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Nature – huge trees, gentle springs, delicate moss, soft grass and birds singing lullabies in the distance… What’s not to love? Everything in nature is serene, lovely and tranquil. Spend a day strolling through the lush greenery, hiking over stubborn rocks or picnicking in gorgeous meadows at these nature reserves in and around the city.

nature reserves

Modderfontein Reserve

This reserve is the second largest privately owned reserve in Gauteng. The aim of the reserve is to preserve the local plant and wildlife of the area. Animals here include buck, jackals and eagles. The grassland and hills surrounding various dams, including the Modderfontein Spruit, make this the perfect place for leisurely strolls and picnics. But if you prefer ready-made food, they have a café on site. The reserve also offers functions, cycling, Parkruns and guided walks. Access to the reserve is R30 per adult and R15 per child.

Contact details: 079 519 1589 / Modderfontein Reserve, Arden Road (off Ardeer Road), Modderfontein / info@modderfonteinreserve.co.za / https://www.modderfonteinreserve.co.za

Klipsrivierberg Nature Reserve

This reserve is also known as Johannesburg’s Jewel Of The South and is the largest nature reserve in Johannesburg. They have a large variety of game including zebra, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, dassie, hare, gennet, fox, civet, otter and various buck. They also boast about 230 species of birds including heron, barbet, eagle and even owl. This is a great spot for nature lovers and hikers. The reserve is open daily, sunrise to sunset and entrance is free.

Contact details: 011 943 3578 / 4 4th St, Johannesburg South / klipriviersberg@gmail.com / http://klipriviersberg.org.za

Melville Koppies Nature Reserve

This reserve and heritage site is the last remaining site of the Johannesburg ridges from before gold was discovered. The reserve is made up of highveld grasses, trees and flowers, which include gladiolus, orchid and proteas. Animals here include gennet, civet, mongoose, hedgehog, rat, shrew, hare, rabbit, mouse and many bird species. The reserve is divided into Central, East and West. Access to Central is limited to organised tours and hikes, East is open daily for walks and West is open daily for scheduled walks. Strictly no braais, camping, picnicking, radios, mountain bikes or vehicles.

Contact details: 011 482 4797 / 4 Judith Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg / wendavid@mweb.co.za / http://www.mk.org.za

Rietfontein Nature Reserve

Based in Paulshof, this nature reserve is a 24-hectare bushveld and rocky ridge reserve. The reserve is open from 6am – 6pm. It offers walking trails, picnics and day outs. The reserve mainly features flora and bird life, but a lucky few may be privileged enough to spot some buck. This is a perfect spot for those who want to spend a relaxed day surrounded by nature, without travelling too far.

Contact details: 011 943 3578 / 138 Holkam Road, Paulshof / http://www.friendsofrietfontein.org

Norscot Koppies and Kingfisher Nature Reserve

This 16-hectare reserve is tucked away in Douglasdale. They are home to a multitude of flora species and a few fauna like blesbok and duiker. This reserve is only open twice a month, usually in the beginning and again towards the end of the month. Norscot Koppies has a clearly marked self-guided walking trail, where you can learn all about the vegetation of this park.

Contact details: 011 704 5428 / 15 Alexander Ave, Douglasdale, Randburg / https://www.norscotkoppies.co.za/

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

This 4000-hectare reserve came to be in effort to increase the drinking water supply to Pretoria. Entrance to the reserve costs R59 per adult, R32 per pensioner and R11 – R32 for children. The reserve is open at 05:30 – 17:00, September to March and 06:00 – 18:00, May to August. They offer environmental education, tours, guided hikes, night drives, horse trails and camp tours.

Contact details: 012 358 1811 / Rietvlei Nature Reserve, 14 Game Reserve Avenue, Irene / rietvlein@tshwane.gov.za / http://www.tshwane.gov.za

Groenkloof Nature Reserve

This reserve holds the title of oldest nature reserve in Africa. If that isn’t reason enough to visit, they also offer hiking, mountain biking, game drives, horse riding and 4 x 4 routes, as well as game and bird viewing. Entrance to the reserve is R43 per adult, R27 per pensioner, R13 – R27 per child and R120 per vehicle. The reserve is open from 06:00 – 19:00 in summer (September to April) and 06:00 – 18:00 in winter (May to August).

Contact details: 012 358 1757 / Christina De Wit Ave, Road, Pretoria / groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za / http://www.tshwane.gov.za

Faerie Glen Nature Reserve

Faerie Glen Nature Reserve, which used to be a part of Farm Hartbeespoort, protects the critically endangered Bronberg ecosystem. The reserve consists of Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld and Marikana Thornveld and has various species of bird, impala, red hartebeest and zebra. They have an easy (2.3 km), medium (3.2 km) and hard (4.2 km) hiking trail and two lookout points. They offer guided hikes and allow picnicking (no braaing permitted). Entrance is R12 per adult and R6 per pensioner or child.

Contact details: 012 358 1510 / January Masilela Dr, Faerie Glen, Pretoria / natashaz@tshwane.gov.za / http://www.tshwane.gov.za