WILLEM PRETORIUS GAME RESERVE

This well-known reserve is situated in the heart of the Free State with the Allemanskraal Dam (surface area: 2 771ha) forming the central part. The reserve itself covers some 12 005ha. The great variety of game and bird species is not the only draw card for tourists. In the northern section of the reserve visitors will find stone ruins dating back to prehistoric Sotho occupation. One of these settlements has been restored and proclaimed a national monument.

The southern part of the reserve consists of undulating plains of grassland, contrasting with the rocky ridges and ravines in the northern section. Among the many game species are buffalo, giraffe, plains zebra, reedbuck, black wildebeest, white rhinoceros, red hartebeest, kudu, eland, gemsbok, springbok, impala and blesbok. Birdlife is prolific, totalling about 220 species - martial and fish eagles and flocks of aquatic birds will be one of the highlights on the twitcher's itinerary. No large predators occur here - caracal and blackbacked jackal are the two largest carnivores in the reserve. An extensive network of roads ensures excellent game viewing. Other activities include fishing (permit available from office), boating, swimming and tennis.

Accommodation caters for every taste and budget. An Aventura public holiday resort at the western entrance has two-bed rondavels, each with lounge/dining room, kitchen and bathroom. In addition there are also more basic two-bed rondavels, cabins and family cottages, as well as a caravan and camping site with ablution facilities. Within the boundaries of the reserve there are ten fully-equipped chalets, a caravan and camping ground with ablution facilities, and a bush camp (sleeping sixteen people) with separate ablution and kitchen facilities. A licensed restaurant and a shop shop selling fresh produce and fuel form part of the well-developed infrastructure of the reserve. Opening time: (Reserve) summer - 06h00 to 19h00; winter - 08h00 to 18h00. (Resort) 24 hours.

A special feature of the reserve is the environmental education centre, controlled by the Directorate of Environmental and Nature Conservation. The centre has ten chalets, a recreation hall, conference facilities, a restaurant and a swimming pool. This facility is open throughout the year.

How to get there:
From Bloemfontein take the H1 towards Kroonstad. About 30km north of Winburg take the signposted right turn to the reserve and continue for 8km to the entrance. Access is also possible from the R70 between Ventersburg and Senekal. An entrance fee is charged.

Contact details:
Postal address: Private Bag X07, Ventersburg, 9450, SOUTH AFRICA
Tel (International): +27-5777-4003 or 4004
Tel (South Africa): 05777-4003 or 4004
Fax (International): +27-5777-4005
Fax (South Africa): 05777-4005
Web Home Page: http://www.glen.agric.za/nature/wpw.htm