Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy

Conserving animals, plants, ecosystems and agricultural resources in the Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy for current and future generations

Nestled in the basins and valleys centred around the Rooiberg Mountain, between the towns of Worcester and Robertson in the Western Cape of South Africa, is a valley supporting nature at serious risk of extinction. Here, not only does Succulent Karoo and renosterveld vegetation persist – the land and the wildlife living here are also actively protected by landowners who work together for nature.

This is the Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy

hectares

It’s an area of 51,599 hectares – larger than a country such as Seychelles. Farmers and other landowners in this world-renowned wine and fruit valley care deeply about the environment. They have created a non-profit organisation to conserve and farm sustainably alongside the last vestiges of this threatened landscape.

Landowner members

vegetation types, of which 4 are listed as threatened

plant species facing extinction

Critical Biodiversity Areas

What makes this area special

The Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy covers the natural and farming landscape around the Rooiberg Mountain, between the Langeberg Mountains and the Breede River, from Robertson to the Nuy Valley. It includes substantial Critical Biodiversity Areas and is situated in an important climate corridor. It has been identified as a top priority for conservation of Succulent Karoo. And it is home to incredible wildlife – from threatened mammals such as the Cape leopard, to freshwater fish such as the Breede Redfin Minnow. MORE HERE

What we do

We work to protect nature across our land- and waterscapes. We do this to prevent further biodiversity loss and to make our region healthier, for nature and people.

Rehabilitate landscapes by cultivating and planting indigenous plants

Advocate for and support long-term biodiversity stewardship

Enhance environmental awareness

Monitor and protect wildlife

Encourage responsible fire management by working with the Fire Protection Association

Manage and remediate soil erosion

Combat plant and wildlife poaching

Manage alien invasive plants collectively

Join this conservation community

If we’re to protect and rehabilitate these landscapes, we need a community that joins hands together. That means landowners even beyond our current conservancy footprint, who can benefit from this conservation and restoration work. It means those living in the area, who can give their voice of support by becoming a Friend of the Conservancy. And it means our corporate sponsors coming on board for a healthier world. JOIN HERE

Explore.

Relax.

Reconnect.

Enjoy the vast open space, the mountains and the rivers of the Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy.

Reconnect with nature during one of our many activities, relax with a glass of world-class wine, and stay over to soak up the serenity of this ancient landscape.

2026

Upcoming Events

Conservancy Manager, Jacques Smit, will present on the findings of his masters research project entitled “Conservancy governance models for improved environmental management in the Western Cape Province, South Africa”. It is hoped that this research will assist the Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy and other conservancies to improve their governance to yield better environmental outcomes.

A sustainable agriculture themed landowner information day addressing themes of correct River Management and Maintenance Plan implementation along with topics such as biochar and precision agriculture for more efficient resource use.

Tentatively, we are planning a bird citizen science event again, this time supporting the soft launch of version 1 of the Conservancy’s own CAR (co-ordinated avifaunal bird count) route for long-term bird population monitoring.

FAQ

What is the Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy?
The Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy is a non-profit organisation protecting biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems in the Robertson region of South Africa.

Why is the Rooiberg area important?
It contains endangered renosterveld and succulent karoo ecosystems, which are among the most threatened habitats in the world.

What animals live in the conservancy?
Species include Cape leopard, riverine rabbit, brown hyena and endemic freshwater fish.