See wildebeests and lions in their natural habitat from inside your own car in this vast wildlife reservation. Hike or camp here for a more immersive experience.
Cheetah, wildebeests and hundreds of species of birds roam the 9,390 acres (3,800 hectares) of the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Drive, hike or camp in the extensive park, which contains grassland, hills and densely packed forest.
Around 2,000 animals live in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, which is one of the largest urban nature reserves in the world. Drive through the park and look for black wildebeest and blesbok, a type of South African antelope. Scan the landscape for anthills.
A lion enclosure separate from the rest of the park lets you see these massive predators in the wild. Go to the reserve’s coffee shop to set up a guided tour of the lion enclosure for a fee.
Bird watchers will enjoy spotting more than 240 species of bird that live in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Head to the wetland areas around the reservoir to see the largest concentration of bird species. Watch the reservoir to see the African fish eagle catch its prey on the surface and look for the colorful purple gallinule along the shoreline.
Hike on one of many trails through the park. Pay to take a guided 2-day trek and stay overnight in huts. Horses are available to ride through the reserve if you book in advance. Tours start at the reserve’s coffee shop.
Drive through the park by night to see some of its rare nocturnal species. Witness aardvarks, hyenas and porcupines prowling the land for food. If you want to stick around until the next morning, set up camp at the reserve’s campsite. You can cook dinner in the barbecue facilities.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve is named after the Rietvlei Dam inside of the park, which provides Pretoria nearly a fifth of its water supply. Go freshwater fishing for tilapia, yellowfish and catfish on the reservoir next to the dam.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve is located 16 miles (26 kilometers) south of Pretoria city center. It is best to reach the park by car, so you can explore the extensive roads on your own.
The park is open daily and there is an admission fee. All activities involving a guide cost extra.
