Ecoregion and River Characteristics
These ecoregions span the escarpment. Ecoregion 2.11 is situated on the Highveld Plateau and the upper slopes of the escarpment, and is characterized by highveld grasslands. Ecoregion 2.12 is on the lower slopes, and sees the conversion to mixed bushveld. Moderate to high relief and sandy shallow soils are found in both regions, as is moderate rainfall (600 to 1 000 mm per year). Temperatures however, show greater variation, ranging from 10-16°C on the upper slopes and
16-20°C on the lower slopes.
The Spekboom and Steelpoort Rivers, tributaries of the Olifants River, arise in these ecoregions. The Spekboom has its source in the mountains near Lydenburg. It joins the Waterval River and flows in a northerly direction to the confluence with the Steelpoort River, north-west of Burgersfort. From here, the Steelpoort River flows in a north-easterly direction and converges with the Olifants River in the Drakensberg near Kromellenboog.
The river is steep, high lying, with riffles, rapids, and waterfalls in ecoregion 2.11. Wetlands and small gorges are also abundant. In 2.12 the river has a gentler slope, with predominantly sandy beds.
