Tsolwana Nature Reserve | |
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IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve)
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Location in the Eastern Cape
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Location | Winterberg Mountains |
Nearest city | Tarkastad |
Coordinates | 32°10′14″S 26°30′01″E / 32.17056°S 26.50028°ECoordinates: 32°10′14″S 26°30′01″E / 32.17056°S 26.50028°E |
Area | 8,500 Ha |
Governing body | Eastern Cape Parks |
Tsolwana Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa that is managed by Eastern Cape Parks.
It is located along the northern slopes of the Winterberg Mountains at the edge of the Karoo. Its western boundary is formed by the upper Black Kei River. It is situated between Cradock and Queenstown and near Tarkastad.
There is often snow in the winter on the mountains.
The reserve's name originates from the Xhosa word for "spike", due to the presence of the cone-shaped hill, Spitskop.
The vegetation is mostly made up of grassy plains and acacia thornveld. The reserve is home to many animals, including the white rhino, giraffe, eland, blesbok, mountain reedbuck, Cape mountain zebra, and springbok. This variety of animals makes it a popular site for game viewing.