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 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.

Open grassland species include lark, pipit, cisticola, finch, bustard, bald ibis and francolin.

[citation needed] Rainbow trout have had a seriously detrimental impact on native fish species in the headwaters of streams draining the Steenkampsberg.