As a conservationist at heart, it always bothered PC Ferreira establisher of the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve that there were no hippos left in the Seekoei river and he decided to do something about it and started the Seekoei River Hippo Reintroduction Project.
After numerous setbacks the Limpopo Damage Causing Animal Forum eventually agreed to make three animals available for relocation to New Holme – Karoo Gariep. In December 2006 the hippos were released on the reserve in the river camp after an absence of hippo of 230 years.
DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE TO OVERNIGHT GUESTS
Sunset Hippo Drive,
Early Morning Birding Drive,
Bushman Etching Walk
Shy 5 Night drive
MULTIDAY ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES
Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve Events throughout the Year, every year.
All events take place at New Holme Country Lodge.
February / March #Colesberg Endurance Horse Ride
This Arab horse endurance ride covers 40 km, 80 km, 120 km, and 160 km distances in an official ride of the Colesberg endurance Club and is hosted at Khoisan Karoo, New Holme Guest Farm. Between 80 and 140 horses and up to 200 people from riders to grooms gather together over the weekend.
2) February #Bio Bach citizen science by the BDI
The Biodiversity and Development Institute (BDI) host this Bio Bach. Various aspects are covered during the event from bird atlasing, virtual museum picture uploads, MAPS picture uploading, bird ringing and lectures. The BDI is operating a research station for postgraduates at Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve.
3) April #King of the Plains Extreme long distance Shoot
Open vast plains is where we bring the long distance shooting enthusiast together to find out who is the “king of the plains”
4) April ± 26 – 29 #Karoo Gariep Fly Inn
Flying/Aeroplane enthusiasts flock to the Karoo for this weekend. Big braai fires and good food. Owners/Pilots of different types and sorts of planes use this opportunity for a getaway or training. Night drives and activities daily.
5) September – ± 2 to 6 #Karoo Gariep Adventure bike Experience
6) September ± 25 to 28 #The Lazy Hippo Mountain Bike Stage Race and 2 Day Trail Run
This is a family friendly event. Shorter routes for kids and ladies. A cooking demonstration for the ladies, fishing for the kids. Nice farm atmosphere, braai fires, lots of wine and a festive event. A 35 km, 56 km and 65 km route for the cyclist. The 2-day trial run is 30 km or 20 km over 2 days.
7) November #Karoo Spaces Star Gazing Weekend
Designed to bring professionals with big telescopes, beginners and those who just want to experience the Karoo skies. A relaxed, calm event, time to reflect on how small we are, what we spent our time on and bring life into perspective again. Good food, good company & good fibes