The
topography of Khusela consists of flat lands on the upper plateau with
a series of steep valleys and ridges that join the Bushmans River in the
greater Bushmans River Valley. The vegetation can be divided into five
types (Woody Subtropical Thicket, Bonteveld, Afromontane Forest, Riverine
Bush and Grassy Fynbos) plus cleared areas of agricultural veld. Because
of its uniquely diverse habitat Khusela offers a high game carrying capacity
for both grazers and browsers. The flora is quite outstanding and presents
a magnificent display of spring flowers, while rare cycads are abundant
on the north facing slopes and tree orchids and large yellowood trees flourish
in the valleys.
Originally named ‘Bushfontein’ (the spring in the bush), the reserve is in excellent order and continues to benefit from the original spring water which now feeds two main dams on the property. Bore holes are present, although they have not been required since the dams were constructed in the 1960’s. An electric game fence with jackal mesh surrounds the majority of the property, while a non-electric game fence without jackal fence runs along the river boundary. The electric fence is tortoise friendly and a Certificate of Adequate Enclosure has been issued by the Department of the Environment. An electric gate has been installed leading from the tarred road to a new brick paved road serving the farmstead and continuing to the villa.
The
game reserve has been stocked with a variety of game including threatened
and protected species, with a mix of grazers and browsers carefully
calculated to maintain a natural balance of the vegetation. With
the introduction of sable, a high value and sought after antelope
that is extremely rare in the Eastern Cape, it is expected that the breeding
programme will cover the running costs of the reserve by 2009/10.
Several tracks have been made allowing game viewing from vehicles as well
as safe walking trails.
Camera Traps
Camera
traps are sited at various positions in the reserve which have produced
night pictures of at least one species previously thought to be extinct
in the area.
Historic
Several Stone Age tools have been found at Khusela indicating the early habitation of man.
Maintenance
Khusela employs a full time manager who lives on the game reserve and takes responsibility for the reserve and its animals. A gardener is also employed.