Discover the Incredible Diversity of the Fynbos
Phillipskop's Flora & Fauna
Discovering & Caring
A Biodiversity Hotspot
of the world's flora
Set on the south-facing slopes of the Klein River Mountains, Phillipskop lies in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom
- Over 900 native species of plant are found within the nature reserve.
- Wide range of habitats, from lowland streams to mountain peaks and hot dry cliffs to cool seepages.
- Incredible diversity in form and colour, from minute ferns to the grandeur of the King Protea.
- 60+ species of conservation concern (as classified on SANBI Red List of South African Plants).
- Protects 246ha of two endangered vegetation types: Overberg Sandstone Fynbos and Western Coastal Shale Band Vegetation.
Counterfeit Colours
Disa ferruginea is one of the more conspicuous orchids found on the Klein River Mountains.…
Fire Pokers
The red-hot poker, Kniphofia uvaria, is quite common on the Klein River Mountains, but you…
Flora of Phillipskop Mountain Reserve
This is a checklist of the plants we have recorded so far on the nature…
Conspicuously Sticky
Several plant species in the fynbos are sticky, whether in their stems, leaves, or flowers,…
Pride of Hermanus
With over 100 species of Erica in the Klein River Mountains, you would be hard-pressed…
Protea feathers
Most proteas are winter or spring flowering, so by mid-summer their spectacle is over. This…
Provides a Home
for the birds and animals of the fynbos
The fynbos of the Cape is home to many animals, some of which are only found in this habitat. Some of the highlights include:
- Over 100 species of birds have been recorded at Phillipskop.
- Six of the eight endemic fynbos birds make their home here, including Cape Rockjumper, Victorin’s Warbler and Fynbos Buttonquail.
- Black Eagles nest on the crags at the back of Phillipskop, while African Fish Eagles cry from the river valley below.
- Evidence of elusive Cape leopard can be seen in the regular scratch-marks on the trees in Candlewood Valley.
- Twelve species of frog can be heard calling around the nature reserve.
- Local reptiles such as the Cape Dwarf Chameleon and Parrot-beaked Tortoise.
- A wide variety of smaller creatures from dung-beetles to butterflies.
Frogs at Phillipskop
There are twelve species of frog at Phillipskop. Some of these are more often heard…
Christmas Caterpillars
The Pine Emperor Moth (Nudaurelia cytherea) is one of the largest moths in Southern Africa,…
Tapping Toktokkies
Tok-tok beetles are one of those insects that form part of childhood memories. They are…
Little Elephants
An elephant-shrew is a perfect example of an oxymoron mammal name. The name fuses the…
Extended range for rare frog
The southern Cape is remarkable for the number of rare and endemic frogs. Many of…
Windscreen Wagtails
Cape Wagtails (Motacilla capensis) are a common garden bird in South Africa. They are frequently…
Helping to Conserve
the world we live in
At Phillipskop we look after the reserve to protect the flora and fauna in a number of different ways. We also run our self-catering accommodation following eco-friendly principles so that your stay will have the least impact on our natural world. Some of these methods include:
- Regular monthly alien hacks.
- Managing fire to protect the buildings and the fynbos.
- Solar power installed for the chalets and the swimming pool.
- Using insulation in the chalets to keep them cooler in summer & warmer in winter without using additional energy.
- Environmentally-friendly cleaning products used throughout
- Recycling facilities
- EcoBricking
Heritage Day Flood at Phillipskop
September 25th 2023 will be a day that is forever etched on the minds of…
Three Peaks Challenge
Phillipskop has a fantastic variety of trails which can be combined to make longer and…
Klipspringer Path
The Klipspringer Path is a more adventurous route to the summit of Phillipskop. It begins…
Water Clarity (Natural Swimming Pool)
For the first 9 months we were seriously wondering whether our whole concept was fatally…
Planting (Natural Swimming Pool)
One of our key aims with the natural swimming pool was to ensure that it…
Landscaping (Natural Swimming Pool)
With the swimming pool constructed it was time to landscape and plant up the surrounding…