The climate of the Western Cape coast is predominantly Mediterranean - much of the area has most of its rain during the Winter months, except for our small portion between George and Tsitsikamma, the Garden Route, which receives rain throughout the year. The rainfall pattern within the region - like that of the soils - is a determining factor in the character of the plant communities.
In the Knysna - Plettenberg Bay area we can expect an average of close to 1 000 mm of rain per year, whereas in the Little Karoo, which lies behind the Outeniqua Mountains approximately 40 km north of the Knysna Elephant Park, only around 350 mm of rain falls.
Geology and Soils
The sandy soils which predominate in the area are derived largely from the Table Mountain Sandstones that are its main geological formations. These soils are usually poor in nutrients, and it is generally well known that the soils linked to the fynbos offer poor grazing and have limited value to traditional western agricultural pursuits.
The soils in the valleys are typically less sandy, with a higher clay content. Confined patches of shale, granite and limestone have a definite influence on the make-up of the soils in localised areas within the region.
The soil-type is a determining factor for the character of the plant community growing on it.
