The primary purpose of the Tsolwana Nature Reserve is the conservation of a representative sample of the region’s karroid landscapes, habitats, heritage and species.
Tsolwana was the final result of the state-subsidised stock reduction schemes that was introduced by the government in the severe drought of the late sixties to help protect the soil against erosion.
The decreased stock numbers eventually resulted in the increase of indigenous animals, which eventually led to the area becoming a conservation area and finally in 2005 Eastern Cape Parks Board became responsible for the management of Tsolwana.
Tsolwana is in a mountainous area, with grass plains and acacia thornveld, which is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora. It is 8500ha in size and marks the start of the Karoo plains.
The reserve gets its name from the Xhosa word "Spike" which is characterised by a prominent hill within the reserve.
Tsolwana Nature Reserve is situated approximately 60 kilometers west of Queenstown and 30 kilometers south east of Tarkastad, nestled on the edge of the Winterberg range. See map.
Tsolwana lies within a summer rainfall region, but rainfall is unpredictable and often falls in heavy storms, sometimes with accompanying hail, particularly in November. Rainfall peaks during January to March.
Snow is not uncommon in the winter months and spells of cold, wet southerly winds can cause wildlife losses, particularly in plains species.
Temperatures also vary greatly. Summer maximum reaches 38°C, but frost can be expected between May to August. Strong north-westerly winds can be expected from July to September, while frequent southwesterly winds bring rain in summer.
