Rietvlei Nature Reserve
One of the largest urban nature reserves in the world, the 3 800 hectare Rietvlei Nature Reserve is located south of the city yet still inside its boundaries. At a height of roughly 1700 meters above sea level, or about 300 meters higher than Pretoria, the Rietvlei Natural Reserve in Irene (a neighboring city to Centurion) is located relatively close to the motorway connecting Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport.
The farm Rietvlei always has a few tiny mammals. The Rietvlei Natural Reserve today contains vast herds of indigenous highveld game and provides visitors with a rare opportunity to see many different types of animals thanks to its open grassland habitat. Several of these are only present natively in South Africa (for example the Black Wildebeest and the Blesbok).
Other animals found in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve include the worlds largest antelope, the Eland, Burchell's Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Springbok, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Ostrich, two of Africa's "big five" Buffalo and White Rhino, Bushpig, as well as a number of Black-backed Jackal, Mountain Reedbuck, Oribi, Grey Duiker, Steenbuck, Brown Hyena, Porcupine, Springhare, Aardwolf and Banded Mongoose.
Moreover, Rietvlei has a lot to offer bird enthusiasts. The Secretary Bird frequently stops by, the Blue Crane—South Africa's national bird—is occasionally spotted here, and Rietvlei is home to a pair of Fish Eagles that breed there. The Orange-throated Longclaw, Little Egret, Darter, Reed Cormorant, White-breasted Cormorant, Goliath Heron, African Finfoot, and Green-backed Heron are just a few of the numerous different bird species that can be spotted.
Private cars are allowed in the Rietvlei nature reserve, which provides excellent opportunities to see the highveld fauna of South Africa. At Marais Dam, which is downstream of Rietvlei Dam, there is a bird hide, a picnic park, day and overnight hiking paths, and horse trails (all accompanied by reserve staff). Around a portion of the Rietvlei Dam's banks, there is also a fishing area and camping area.
Address: Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone: +27 12 358 1810
Opening hours: 6 am - 6 pm
Rating: 4.0/5.0, 751 Tripadvisor reviews
Website: https://rietvlei-reserve.co.za/
