Robertson Wine Valley
Experts have identified nine geographic priority areas for biodiversity conservation within the Succulent Karoo belt, stretching from Luderitz in Namibia to Somerset East in South Africa. The central Breede River Valley and more specifically the area known as the Robertson Karoo is a truly extraordinary global biodiversity treasure and regarded as Geographic Priority area number eight, with approximately 1 500 species of plants of which 115 are endemic. Of the endemics, 77% are succulent species, although other groups such as the Ixias are also present. The area is regarded as part of the world's most diverse arid environments, but even more impressive is the fact that over 40% of the plant, bird, reptile, amphibian and insect species that are found in this area are not be found anywhere else on earth. To experience the Robertson Wine Valley's biodiversity, you can visit the following wine farms:
Burcon Wines - Boat cruise on the Breede River (info@nerinaguestfarm.com)
Goedverwacht - Bird watching (goedverwachtestate@lando.co.za)
Kingsriver - Kleinberg hiking trail (kingsriver@breede.co.za)
Van Loveren - Fish Eagle hiking trail (info@vanloveren.co.za)
Viljoensdrift - Boat cruise on the Breede River (info@viljoensdrift.co.za)
Rusticus - Guided game drives through a private nature reserve (lindi@rusticus.co.za)
Weltevrede - Terroir tractor trips (info@weltevrede.com)
photo credit: Shawn Benjamin
