Nature Reserve

The aims of the Namib Spreetshoogte Reserve are:
• the conservation of the fragile ecosystem of the pre-Namib area and its biodiversity;
• the support of research, monitoring, education and information exchange on conservation and development;
• the involvement of local communities and farmers in the protection of the area.

Map of reserve walking trails

Birds, Mammals, Reptiles and Trees you might see.
The Namib Spreetshoogte Reserve, owned by Swartfontein Eco Investments c.c., was established in 1999 and is officially recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Namibia. It lies 180 km Southwest of Windhoek at an altitude of 1,850 metres and covers an area of 8,100 hectares.
The Namib Spreetshoogte Reserve is situated in the central part of Namibia, at the edge of the escarpment, overlooking the Namib desert and incorporating the Spreetshoogte pass, one of the most spectacular views of the arid and desert environments of Namibia.
Despite its relatively small size, the reserve encompasses both the unique and very fragile ecosystems of the pre-Namib and the Karoo. Many of the species of fauna found in the area are indigenous and adapted to withstand the arid, harsh climate ( between 50 and 300 mm of rain each year).
The Namib Spreetshoogte Reserve shows three different types of habitat:
The grassy plains of the central part, where live the large herds of ungulates,
the southern part, rich in ancient rock formations, known as “kopjes”, home to the leopards, the baboons and the birds of prey and finally the mountainous northern area, accessible only by foot, where large herds of the protected Hartmann’s zebra have found refuge.

A typical small "Koppie".

At least twenty species of mammals have been recorded of which the Hartmann’s mountain zebra and the aardwolf are protected and endangered species. Also present in the rocky terrain and endemic in southern Africa is the rock Dassie (Procavia capensis), a mammal similar to a short eared rabbit.
Many baboons live on the “kopjes”. Predators such as leopard, caracal, African wild cat, black backed jackal and bat eared fox occur in the reserve. There is a project to reintroduce cheetahs in the area with the help and support of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a local NGO dealing with the safeguard and conservation of cheetahs in Namibia.
Leopard

Bat Eared Fox
Baby Springbok
Ungulates are also quite common, among them kudus, oryx, springbok, klipspringer, steenbok and grey duiker. The only exotic animals that can be found on the reserve are the blue and the black wildebeast and the red hartebeest.

Blue Wildebeast
Approximately 150 species of birds have been recorded of which two are endemic to Namibia: the Ruppell’s khoraan and the white tailed shrike. Among the most impressive birds of prey recorded are the black eagle, which is breeding in the reserve, the black breasted snake eagle and the secretary bird.
Black Eagle Nest

The herpetofauna is also quite rich, the diverse microhabitats of the area being populated by a large variety of lizards among which the Rock monitor and snakes like the Cape cobra, the puff adder, the coral snake and the black mamba. A full survey of the flora present on the reserve will be undertaken very soon. However, quite a number of species have already been recorded, among them succulents like the Namaqua aloe, the botterboom, the quiver tree and many types of acacias.

The six ground dams present on the reserve fill up during the rainy season and attract a large variety of water birds. terrapins, catfish and frogs live in their waters.
Puff Adder
The only visitors’ facility present in the reserve is the Swartfontein Mountain and Desert Guest Lodge that can accommodate up to sixteen guests. The Lodge has been equipped with the most recent alternative energy technology (solar panels, photovoltaic system, solar water pumps). In order to avoid any major waste of water, white waters are recycled and used for watering the trees.
A vegetable garden of 1,000 sq m. has been recently put in place. The vegetables are grown biologically, with no use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers (organic waste is used for compost). It will supply 75% of the needs of the Lodge and of the staff.

The Lodge
(notice the solar heaters on the roof)
Visitors are informed on the importance of protecting and respecting the fragile eco system of the area. Guided game walks and game drives are organised daily and great care is taken to create awareness and stimulate interest whilst explaining in detail the characteristics of the flora and the fauna of the reserve.
Zebra Game Walk
The local workers have been involved in the conservation aspect by creating awareness on the importance of a sound ecological environment. The re-utilisation of waste, the respect of animals and plants, the control of scarce natural resources are the fundaments of their training.