three schools in the area, two on this farm and one at De Vlugt. We are currently busy securing the borders to create a safe environment for game on the farm. Working on a 44 km stretch of game fencing sees the use of locally cut poles and droppers. We have our own tanalith plant where the wood is treated. The original farm was used for cattle – and attempts were made at wheat farming. Ruins on the farm date back to the 18th century and it is clear that times were hard as pioneers struggled to make a living. There are remnants of a bakery with its large fireplace still visible.

Biodiversity of the farm:

• Flora lovers will enjoy the biodiversity of the farm. Forest, fynbos, grassland, animals, birds, springs and two perennial rivers define the greater area. Clear and distinguishable biomes create an elegant and textured landscape which attracts over 100 different bird species. The farm forms a corridor for East-West distribution of Outeniqua Fynbos and for the North-South distribution of Klein Karoo vegetation. You have a unique coming together of coastal scrub forest and Outeniqua Indigenous forests.
  As you explore the farm, you will notice that the northern slopes offer better grazing for the animals – it is more grassy thanks to species such as Rooigras. The Southern Slopes have a dryer fynbos covering. On the eastern-most area of the farm, at the historic Victorian farm house called Tarka, we have large grassy fields – this is called Oulands gras, or Eragrostis Curvula. It is a favourite haunt of Wildebeest, Nyala, and Red Hartebeest. The stoep at Tarka is the perfect spot for folks who love taking wildlife pictures.
  We intend to harvest these fields to secure food for the animals during winter months. The protected Kloofs have the same richness of species as the nearby Outeniqua forests.
  When you reach the river crossing at the Howards’ Heaven campsite you will see the most westerly distribution of Eastern Cape Valley Bushveld.

• As the farm is slowly being restored, so too some of the original roads. There is evidence of wagon wheel tracks where ox wagons and horse drawn carriages were used to transport yellowwood from the Knysna forests further north to Port Elizabeth for export. It is believed that the Storms River proved too big an obstacle which hindered their journey, forcing them to navigate their way along the Keurbooms river and onwards towards Avontuur, over Knoetskraal, one of the more central areas of the farm which was used as an ‘Outspan’ area. Here, Oxen, Mules and Horses were allowed to recover and rejuvenate before tackling the journey further north.

• Besides transport, the farm has additional historical value in that in 1830, Burchell came through the area. Here, he collected over 2500 fynbos samples which were later all identified and noted.

• When Thomas Bain came to build the pass, stone was collected from and near the farm for the construction of the pass. After some severe floods parts of the pass washed away and stone was bought from nearby farms like Knoetskraal.

• Water resources:
  Water is the source of life, and Keurbooms River Game Trails has three main springs on the farm. The spring at Knoetskraal (near main gate) feeds the south-western side of the farm. At Tarka, the little Victorian homestead on the eastern side of the farm, there is another fresh water spring that offers sufficient water for the animals and the homesteads, while a third spring is located at Assegaibos.
  Of course, running through the farm like a main artery is 12 km of Keurbooms river and the confluence of the Diep River as it emerges from Vleitjie se berg brings fresh clear water and the perfect cool water blend for ideal trout fishing conditions.
  In 2007 floods swept away five of the main dams on the farm – these are currently being restored.
  The Keurbooms River is the main attraction of this 4000 hectare estate. It runs through the centre of the farm and the river crossings make for exciting picnic spots.

Current and Future projects:

• 2006 > Alien clearing operation:
  The removal of Alien species is already in its fourth year, with the removal of the Black Wattle species off the farm. Kilns are used to ensure eco friendly, controlled burning of stacks of Wattle into charcoal. This project offers employment to a vast number of people that are housed on the farm and will ultimately help with the rehabilitation of the land, its water resources and help to create the perfect environment for game.

• 2011 > The ‘On the bend’ Farm stall – on the West end of the farm:
  Planned for 2011, the farm stall will help to make your visit more memorable and will create a landmark that will help to attract attention to this unique jewel.

KRGT is managed by Hennie Homann:

• Trained Ecologist - Masters In Nature Conservation.
• Specialist in fire ecology, fynbos and forest management.
• Chairman- Middle Keurbooms Fire Management Unit.
• Director of the Southern Cape Fire Protection Committee sect 21 company.
• Chairman and founding member of Keurbooms Corridor Voluntary Association (Protective Environment).
• Agri Avontuur Farmers Association- safety and security representative.
• Middle Keurbooms Conservancy member.

KRGT FRIENDS