 Rietvlei Nature Reserve: The
Rietvlei Nature Reserve is one of the world's largest urban nature reserves, 3 800
hectares in extent, situated south of the city but still within the city limits. The
Rietvlei Nature Reserve lies very close to the highway between Pretoria and Johannesburg
International Airport at a height of about 1700 m above sea level, which is about 300 m
higher than Pretoria. There were always some small mammals on the farm Rietvlei. The
Rietvlei Nature Reserve has been restocked with game that is endemic to the highveld and
is now home to large herds of game and because of its open grassland landscape it offers
visitors a unique opportunity to view many species of animals. Some of these occur
naturally only in South Africa (for example the Black Wildebeest
and the Blesbok.
Other animals found in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve include the worlds largest antelope,
the Eland,
Burchell's Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Springbok, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Ostrich, two of Africa's
"big five" Buffalo and White Rhino, Bushpig, as well as a number of Black-backed
Jackal, Mountain Reedbuck, Oribi, Grey Duiker, Steenbuck, Brown Hyena, Porcupine,
Springhare, Aardwolf and Banded Mongoose. Recently a family group of five hippos as well
as cheetah
were introduced to Rietvlei.
 Rietvlei also offers lots to interest bird lovers. South Africa's
national bird, the Blue Crane, is seen here from time to time, the Secretary
Bird is a regular visitor and Rietvlei is home to a breeding pair of Fish
Eagles. In addition many other species of bird can be seen including the
Orange-throated Longclaw, the Little Egret, the Darter, the Reed Cormorant, the
White-breasted Cormorant, the Goliath Heron, the African Finfoot and the Green-backed
Heron. The reserve is open to the private vehicles and offers superb sightings of the wild
life of the South African highveld. There is a bird hide and an area set aside for
pic-nics at Marais Dam upstream from Rietvlei Dam and there are day and overnight hiking
trails as well as horse trails (all accompanied by reserve staff). There is also a fishing
area/camping site along part of the banks of Rietvlei Dam.
Open daily from 8:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 6:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and
public holidays. Entrance to the reserve closes at 16:00. An entrance fee is charged.
Enquiries at the gate and at +27 (0)12 345 - 2274 |