Although the capital city of South Africa is situated a few hours’ drive from the world-renowned Kruger National Park and magnificent Pilanesberg in North West Province. There are amazing nature reserves in Pretoria.
Nature Reserves in Pretoria provide the chance to see magnificent wildlife, explore mountain villages, or just have a great hike or bike ride.
There’s no better way to enjoy the wildlife in a natural setting than a nature reserve. Nature reserves are set up and protected to ensure that there are places to live undisturbed by animals and plants, and are generally open to the public to spend some time in nature.
Best Nature Reserves in Pretoria
Whether you’re just looking to relax or want to see animals such as birds, there’s a place out there for everyone in Pretoria.
Groenkloof Nature Reserves
Groenkloof Nature Reserve is the first nature reserve on the continent of Africa. Opened in February 1895, this is one of the best nature reserves in Pretoria. It functions as a green lung in the city, a space in which to experience the outdoors. Activities in the reserve include horse riding, safaris, mountain biking, and hiking.
- Address: Christina De Wit Ave, Road, Pretoria, 0027
- Operating Hours: Summer (September to April): 05:30 to 19:00| Winter (May to August): 07:00 to 18:00
- Admission Cost:
- Adults (18-59 years) – R43
- Pensioners (60 years or older) and persons with disabilities – R27
- School children (7-17 years) – R27
- Pre-school children (0-6 years) – R13
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Rietvlei Nature Reserve is the ideal place to go on your day trip from Johannesburg. The Nature Reserve was opened in 1929 and it’s located near Rietvlei Dam which provides nearly 15% OF Pretoria with its water. The reserve covers an area of 4000 hectares and can support up to 2000 head of the game. Activities at this nature reserve include game drives and guided walks.
- Address: 14 Game Reserve Ave, Rietvallei, Pretoria, South Africa
- Operating hours: Monday – Monday | 5:30 AM to 7 PM
- Admission costs:
- Adults (18-59 years) – R59
- Pensioners (60 years and older) and persons with disabilities – R32
- School children (7-17 years) – R32
- Preschool children (2-6 years) – R11
Wonderboom Nature Reserve
Home to the famous Ficus Salicifolia – a wild fig called the Wonderboom (wonder tree in English). This amazing nature reserve in Pretoria offers scenic views and adventurous hiking trails.
- Address: Wonderboom, Pretoria, 0182
- Open: Monday – Monday | 7 AM to 7 PM
Tswaing Nature Reserve
Tswaing means ‘Salt Place’ due to the salt lake built in the 200 m deep crater and the salt pans around the lake. The tourist area is well established. Attractions include the 7.2km Tswaing Crater Trail, various museum displays, and education programs. Tswaing Nature Reserve is popular for picnics in summer.
- Address: Soutpan Rd (M35), Soshanguve
- Open: Monday – Monday | 7:30 AM to 4 PM
Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve
The Voortrekker Monument commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner and is situated in a beautiful setting. The 341 hectares around the Monument was declared a nature reserve in Pretoria in 1993. The reserve has Burchell’s Zebra, Black wildebeest, Mountain Reedbuck, Impala, and more.
- Address: Voortrekker Monument, off, Eeufees Rd, Pretoria, 0027
- Open: Monday – Monday | 8 AM to 8 PM
More Adventurous Things to do in Gauteng
Travel Insurance for South Africa
Use travel insurance while visiting South Africa so you are covered for theft and medical expenses. There are a lot of adventurous activities to do in SA, and it’s best to have peace of mind while diving, hiking, and trying some of the best food in the world.
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