Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Gauteng

The Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is renowned for its imposing hills, vast grasslands, unique fauna and flora, and its variety of stunning walking trails.

Situated a mere 10 km from the centre of Johannesburg, 5 km from Soweto and easily accessible from Sandton, the East and the West Rand, the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve provides for an exciting nature experience.

It is the largest proclaimed nature reserve in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area (About 680 ha. in extent) and boasts a surprising diversity ranging from larger game such as zebra, red hartebeest, and black wildebeest, to many items of botanical, geological, archaeological, historical and cultural interest. Red data and other protected species are also to be found.

Hiking trails

Hiking is the main activity in the Reserve. The hiking trails are scenic and vary in distance and in degree of difficulty. A three hour hike along the flatter areas can be completed by most people who can manage three hours of shopping. The steeper, hilly areas can be testing for even the fit.

Guided Tours

There are guided tours leaving at 09h00 from the Peggy Vera entrance every second and fourth Sunday of the month. It is advisable to phone and make an appointment to avoid disappointment should the tour need to be cancelled for any reason. See contact details below.

Birding hot spot

The Reserve is rated by many as a birding hotspot. Despite not having any wetlands of significance, more than 215 bird species have been identified.

Jewel of the South

For the outdoor enthusiast, a visit to the Reserve is not to be missed. First time visitors are surprised at this beautiful natural asset so close to the hubbub of the city. It is very aptly referred to as Johannesburg’s Jewel of the South.

History

Stone-age man must have had a presence in the area because artifacts relating to them have been found in the reserve and these seem to indicate that they used the reserve as a hunting ground. The Sotho speaking Tswana people lived and farmed in the area from 1400 and after they had abandoned their villages in 1750, a “voortrekker” farmer named Sarel Marais occupied the land in 1850, when he and his family bought the western section of the farm Rietvlei.

The existence of ruins of the Vierfontein dam that are still evident at Silent Pool is testimony of the important role that this perennial stream may have played as a source of water for early Johannesburg. Also, war is no stranger to the reserve because a major part of the battle for Johannesburg in 1900 was fought in and around the Klipriviersberg hills and the remains of the concentration camp cemetery bears testimony to the cruelness of war.

Info

• The Reserve is open to the public from sunrise to sunset seven days a week.
• There is no entrance fee.
• Info & guided tours: Tony Weedon 082 413 2583

• www.klipriviersberg.org.za
• [email protected]

Directions