The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Goegap Nature Reserve
Afrikaans name: Goegap Natuurreservaat
Visitors centre at Goegap Nature Reserve outside Springbok
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Northern Cape
In 1966 the Cape Provincial Administration proclaimed, what we now know as Goegap Nature Reserve, as the Hester Malan Nature Reserve. Initially the reserve was 4,600 hectares in extent but has been expanded to nearly 15,000 hectares. The name 'Goegap' comes from the Nama word for 'waterhole'.
The reserve is situated near Springbok in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
The spring flowers are definitely the highlight for most visitors but there is plenty of other things to see and do. Over 45 species of mammals have been recorded in the reserve and nearly 100 species of birds. Amongst the mammals the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, Honey Badger and Aardwolf are of particular interest.
There are hiking trails, 4x4 and mountain bike routes and normal roads giving visitors a variety of options for exploring the park.
Above - Spring flowers
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Stunning scenery
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Mammals of Goegap Nature Reserve
Please note that this is only a guide and, while we have made every effort to be accurate, we can't be held responsible for any errors.
Antbear / Aardvark
Black-footed Cat
Common Duiker
Hartmann's Mountain Zebra
Honey Badger
Striped Polecat
References and further reading
Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 212Things to do in Moer & Gone Places - Author: Jacques Marais - Published: 2015 - Page: 57
The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 277
Stuarts Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd ed - Author: Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Published: 2018 - Page: 268
The Living Deserts of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Darry Lovegrove - Published: 2021 - Page: 244
go! - Issue 189 - Author: - Published: 2023 - Page: 44
Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 254
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 319
Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 83
go! - Issue 086 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 72
go! - Issue 133 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 41
Essential Birding: Western South Africa - Author: Callan Cohen and Claire Spottiswoode - Published: 2000 - Page: 98
Country Life - Issue 176 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 21
Country Life - Issue 229 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 83
Country Life - Issue 279 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 34
Chris and Tilde Stuarts Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 253
Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 46
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