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SUIKERBOSRAND NATURE RESERVE

Situated close to Johannesburg, one of South Africa's most densely populated areas, the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve plays an important role in outdoor recreation, environmental education and resource management. Covering approximately 13 337 ha of kloofs, ridges and plains, the reserve supports a large variety of plant and animal species. Vegetation types range from open grassland on hillsides and plains to wooded gorges and acacia woodland, marshland and fynbos (heath). The reserve was named after the sugarbush (suikerbos), which is spread throughout the reserve. The fast disappearing bankenveld grassland also occurs here, making this one of the Highveld's most valuable reserves.

Mammal species include mountain reedbuck, common duiker and steenbok, grey duiker, baboon, oribi, eland, blesbok, springbok, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, kudu and zebra. Predators roaming this vast sanctuary are cheetah, brown hyena and other smaller species. Over 200 bird species can be observed here. A network of hiking trails, covering approximately 66km in total, allows visitors to get a closer look at the diversity of plant and animal life. The trails vary in length from 1 to 6 days, day walks 10 or 17 km long and a 4,5 km trail. There are six huts situated along these trails, each sleeping ten hikers. Basic facilities include outdoor fireplaces, gaslamps, water and firewood. An interesting option is the meditation hut where visitors can spend time absorbing the serenity and quiet of their surroundings. For the less energetic there is a 60km game-viewing route. Visitors should stop by the information centre at Diepkloof in the northern section of the reserve. Here they can relax at various picnic spots or attend one of the slide or film shows.

Apart from the overnight huts along the trails, alternative accommodation is available at Aventura Heidelbergkloof which has a camping site with 145 stands, ablution facilities and communal kitchen, and Aventura Kareekloof which has a camping site with 120 stands, ablution blocks and kitchen facilities. There are also camps catering for youth groups. The reserve is open throughout the year. Opening time: Reserve - 07h00 to 18h00; resort - 24 hours.

How to get there:
From Johannesburg follow the N3 towards Heidelberg. To reach Diepkloof (reserve headquarters), take the R550 exit westwards and follow signposts to the reserve. Aventura Kareekloof: from Heidelberg take the R42 towards Meyerton and follow signposts, or drive through the reserve from Diepkloof. Aventura Heidelbergkloof: follow signposts form Heidelberg. All access points are signposted.

Contact details:
Postal address:
Private Bag H616, Heidelberg, 2400, SOUTH AFRICA
Tel (International): +27-11-9043930/33/37
Tel (South Africa): 011-9043930/33/37