The primary purpose of the Commando Drift Nature Reserve is the conservation of a representative area of the transition zone between the Nama Karoo and Grassland biomes.
This scenic nature reserve is ideal for Fishermen, Hikers and others who just want to relax in nature. The Fish Eagle Cabins are situated right next to the dam, making it almost possible to cast in from your front porch! For anglers who just want to visit for a day, there are little rondavels near the waterside where they can offload and wash their catch.
The hiking trail hut is called the Endurance Trail Hut and it was built in a beautiful nature area. The hut can also be reached by high-clearance vehicles, making it possible for 4x4 enthusiasts and hikers to use the hut for a nature experience in almost complete solitude. The area where the trail is situated is frequented by large herds of plains game, creating the opportunity for good game-viewing.
The neat and friendly little Lake View Chalet is ideal for nature lovers who want to spend time in a natural setting, with the sound of the Fish Eagle filling the air from time to time. The chalet is a great base from where a hike can be started to the Endurance Trail Hut or game drives to the Springbok flats.
For those who love caravanning and camping, there is a neat, grassed caravan and camping site with a great view over the dam and the mountains.
The reserve is situated 58km from Cradock and 40km from Tarkastad on the Cradock/Tarkastad gravel road. The reserve covers an area of 5983ha, of which the lake takes up approximately 950ha when full.
The reserve's name, Commando Drift, was adopted from the name of the original farm on which the dam was constructed. The farm was owned by Voortrekker leader Hendrik Potgieter, from 1812 until the start of the Great Trek in 1836.
The game, most of which have been reintroduced to the area, include the following: Cape Mountain Zebra, Black Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Springbuck and Kudu.
The reserve lies within a summer rainfall region. Rain mainly occurs in the form of summer thunder showers. The highest rainfall is usually recorded in February and March.
Temperatures vary from 15°C to 42°C in summer, and from -6°C to 28°C in winter. Frosts are frequent from early April to late September and snow has been recorded in the winter months on the Rooiberg.
Strong north-westerly winds can be expected from July to September, while the frequent south-westerly winds bring rain in summer.
Cradock
Queenstown