IBA FARM FOR SALE
This is a farm that requires someone with vision, love for nature and appreciation for what has been preserved. This farm has IBA status and lots more to offer. The Blyde River Canyon is located 8 km north of Graskop and 18km south-west of Hoedspruit. It stretches for nearly 20 km as it cuts a spectacular path through the granite of the South African escarpment, and in places reaches a depth of 700 m. The IBA includes the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, the Swadini and Manoutsa sections of the Mpumalanga Drakensberg escarpment that fall outside the reserve, and a number of State forests. At the confluence of the Blyde and Ohrigstad rivers, in the northern section of the reserve, an impoundment forms the Blydepoort Dam. The spectacular gorge is flanked by some remarkable peaks, including Marakalala, the Three Rondawels (1 749 m a.s.l.), Magale (1 688 m a.s.l.), the Three Sisters (1 704 m a.s.l.), Scotland Hill (1 736 m a.s.l.), Devils Window (1 771 m a.s.l.), the Peak (1 832 m a.s.l.) and Gods Window (1 730 m a.s.l.). Several rivers, including the Blyde, Origstad and Treur, cut impressive gorges through the rock. Large patches of high-altitude Afro-temperate forest are found in valleys, along scarp basins and in moist areas throughout the Blyde River Canyon. They contain distinct strata of emergent canopy trees and shrub layers, and trees can reach heights of up to 3040 m. Montane grassland dominates on open exposed slopes with shallow lithosol substrates where frost and fire are regular. This is the only site in South Africa that supports breeding Taita Falcon . More than 660 pairs of Cape Vulture occur on the cliffs at Manoutsa. The gorges also hold breeding Black Stork,Peregrine Falcon and Cape Eagle-Owl. Pels Fishing Owl, White-backed Night Heron, Half-collared Kingfisher and African Finfoot may be found along the quiet backwaters of the river. The surrounding grassland supports Black-rumped Buttonquail, Striped Flufftail, Buff-streaked Chat, Denhams Bustard , Blue Crane and African Grass Owl. The proteoid hill slopes hold Gurneys Sugarbird . In the forest and at forest edges occur species such as the Crowned Eagle , Forest Buzzard, Buff-spotted Flufftail , Lemon Dove, Orange Ground Thrush , Bush Blackcap, Knysna Turaco, Olive Bush-Shrike , Chorister Robin-Chat . The Bat Hawk has been recorded in dense riverine areas. Martial Eagle is frequently seen soaring over the bush-veld-dominated parts of the reserve, which also hold White-throated Robin-Chat and Gorgeous Bush-Shrike .
The main house comprise 4 spacious bedrooms.
There are also x 2 standalone cottages
A strong and equipped borehole
Fence and an entrance gate
Outbuildings / old house / water tanks / staff units
