| Game Drives (Outsourced to Non-Reserve Entities)
Only a short drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria situated in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, is the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. With over 600 head of game, this is the perfect setting for admiring nature on your doorstep.
More than thirty species of game, including three of the big five, an be viewed from open vehicles in the presence of an experienced SATOUR-registered guide. These include Kruger Lion, White Rhino and Buffalo. Endangered species, such as wild dog have been reintroduced into the area. Cheetah, hippo, crocodile and more than 20 species of antelope will also be part of this experience. From a vulture hide, the visitor has the opportunity to view and photograph the rare Cape Vulture. Proof that leopard occasionally traverse the area has also been found.
Day or night drives, with a duration of roughly two and a half hours are conducted seven days a week. These can be incorporated with a braai or a tour of the Wonder caves for that special outing or enjoy the lion feed on Saturdays and Sundays. Big groups and schools are welcome.
For more information and bookings contact the Conserv Booking and Information Office on (011) 957 0034 or (011 947-0109 or make an online booking. Book your seats now!
Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve History
The Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve is a privately owned, non-subsidesed game reserve, covering approxmiately 1 100 ha on the typical highveld of Gauteng. The reserve is situated in the "Cradle of Humankind", a declared World Heritage Site, about 40 km north-west of Johannesburg and 60km west of Pretoria.
The reserve was founded in 1985 by Ed Hern, a well known stockbroker, with the aim of preserving this beautiful area for private leisure. Prior to this the farm was utilised as a dairy and agricultural produce farm. From a modest beginning of two white rhinos, "Ouvrou" and "Bulle", imported from a zoo in Germany, and some antelope species, the reserve now boasts 600 head of game representing 25 different species. Public demand to visit the reserve became overwhelming and this was met in 1990, coinciding with a name change from "Kiepersol" to "Rhino Park".
Emphasis was also placed on breeding and the success of this project is best illustrated by the fact that no less than 18 white rhino calves have been born at the reserve to date. Increasing the number of species is always hampered by external factors such as climate, habitat, grazing, availability, etc. but the reserve has always strived to reach this goal in order to enhance the entertainment and educational value to the public - many of whom would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience wildlife in this manner due to cost and distance constraints.
For obvious reasons, the rare and dangerous species have a greater attraction value, and this led to the introduction of lions, cheetah and later, the highly endangered Cape wild dog. The latter have formed part of a very successful breeding programme which has, in turn, led to breeding programmes for Bengal tigers, Siberian tigers, Whte Tigers and the extremely rare white lion (one of which was born at the reserve in 1999). These activities have seen the staff complement at the reserve grow from 5 to 35 people employed on a full time basis.
Once again the name was changed to "Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve" in order to reflect the new attractions and to differentiate between the reserve and its competitors.
The management of the reserve were still not satisfied and hence the re-introduction of warthog, after a long absence from the Gauteng highveld, was successfully implemented. A natural development was the establishment of a vulture restaurant which caters for the groups of these magnificent birds which live in the nearby Magaliesberg. Through the generosity of the general public and farmers, who donate carcasses to the reserve on a regular basis, this venture has proven highly successful. Often one can view as many as 200 birds feasting at the reserve.
Visitor numbers increased to such an extent that the reserve is one of the Johannesburg's Big 5 Tourist Destinations. This growth necessitated the construction of peripheral visitor facilities which include, for the general public, individual barbecue (braai) areas, a kiosk, curio shop, swimming pool, volleyball court and the Crocodile Pub where visitors can enjoy a quiet sundowner while watching crocodiles at close range.
Accommodation is available in different concepts but both on an exclusive basis. Firstly, three fully equipped, self-catering chalets are available with a private swimming pool and lapa. This complex sleeps 12 - 16 people and is ideal for family gatherings or small business workshops.
Day Visitors can enjoy the following:
* Swimming pool
* Kiosk
* 30 Braai areas
* Crocodile enclosure
* Curio Shop
* Thatched lapa for hire on daily basis
* Special School Outings
* Entrance to Lion and Predator Camps
Access times as follows:
Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve : Main Entrance
Entering times
08h00 - 16h00 (Weekdays)
08h00 - 16h30 (Weekends and Public Holidays)
Gates lock at
17h00 (Weekdays)
18h00 (Weekends and Public Holidays)
Lion & Predator Camp
Entering times
08h30 - 16h00
Gates lock at
16h30
Feeding time
Lions : 13h00 (Sundays)
Predators : Enquire at gate
Croc Pub
10h00 - 16h00 (weekdays)
10h00 - 16h30 (Saturdays)
10h00 - 17h00 (Sundays and public holidays)
Kiosk & Curio Shop
08h30 - 16h30 | 
