Comments :
Buttonquail shares a 5 km common boundary with the United Nations registered Kogelberg Biosphere. The Reserve was approved in 1998 and inaugurated at a ceremony on 16th April 1999.
Kogelberg is the first biosphere reserve in South Africa and covers 103,629 ha (the core is approx 18 000 ha), with more than 80% consisting of mountainous landscape with high mountain peaks and deep valleys to gentle hills and lower mountain slopes. The remaining area is made up of a gently rolling coastal plain as well as a marine part that covers some 24,500 ha. The coastline is mostly rocky while the rest comprises sandy beaches and estuaries. Kogelberg is situated in the Western Cape Province, within 40 km of Cape Town and it is an area of high conservation significance. It is the floristic heart of the smallest of the world’s floral kingdoms (Cape Floristic Province) and provides habitat for approximately 1,600 plant taxa, of which an estimated 150 taxa are endemic to the area. Kogelberg is the first stage of a proposal to create a large-scale biosphere reserve in the Fynbos biome. The marine environment is part of the warm temperate south coast, and is subject to nutrient-enriching upwelling events that support a highly productive and diverse marine community. The major towns within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve are Kleinmond (~4,500 inhabitants) and Grabouw (~19,000 inhabitants) and the main activities include apple farming, commercial plantations of pines and tourism. Tourism, specifically ecotourism, has the potential of becoming one of the major economic activities in the region, with some 60,000 people visiting the area during the holiday season. Environmental education for school children and students is provided in the region and a wilderness school has been established.
HistoryThe Kogelberg area has evidence of early stone age hunters, who probably lived off game, shellfish and edible plants. Khoi people inhabited the area from about 100 000 years ago until modern times, and their middens and burial sites can be found along the coast. Eighteenth century European explorers described the beauty of the area and the plentiful game, but early farmers found the area too rugged for agriculture. This meant that the Kogelberg was left practically untouched over the years, unlike many other areas of the Cape.In 1810 the government of the Cape demarcated certain Crown Lands, which included the Kogelberg area. Access was extremely difficult until 1935 when a road was built. In 1937 the then Department of Forestry became responsible for the area and declared it a State Forest. During World War II, a military road was built around the coast and the peripheral coastal area slowly became more developed. Kogelberg was transferred to Cape Nature Conservation in 1987, and declared a nature reserve.
Biosphere Reserve
Kogelberg Nature Reserve is now managed according to the internationally accepted principles of a biosphere reserve. This implies that the sensitive core area of 18 000 ha remains pristine and essentially wild, with a high level of biological diversity, and is buffered by a more resilient area. Beyond the reserve's borders, agriculture and the South African Forestry Company Limited's (SAFCOL) pine plantations form a transitional zone. The biosphere concept accommodates conservation and development, and ensures that sensitive areas and biological diversity are adequately protected.
Climate
The climate of the Kogelberg is fairly typical of the Western Cape. Winters are cold and wet, and very occasionally snow may fall on the higher peaks in mid winter. The summer months are hot, dry and sometimes windy in unprotected areas. Hikers should note that the weather conditions are variable and unpredictable.
Vegetation
The long isolation of the Kogelberg area has helped to protect its floral wealth and keep it clear of alien vegetation, and today the reserve presents perhaps the finest example of mountain fynbos in the western Cape. It has approximately 1 600 plant species, of which about 150 are endemic. Many spectacular members of the protea family occur in the reserve. These include the endangered marsh rose, Orothamnus zeyheri, once on the brink of extinction, and now known to occur on a few inaccessible peaks; and the highest concentration of Mimetes species in the Cape, most notably the endangered M. hottentoticus and M. capitulatus. Kogelberg has three patches of relic indigenous forest, Louwsbos, Platbos and Oudebos. These patches are similar to the Knysna forests, and includes yellowwood, stinkwood and boekenhout trees. The Palmiet River and its associated riparian vegetation is of the most pristine in the south-western Cape. Wild almond, rooi-els, yellowwood and Cape beech are among the trees occurring in the riverine scrub along the water courses.
Much of the early botanical documentation was done by T.P. Stokoe, a Yorkshireman who emigrated to South Africa in 1911. Stokoe collected numerous specimens in the Kogelberg, many of which were named after him, including the now extinct Mimetes stokoei. His ashes are scattered near Stokoe's Bridge in the reserve.
Animals
The Kogelberg does not have many large animals. There are a few leopards; the Cape clawless otter may be seen in or near water; smaller antelope include klipspringer and grysbok; honeybadgers and baboons, dassies and hares are fairly common. Peregrine falcons, black eagles, Jackal Buzzards and fish eagles hunt and nest in and around the reserve, with occasional showings of Blue crane. An endemic freshwater crab and the endangered micro-frog are found in the area. A herd of wild horses which were abandoned by a British garrison after World War II roam the flats of the Bot River estuary at Rooisand.
A zoning explanation:
Kogelberg is zoned “Core” this represents the highest protection status available in the Republic and would equate with that of the Kruger Park.
“Buffer” represents the separation of farmlands from the “Core” area and may not be used for farming as such. The zoning favours “eco tourism”, game farming and associated activities. Buttonquail is zoned Buffer.
“Transition” represents conventional farming activities.
Sensitive Wetlands.
The lake in front of Black Eagle camp had its zoning status changed to “Sensitive Wetlands” at the time of the inauguration of the Biosphere.
This was due to the persistent and tireless work of Kobio (a private sector initiative based at Kleinmond) which also had the proposed Palmiet Storage Dam scheme permanently sidelined in favour of the less sensitive Skuifraam Dam near Franschoek.
Subsequently the Palmiet Catchment Management Steering Committee was formed tasked with the long overdue restoration of the riverine vegetation, avian species and marine life in the system.
Black Eagle Camp.
Sleeps up to 3 families. Can also be used in conjunction with Buttonquail Camp if a larger group requires accommodation.
Black Eagle camp consists of 1 small but luxurious timber lodges, with two en suite lodge tents perched on the edge of the lake and serpentine.
The timber lodge consists of 2 bedrooms (one with queen size bed and the other with double bunk. It has a very simply furnished, but adequately equipped kitchen and lounge area, with a veranda overlooking the lake - unbelievable views!
It is equipped with a gas stove, gas fridge / freezer, weber braai,crockery, cutlery, bedding, towells etc.
The 2 luxury double insulated lodge tents consist of a master bedroom with a double bed plus kids single bed with pull out second bed - and a seperate en suite bathroom, plus verandah.
Included are canoeing, walks and hikes, game drives, trips to the waterfall, hiking the Klein Palmeit river, seasonal mushrooming / wild flower picking or just lazing around the Gazebo at the lakes edge comtemplating the huge and brooding Kogelberg Mountain range etc, etc..
The Camp is self catering and serviced daily. Activities as mentioned above are included in the daily rate.
Catering can be provided by prior arrangement.
A booze cruise can be arranged.
Additional activities (not included in the above prices) available to guests in the district are a visit to the Paul Kluwe and Iona Wine Estates for wine tasting, a visit to the Apple Museum, dinner and drinks at the Houw Hoek Inn, visits to Duncans Roses, Appletiser, Operational apple farms, Whale tours to Hermanus (about 35 minutes away), trips to Greyton, Villiersdorp / Theewaters Kloof dam and Franschoek (about 45 minutes away).
Buttonquail Camp.
Buttonquail Camp has 6 luxury double insulated lodge tents (sleeps 2 adults and 2 kids)and a further 2 luxury doubles placed together as a family/good friends tent (sleeps 4 adults and 4 kids), all with en suite bathrooms.
Each lodge tent is tastefully furnished and has a queen size bed, pedestals, a small table,chair and a cupboard. There are 2 optional kids disco bunk beds as well. The bedding and towells are all of the best quality pure cotton and we also supply thick soft blankets plus lighting (and heating in winter!). The bathrooms are spacious and airy and the showers have endless hot water for those crisp nights!
Each unit has babbling river water running past the private verandah and pleasing views of the Palmiet gorge.
Every evening a huge fire is lit at the Lapa allowing much wine to be consumed and a great number of lies to be told!
The camp is either self catering or fully catered (by prior arrangement, at an extra cost).
N.B. the fully catered option is only available if the entire camp is booked.
The Camp is serviced daily.
The lodge tents share a large (15m x 5m) "boma" tent which houses a spacious and comfortable lounge area with a fire place, 2 x large dining tables and a very well equipped kitchen area. It has lighting and heating and has a wonderful atmosphere, responsible for many a party!
The kitchen is equipped with 2 gas ovens internally and 2 x gas combo lava rock braai units externally. There is a lockable fridge/freezer with ice, available for each lodge tent as well. All crockery, cutlery, glasses etc is supplied.
Daily activities included are:
Fly fishing (only fly rods with barbless hooks are permitted at Buttonquail - catch and release - NO other fishing equipment is permitted) for Rainbow Trout (we have 2 rods available), game viewing from Mercedes 4x4 game viewing vehicles,walking, swimming and relaxing.
The follwing can be arranged:
Guided trails, birding walks, floral appreciation hikes, mountain hiking, rock hopping, mushroom and fynbos/protea picking in season etc, etc..
Additional activities (not included in the above prices) available to guests in the district include Quad bike trails ranging from 4 hours to 6 hours, water skiing lessons, wake boarding lessons,horse riding (prior arrangement necessary), a visit to the Paul Cluwer and Iona Wine Estates for wine tasting, a visit to the Apple Museum, dinner and drinks at the Houw Hoek Inn, visit to Duncan's Roses, operational apple farms, whale tours to Hermanus (about 35 minutes away), trips to Greyton, Villiersdorp / Theewaters Kloof dam and Franschoek (about 45 minutes away)
Daily booze cruise in "boozie" our 8.8m water craft.
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city?
Come and spend an idylic few days with us at Buttonquail.
Our privately owned 1,600 acre Nature Reserve is just 75kms from Cape Town on the N2 Highway.
There is so much to do, fly fish for Rainbow trout in one of our many stretches of privately owned and stocked waters, explore the spectacular and rare "little 5" flora, fauna, reptile, amphibian and avian species or take a ride in one of our specially adapted all weather Mercedes Unimog 4x4 vehicles to examine our treasured red data book flower species or try and spot the elusive Klipspringers, Cape Mountain Leopards, Clawless Otters, Black Eagles and other treasures that cling to survival in our mountain kingdom.
BUTTONQUAIL INFO:
* 4x4 drive (max 16 people at a time).
* 'Booze Cruise' in our 8.8m twin engined Royal "water taxi"(weather permitting).Children must be accompanied and over 12 years of age.
* All tents are double insulated, steel framed, heavy duty 'Okavango' style luxury lodge tents and measure approx 24 sq.m.
* There are 2 tents which share a common stoep area and is self catering as well.We call this our family tent. (ie. they are closer together than the others).
* Each tent is furnished with 1 x queen/double bed and 2 x camp beds for kids.
* All tents are en suite, complete with towels, soaps, toilet paper, gas heaters (in winter), 2 x hot water bottles and luxury bedding/ blanket for the queen/double beds.
* The kids camp beds have a blanket and pillow.Please bring sleeping bags.
* All the tents have a covered stoep and are serviced daily.
* The "boma" tent (approx 80 sq.m)is very well equipped with all cooking and eating utensils, as well as condiments for cooking/braaing.
There are 2 stoves/ovens, double sink, freezer for each tent, kettle, toaster etc..
* The 2 braais outside are gas and there is a campfire with plenty of wood.
The family tent has a weber, so bring charcoal for this.
* Part or full catering by arrangement.
Activities included in daily rate:
* Trout fishing:
catch and release - fly rods with barbless flies are the only fishing tackle permitted on the property - we have 2 rods avail. NO other form of fishing tackle is permitted on the property.
* 4x4 nature drives in our 16 seat vehicle
* Game walks/hikes, mountain bikes welcome
* Fynbos/protea and mushroom picking when in season.
* Boat trips on the lake.
* Swimmable rock pools in the river.
RATES FOR BUTTONQUAIL CAMP: FEB 1ST 2006
(includes activities, condiments and tea/coffee in your tent)
(arrival 2pm/ departure 11am - or later if no bookings for that night)
(min 2 nights over weekend - unless we have last minute special)
From R200 to R450 per adult per night sharing.
From R50 - R150 per child per night sharing with parents (2yrs - 16yrs)
Single rate on request.
Rates vary whether low season/high season/midweek or weekends, per person sharing.
We also have special packages from time to time.
Breakfast baskets (must be pre booked) R50 (adult) R35 (child)
Picnic Lunches (must be pre booked) @ R75 (adult) R50 (child)
We can do full catering for functions and/or if the camp is fully booked. (by arrangement)
MIDWEEK PICNICS INCLUDING BOAT TRIP:
Monday - Thursdays.
11am - 5pm
Adults R135/ children R95
MIDWEEK HOLISTIC RETREAT:-
TUES 28 FEB - THURS 2 MARCH 2006
R1995 per single
R1695 per single sharing
Phone for more info - 082 449 3005
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Once a booking has been made, payment in full will secure your booking. If payment is not made timeously, there is no guarentee that your booking will be held.
Please advise us of your payment by faxing 021 6744409/021 797 6291 or mailing jlg@yebo.co.za or phoning 082 449 3005.
0 - 48hrs(2 days).......100% payment
2dys - 7dys.............75% payment
7dys - 14dys............50% payment
14dys - 21dys...........30% payment
21dys - 28dys...........10% payment
Please note that should you cancel and should we be able to replace your booking for the same dates, we are happy to refund your cancellation fee pro-rata to the booking.
BLACK EAGLE CAN EITHER BE BOOKED PARTLY OR AS A WHOLE.
Cabin:
R500 per adult sharing
R150 per child under 12
R250 per child - 13yrs - 18yrs
Tents:
R475 per adult sharing
R150 per child under 12
R250 per child - 13yrs -18yrs
The tents cannot be booked on thier own as the cabin has the cooking facilities.
Contact Details
Mobile: 082 449 3005
Office: 021 683 2323 (Cape Town).
Fax: 021 674 4409 / 797 6291 (Cape Town).
E mail: jlg@yebo.co.za or
Website: www.buttonquail.co.za
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