Boekenhoutskloof, Northern Gauteng

About half an hour’s drive north east of Pretoria, nestled in the foothills of the Bobbejaans Mountains, lies Boekenhoutskloof, named, it seems, after the Boekenhout tree that is prevalent in the area.

It is hard to believe that it’s possible to achieve such a complete escape so close to a city, but Boekenhoutskloof is not only malaria-free country, it is true untamed bushveld. Tranquility, mountains, indigenous bush and wild animals make this part of the world a sanctuary for many city dwellers. Bird life prevails - a particular colony of cliff swallows is famous in the Boekenhoutskloof amongst birders - and there is little to disturb the peace. Yet you are close enough to Cullinan to visit the little, historic town or play a round of golf on the golf course, should you need the diversion.

The peaceful Seringveld Conservancy, which lies just 15 kilometres outside of Cullinan, is a fine example of bushveld dominated by over 100 tree species that includes the Boekenhout that serves as a haven for birds - all 260 species of them. Seringveld, which is making a great effort to protect its unique landscape, falls within the Dinokeng area - part of an initiative by the government to establish a tourist destination close to urban Gauteng.