Rietvlei Nature Reserve and Game Reserve

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Pretoria is one of the world's largest urban nature reserves, 3 800 hectares in extent, situated south of the city but still within the city limits. The Rietvlei Nature Reserve lies very close to the highway between Pretoria and Johannesburg International Airport at a height of about 1700 m above sea level, which is about 300 m higher than Pretoria.

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve is situated only 18 km from the City centre of Pretoria and 38 km from Johannesburg International Airport.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve: There were always some small mammals on the farm Rietvlei. The Rietvlei Nature Reserve has been restocked with game that is endemic to the highveld and is now home to large herds of game and because of its open grassland landscape it offers visitors a unique opportunity to view many species of animals.

RIETVLEI ANIMALS:

Some of these occur naturally only 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. Recently a family group of five hippos as well as cheetah were introduced to Rietvlei.

Come to Rietvlei Nature Reserve to encounter Cheetah, Leopard, Buffalo and White rhinoceros on guided hiking- and horse trails. Day and weekend trails are available. Discover the secrets of the reserves natural environment through various educational programmes presented by qualified guides. Booking is essential for all activities.

Rietvlei also offers lots to interest bird lovers. South Africa's national bird, the Blue Crane, is seen here from time to time, the Secretary Bird is a regular visitor and Rietvlei is home to a breeding pair of Fish Eagles. In addition many other species of bird can be seen including the Orange-throated Longclaw, the Little Egret, the Darter, the Reed Cormorant, the White-breasted Cormorant, the Goliath Heron, the African Finfoot and the Green-backed Heron.

The reserve is open to the private vehicles and offers superb sightings of the wild life of the South African highveld. There is a bird hide and an area set aside for pic-nics at Marais Dam upstream from Rietvlei Dam and there are day and overnight hiking trails as well as horse trails (all accompanied by reserve staff). There is also a fishing area/camping site along part of the banks of Rietvlei Dam.

Open daily from 8:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 6:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Entrance to the reserve closes at 16:00. An entrance fee is charged for persons aged 6 years and older.

Entrance Fees are subject to change, so please phone to confirm.

Season tickets are available for day visits, and are valid for 6 months. Season tickets are not transferable.

Enquiries at the gate and at +27 (0)12 345 2274

Directions: Boeing Str past Route 21 Corporate park and keep straight at the stop street. Rietvlei Nature Reserve Comes up on the left and is well sign posted.

Gauteng.coms Visit :
The day of our visit in winter was freezing cold and slightly rainy, something I have realised is perfect for a game drive. The staff are helpful and friendly and the animals were playing along. We saw the 5 rhino, plenty of Zebra, Blesbok, Eland and Wildebeest and being cold they were active and easy to spot. The bird hide and picnic area were a bit chilly due to the cold front, and the picnic area might tend to get crowded on a windy day. Although wheelchair friendly, the picnic area is on a steep incline and could prove quite difficult to push.
Braai facilities are available as well as ablutions, just bring your own food and gear.
The only thing missing is a childrens play area which could prove really usefull after a long sit in the car, but over all this reserve is well worth the visit.

Angling area: tel 012 345 3917

Times of admission: 06:00 to 18:00, every day of the week.

Only permit holders may enter. Permits are available at the angling gate itself. Entrance through the angling gate.

Tariffs are prescribed for persons aged 6 years and older, please phone to confirm the tariff amount as it is subject to change.

Season tickets for day visitors to the angling area are available on request. A season ticket is not transferable.

Overnight facilities:
•Camping area with ablution blocks.
(Camping for maximum of 60 days / calendar year / person)
Maximum 60 people per night for the entire camping site
Prices on request, very reasonable

• Self Catering Chalet (maximum 6 persons)
A rate is charged per night as well as a refundable damage deposit. Prices on request.

Toilet and braai facilities available

Fish in the dam are carp, yellowfish, catfish and kurpers.

No canoes, boats or bait boats are allowed on the water. No swimming!

Yacht Club

Only club members are allowed to enter.
Contact the Secretary at 012 345 0621 / 082 488 9900 for more information. Email: psc@sailing.org.za. No other members of the public will be allowed on the water.

Lapa

Booking of the Lapa at Tel: 012 345 2274, at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve is essential. All bookings must be made three weeks in advance.

* Access is from Olifantsfontein Road.
* The lapa can accommodate between 30 and 200 people. (maximum 200)
* Tariffs are charged per occasion and a refundable damages deposit must be paid in advance.
* Firewood is supplied. There is a person at the entrance gate and a person at the Lapa as caretaker and guard.. Power points, an icemachine, stove, walk-in refrigerator, cushions and toilet facilities are also available.
* No loud music will be allowed and groups must be out by 24:00. (no exception)
* No entrance into the reserve allowed except by prior arrangement and after paying the normal entrance fees.

Fish Eagle Lapa:

Max 30 people allowed. Booking essential and payment must be made in advance. Entrance gained from the Angling Gate at Rietvlei Nature Reserve.

A tariff is charged per occasion as well as a refundable damages deposit.

Firewood is supplied. No load music will be allowed and groups must be out by 24:00.
Bus tours

A group may organize a bus themselves if they wish to do so at normal entrance prices and an extra fee for the guide.
Organized environmental youth groups with own bus will be charged a fee, which will include a guide.
Organized environmental youth group children under 6 years with own bus will only be charged per child.

Hiking

The Reserve offers daily and overnight hiking trails under guidance of a nature conservationist. Please book trails at least 2 weeks in advance. Times are from Friday afternoons to Sunday afternoons. Facilities include two overnight rondavels with beds and mattresses, hot (solar heated) and cold water, limited cooking utensils and firewood. No electricity. The route covers a distance of 21 kms across a 3800 ha terrain supporting some 1500 head of game. There are several historical structures on the route.

Tariffs:
Day hiking trails (10 - 15 persons), 4 hours long and guided: will pay a deposit and a fee per person
Overnight hiking (6-8 persons) From the Friday to the Sunday afternoon: will pay a deposit and a fee per person.

Horse rides

Day rides and overnight rides are available. Day rides last approximately 4 hours and night rides from Friday 17:00 to 14:00 on Sundays. It is possible to book different times in advance. Rides take place under guidance of a Nature Conservationist, and each rider is provided with his own horse, saddle and saddle bags. The route covers a distance of 36kms. Riders must be able to ride and have some experience.

Age restriction: No person under the age of 12
Weight restriction: No person over 120kg
Tariffs:
Day rides (6-8 persons): require a deposit; plus a fee per person.
Overnight rides (6-8 persons): require a deposit; plus a fee per person.

Night drives

From 18:00 to 22:30 on Mondays to Saturdays (under guidance). The Reserve caters for groups of 10-20 persons. Wood, fire and blankets are supplied. Game is tracked from open cross-country vehicles by spotlights. The winter months are extremely cold and warm clothes are essential. Bring and braai afterwards (own food, drinks and cutlery). (No charge for the use of the Fish Eagle Lapa with night drives)

Tariffs:
Include a deposit and an amount per person.

Environment Education Centre

The Reserve has an Environment Education Centre where nature conservationists offer educational programmes to school children and other interest groups.

Day groups (minimum of 10 and maximum of 120 children).
Per child fee
Adult personnel and parents accompanying group: fee and a deposit

For further information or bookings:
Tel: 012 345 2274 or 012 345 5103.

For relevant visits, organised groups may apply in writing to:

The Manager: Conservation and Resorts
Attention Mr R Marais
PO Box 1454
Pretoria
0001