One of the last surviving areas of natural Afromontane forest, Orange Kloof on the southern end of Table Mountain in Cape Town is an 85ha area conserved to ensure the survival of the forest and other fynbos (fine bush) plants. The last fire that occurred here was in the 1960s, allowing scientists to conduct important research on the lifespan of the many plant species. The forest has gradually broadened and there is hope that natural regeneration occurs.

Orange Kloof is a restricted area and visitors must be accompanied by an accredited Table Mountain National Park guide, bookings to be made through the South African National Parks offices. A maximum of 12 people may enter the area at any one given time and January-February are the most popular times to visit when the red disa orchid is in full bloom. This flower, the Western Cape’s emblem, thrives in wet areas around river courses and can be seen in Disa Gorge. The trail through Orange Kloof leads to a spectacular waterfall named Hell’s Gate and some nimble crossing of moss-covered rocks is required to reach the waterfall without getting wet feet.

Other features of interest in Orange Kloof is the old abandoned Woodhead Tunnel, first constructed in 1891. Many of the exposed rock faces are at least 400 million years old and the vast array of ancient plant life is worth investigating.

Volunteers keep the area pristine by removing any alien species.

Animals found in the Orange Kloof area include various small buck species, dassies (rock hyrax), caracal, frogs in the streams and the occasional snake. Porcupine quills are often spotted in the Orange Kloof undergrowth, as these shy nocturnal animals tend to stay far from human habitation and appear to relish the Orange Kloof area.

Entering Orange Kloof gives rise to a feeling of having stepped back in time when Table Mountain was dense with forest, and for nature lovers, a visit here is a treasured experience.