The Boosmansbos Wilderness Area of 14,200 ha is situated 20km north of Heidelberg in the eastern Langeberg mountain chain of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Boosmansbos, i.e. 'angry man's forest', is named after a resident hermit of the early 19th century who had been known to scare youngsters who visited his apiaries.
The elevation reaches 1,637m at Grootberg peak, located at the center of the wilderness area. The tributaries of the Duiwenhoks River, which drain its southern slopes, tumble along precipitous gorges to 200m above sea level on the southern perimeter. In the southwest the wilderness area encloses the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve of 250 ha, the westernmost natural forest in South Africa.
The wilderness area conserves mountain fynbos and valley forest. Among the special fynbos plants conserved are Erica and Everlasting species. Important forest tree species occurring in the valleys are Sickle-leaved Yellowwood, Stinkwood and Red Alder.
The area receives rain in any month of the year, although mid summer and mid winter are the driest, when hot bergwind conditions may occur. 64km of footpaths allow access to the wilderness, among which a circular 27km section which can be completed in two days.
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