Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site

Description

The Boosmansbos Wilderness Area of 142 km2 (55 sq mi) is situated 20 km (12 mi) north of Heidelberg in the eastern Langeberg mountain chain of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Boosmansbos, i.e. 'angry man's forest', is named after a resident hermit of the early 19th century who had been known to scare youngsters who visited his apiaries.

The elevation reaches 1,637 m (5,371 ft) at Grootberg peak, located at the center of the wilderness area. The tributaries of the Duiwenhoks River, which drain its southern slopes, tumble along precipitous gorges to 200 m (660 ft) above sea level on the southern perimeter. In the southwest the wilderness area encloses the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve of 250 ha (620 acres), the most western natural forest in South Africa.

The wilderness area conserves mountain fynbos and valley forest. Among the special fynbos plants conserved are Erica and Everlasting species as well as the rare Aloe decumbens. Important forest tree species occurring in the valleys are Sickle-leaved Yellowwood, Stinkwood and Red Alder.

The area receives rain in any month of the year, although mid summer and mid winter are the driest, when hot bergwind conditions may occur. 64 km (40 mi) of footpaths allow access to the wilderness, among which a circular 27 km (17 mi) section which can be completed in two days.