Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, Nature reserve near Nieuwoudtville, South Africa

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve covers 4,776 hectares about 10 km south of Nieuwoudtville, with the Oorlogskloof River gorge along its eastern border and the Knersvlakte to the west. Streams cut the mountainous terrain into gorges, 36 natural pools and waterfalls. Trails total 146 km, including the 15.5 km Leopard Trap and 17.9 km Rietvlei day trails and two overnight routes of about 52 km each, served by 10 log cabins.

The name Oorlogskloof means "war-gorge" in Afrikaans, recalling a 1739 battle between Khoi people and local farmers. The land was bought in 1983 and managed as a Wilderness Area from 1983 to 1987 before becoming a nature reserve; a 1971 declaration date also appears in some records.

The reserve's name, Afrikaans for "war-gorge", recalls a 1739 battle between Khoi people and local farmers. Rock art survives in caves beside some of the plateaus, painted by earlier inhabitants of the gorge country.

The reserve suits hikers of different skill levels, from short walks to longer expeditions that require good fitness. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the terrain is exposed and the sun can be intense.

The reserve's 146 km of trails include the 52.2 km Rock Pigeon Trail, which takes five days and links ten log cabins built in 2012 with funding from the Department of Environmental Affairs. The two day trails, Leopard Trap (15.5 km) and Rietvlei (17.9 km), start from the same network.