Steenkampsberg (Afrikaans: Steenkampsberge) is a South African mountain in the Dullstroom - Belfast district of Mpumalanga Province. The mountain ranges between 1,700 and 2,274 metres in altitude, and is covered largely by high-altitude grassland, broken in places by rocky outcrops. The northern slope of the mountain is drained by the Groot-Dwarsrivier, which enters a deep linear valley, to eventually join the Steelpoort River. The mountain is traversed from west to east by the De Berg Pass.
The nominate subspecies of Protea roupelliae on the slopes of the mountain
The mountain plateau retains extensive tracts of unspoilt habitat, supporting a large diversity of mammals, birds and plant life. The common tree fern Cyathea dregei occurs along watercourses and streams, while overgrazed mountain slopes and eroded ravines are often dominated by Leucosidea sericea shrubs.[3]
The area is home to more than 150 bird species, a fair number being endemic to South Africa. The wetlands of the region shelter all of the three endangered South African species of crane - blue, crowned, and wattled. Two of the wetlands, Lakenvlei, 8km north-east of Belfast, and Verloren Valei, 9km north of Dullstroom, are of particular importance for the survival of these species.
Rainbow trout have had a seriously detrimental impact on native fish species in the headwaters of streams draining the Steenkampsberg.[4][citation needed]
Land management
The area is covered by some 150 privately owned farms.
