Rooipoort Nature Reserve, Kimberley

Situated roughly 70 kilometers West of the town of Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa prime plains for game hunting. Rooipoort is a private game reserve, of 140,000 acres with 20 miles of unspoiled Vaal River frontage. Over 10,000 animals of over 20 species running in many herds of 100 to 500 Eland, Gemsbok, Springbok and Zebra to mention a few, may be seen here. This is without question one of the 2 best available plains game hunting in South Africa – by far! 

Established in 1893 it is one of the oldest game reserves in the country and was declared the 4th South African Natural Heritage Site in 1985. It is situated at the meeting place of 3 of southern Africa’s major ecological systems – the Karoo, the Kalahari and the Grasslands. As one of the oldest conservation areas in southern Africa it is the largest single private supplier of live animals to reserves and ranches in southern Africa. Rooipoort has played a vital role in ensuring the survival of some major species particularly the Red Hartebeest and Black Wildebeest. Add to this the fact that the indigenous Cape Ostrich population on the reserve is the only recognized pure flock to be found in South Africa. The hunting area is flat to undulating semi desert, thickly wooded here with very large open plains there. It is truly spectacular! The river offers excellent fly-fishing for yellow fish in the warm months.

Ancient bushmen rock etchings are common. Well over 4500 engravings depicting the wildlife found in the area centuries ago have been found. As the area is close to the famous Big Hole in the Kimberley diamond region, it is steeped in colonial history. A guided tour to these historical landmarks is highly recommended and a most interesting experience. 

In keeping with all our other hunting camps, the camp at Rooipoort is a beautiful, classic tented safari camp under thatch with every amenity provided for, including ceiling fans for the warmer part of the year and under-floor heating which is essential during the cold winter months. Temperatures range from 27 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius) to a maximum of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) in September which is the start of our spring. The camp if sully serviced and laundry is done daily.

 

On Rooipoort and the neighbouring properties you will find Baboon, Blesbok, Buffalo, Grey Duiker, Cape Eland, Gemsbok (Oryx), Giraffe, Red Hartebeest, Impala, Jackal, Kudu, Ostrich, Mountain Reedbuck, Sable antelope, Roan antelope, Steenbok, Warthog, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest and Zebra.