The primary purpose of Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve is the protection and conservation of the scarce Dohne sourveld and afromontane forests and their associated ecological processes and biodiversity, and the protection and restoration of historical and heritage features.
Fort Fordyce is the ideal place for horse lovers and riders. Here you can mount a horse and do your nature and game viewing on horseback. You can also get help and tuition from knowledgeable horse handlers in the riding and handling of horses, making this the ideal place to become an able horserider.
Another activity that Fort Fordyce is ideal for, is hiking. Good bases to hike from are Harris Hut in a forest setting and Phakamisa with its fantastic hilltop setting.
Bass fishing is another activity that can be practised at Fort Fordyce. You just camp in the tent supplied, or you can bring and pitch your own between the massive shady trees next to the bass dam.
The Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve lies between Fort Beaufort and Adelaide. It is situated on the Amatola escarpment, with magnificent views of the Hogsback and Katberg mountains.
The general vicinity surrounding Fort Fordyce and the reserve itself, has fascinating cultural and historical significance. The earliest inhabitants of the area were the San (Bushmen), who were exterminated when white farmers colonized the region. The San left exquisite rock paintings, some fine examples of which can be seen at the nearby Mpofu Nature Reserve. Fort Fordyce comprises of an extensive central escarpment with steep cliffs and kloofs, falling away to valleys and flatter areas.
The forests host amongst the most diverse and richest species in southern Africa. A wide variety of wildlife and birds can be seen.
