Rust De Winter Nature Reserve

Rust De Winter Nature Reserve

The pretty Rust de Winter Nature Reserve lies north east of Hammanskraal and close enough to the N1 and Pretoria to make a weekend of it. Places like Rust de Winter, which is part of the larger still in its development phase (although word has it that rhino have already been spotted) Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve – just an hour's drive from Johannesburg.

You could continue on to other more sought after destinations, like the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and the Kruger National Park, but you will find Rust de Winter Nature Reserve more than capable of catering for your 'bush' expectations, and far closer to home, considering its proximity to two of South Africa's major cities. There are also a fair number of farm stalls, coffee shops and villages in the area that invite further exploration.

The nature reserve itself surrounds the 500 hectare Rust de Winter Dam – perfect for picnics, fishing, boating and quiet contemplation. Rust de Winter is a particularly sought after birding spot – some 400 species of birds make the reserve their home, a fair number of these water birds, particularly in winter. Waders and uncommon raptors are another reason birding fans head here. In particular look out for the olive tree-warbler, a rare sighting at any reserve but one that has been spotted here, and the golden pipit.

There are pretty areas of broad-leaved woodland, rocky woodland slopes and a mix of riverine forest and alluvial acacia veld that together create a variety of very scenic landscapes. You can also expect to see game that includes waterbuck, zebra, warthog, aardvark, crocodile, bushpig and kudu.