MOUNT SHEBA NATURE RESERVE

Hidden away against the slopes of Mount Sheba, the 500ha Mount Sheba Nature Reserve is the perfect weekend retreat for tired city-dwellers. The reserve boasts one of the few indigenous forests that remained after most of the indigenous vegetation of the area had to make way for mining and forestry. Red duiker, bushbuck and samango monkey are denizens of this misty mountain retreat where more than 100 tree species as well as ferns, mosses and creepers are flourishing in the damp forest environment. Tree species include yellowwood, Cape chestnut, ironwood, white stinkwood and mountain cedar - the perfect habitat for a wide variety of bird species. As it lies within the escarpment mist belt, the forest is often shrouded in a dense blanket of mist, giving it an almost fairy-like quality. The forest can be explored on foot via a network of nature trails. The reserve is open throughout the year.

Visitors to the reserve can book accommodation at the charming Mount Sheba Hotel which offers luxury suites and time-share cottages (R140 to R165 per person per night). Activities include squash, tennis, trout fishing, snooker and cycling.

How to get there:
From Pilgrim's Rest take the R533 westward towards Lydenburg, turning left at the Mount Sheba signpost after about 12 km. Follow this dirt road to the resort.

Contact details:
Postal address:
PO Box 100, Pilgrim's Rest, 1290, SOUTH AFRICA
Tel (International): +27-13-7681241 (Johannesburg sales) +27-11-7881258
Tel (South Africa): 013-7681241 (Johannesburg sales) 011-7881258