Mossel Bay: Gouriqua Reins Nature Reserve
Nestled between Stilbaai and Gouritsmond, along the Garden Route, lies a sanctuary where body, mind and soul can be at ease. This breathtakingly beautiful nature reserve is situated in proximity to the sea with the rocky shore surrounding the coastline.
Rein's Nature Reserve comprises 3550ha unspoilt land and boasts a 7,5km coastline in the well known South African Garden Route. Situated only 40km away from Mossel Bay, it is "off the beaten track".
A large portion hereof is known as Gouriqua which was formerly owned by the Atomic Energy Corporation of South Africa (AEC). In collaboration with Cape Nature Conservation, the AEC introduced an exemplary conservation management plan for the area. Rein's Nature Reserve provides continuity and support for this and other environmental conservation programmes.
The meaning "Gouriqua" stems from the time of Khoi-Khoi tribes. Over 500 years ago, one of these tribes was migrating in the area and often settled in the vicinity of the Gouritz River Mouth. It can be inferred that the name of this tribe was "Gouriqua" because it literally means Gouri (a name of an important person, maybe their leader) and qua (children/sons of...)
Some items of historical significance found at Gouriqua are:
- Stone tools which date back before Khoi-Khoi times.
- Midden deposits which date back to Strandloper times: They ate a lot of seafood and put all the shells on a heap. This is an indication that they always came back to this place. The midden deposits can be found close to the lighthouse.
- Ancient fishtraps ("viswyers"). Below the high water mark there is a rocky wall built up. The fish which come in with high tide get trapped when the tide goes out. This is a very early technology which is found in the area.
- The anchor of a ship which sank close to the coast about 200 years ago lies in the main complex area.
Rein's Nature Reserve is determined to work for nature's benefit. A very thorough investigation of the resources and circumstances is being carried out in form of a comprehensive management plan. In accordance with this management plan all future extensions will be designed and developed in a way most harmonious with the natural surroundings.
For more infomation:
P O Box 382, Riversdale, 0070
Tel: +27 (29) 345 3322 and +27 (29) 333 2260
Fax: +27 (29) 345 3324 and +27 (29) 333 2441
(Coordinating office : T L Botha Properties)
