Verloren Valei Nature Reserve

Verloren Valei is a closed nature reserve situated on the Steenkampsberg Plateau near Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The two farms, Verloren Valei and Wanhoop, were bought with the help of the WWF and the Rupert Family and the 6055 ha reserve was proclaimed in 1983. In 2003 the Verloren Valei wetland system of approximately 850 ha of wetland was declared a Ramsar* site. The Ramsar site boundaries correspond with the boundaries of the reserve.

For South Africa this is a high altitude reserve with the lowest point at about 2050m above sea-level and the highest point at 2214m. The reserve falls in the summer rainfall climate region of South Africa and consists mainly of montane grassland. Montane grassland is considered as one of the most threatened biotopes in South Africa. These grasslands are rich in plant and animal species, with many of these species being endemic.

Wild Orchids Southern Africa was instrumental in the formation of Friends of Verloren Valei  and continues to support the organisation in their conservation efforts.

Friends of Verloren Valei Non-Profit Organisation 162-813 NPO
WESSA Affiliation No. MB 1241427

A Biodiversity Hotspot among Trout Dams?

Visit the Friends of Verloren Valei Website now for more details!