Borokalalo - "The Place Where People Relax"

Borakalalo Nature Reserve in the North West Province is a fisherman's paradise, encircling as it does the large Klipvoor Dam.  This 13 000 hectare reserve was proclaimed in 1984 and the terrain consists of Kalahari woodland and bushveld while  Riverine forest borders the Moratele River.

Besides fishing (permits are available at the entry gate), Borakalalo is a superb birdwatching destination with a list in excess of 350 identified species.  A hide has been erected at a small dam providing a relaxing spot to idle away the time while watching the movements of a variety of birds.  Some highly desirable 'ticks' that have been seen on the river include the elusive Finfoot and the White Backed Night Heron. 

Walking is permitted in a number of areas either self guided or with a Park's guide.  And then there is an extensive list of animals to be seen from white rhino to buffalo and the rare roan antelope plus other plains game.  A pretty picnic site with braais and ablutions is located on the shores of the dam while the gravel roads are well maintained and easily negotiated with a normal sedan car.

Located among the trees on the banks of the river, is an attractive and well laid out camp site.  Other accommodation options are available in permanent tents at two sites.  Not as large nor as crowded as bigger sister Pilanesberg which is not far away, Borakalalo does get busy during school and public holidays.  Only 60 kms north of Brits, this peaceful reserve is easily accessible from both Pretoria and Johannesburg.

http://www.parksnorthwest.co.za/borakalalo/
http://www.borakalalo.co.za

Ezemvelo, a Hidden Gem

Ezemvelo is a beautiful 11 000 hectare nature reserve owned by the Oppenheimer Trust located near Bronkhorstspruit, a mere 90 minutes east of Sandton and even less from Pretoria.  Some years ago, the Trust created the "Diamond Trail" opening up extensive land holdings across the country initially to Birdlife SA but now to the general public.

Extensive plains of Bankenveld, the transition between grassland and savanna biomes, support herds of plains game.  These include eland, gemsbok and tssessebe as well as springbok, blue wildebeest, zebra and giraffe. Elusive nocturnal animals such as brown hyena, jackal, aardwolf and leopard also make their home in the Reserve as well as "Sengi".  Sengi?  More commonly known as the elephant shrew, this seldom seen relative of the elephant thrives amongst the rocky outcrops and boulders.  And the varied habitats make this a birdwatchers paradise with the current list totaling about 250 species.  It is particularly rich in the frustrating LBJ species.

The clear Wilge River meanders through the reserve which, together with spectacular cliffs, rocky outcrops, deep gorges and rock paintings, contribute to a stunning destination. 

Activities are many and varied including an extensive network of roads affording game drives, mountain biking and walking  Several well marked hiking trails have been laid out ranging from about 4 to 12 kms in length and varying from easy to reasonably strenuous.  An inviting swimming pool at the reception area is necessary on those hot days while a beach volleyball court is much in demand.  

A number of options exist for accommodation include a beautifully located and shady camp site complete with electrical points, dormitories, overnight hiking huts, an old farmhouse and comfortable cottages.  And all reasonably priced.

http://www.ezemvelo.co.za/

An Outing in the Magaliesberg

Located a mere 45 minutes north of Sandton and the same distance west of Pretoria, the Hennops 4 x 4 cum Hiking trail is a wonderful outing away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.  The two hiking trails of 11.3 and 6.5 kms both start at the indigenous tree lined Hennops River.  Clearly marked and well maintained, there are even showers at the parking areas.
The former trail crosses the river via a suspension bridge before winding up to the summit of the Skurweberg which runs parallel to the Magaliesberg affording spectacular views south to the Johannesburg skyline and north to - well forever. A birds eye view of the Pelindaba nuclear facility is also presented.  Several interesting historical sites are passed including a field hospital used during the Boer War and the sites of mining activities.  Arriving back at the river, an aerial "foefie slide" type chair is used for the return crossing of the river.
A lovely shady and well grassed picnic site complete with braiis, swimming pools and ablutions, is perfect for a lazy lunch after the exertions of the hike.  Game can be seen during the hikes and birdwatching is rewarding particularly along the riverine forest.  Basic self catering accommodation is available for those wanting to stay overnight.  Other activities include a mountain biking trail and a well known 4x4 trail.
A modest fee is charged for the use of the hiking and MTB trails with a higher fee for the 4x4 trail.  The close proximity to both Jo'burg and Pretoria combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, the great facilities and the well maintained trails make this an outstanding destination. 



http://www.hennops.co.za/default.aspx

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Set among the hills of an ancient volcano lies the stunningly beautiful Pilanesberg Game Reserve adjacent to the world renowned Sun City complex. The latter includes hotels, a casino, two world class golf courses and an entertainment complex.  Not strictly located in Gauteng, Pilanesberg is within easy reach of Pretoria and Johannesburg for a day's outing but of course, a longer stay in the area will only enhance the experience.
It is estimated that the volcano erupted some 1 300 million years ago and geologically, the area is unique and attracts much interest internationally.  Just how huge the eruption must have been can be ascertained by the three distinct sets of concentric hills today.  Several Iron Age sites have been excavated in the area indicating that man was settled in the area at that time.
Work was begun in the 1970's to develop the Sun City complex and, to add to the attraction, the then government proclaimed the 55 000 ha Pilanesberg Game Reserve in 1979.  It is named after "Pilane", a Tswana chief in the area. Over the years, the former farming area has been rehabilitated and restocked with game that occurred in the area originally.  It includes the 'Big 5' plus many other rarely seen species eg wild dog, brown hyena, sable antelope etc. An unusual overlap of various species occur in Pilanesberg for example red eyed and black eyed bulbuls, impala and springbok, etc. By the way, birdwatching is particularly rewarding in the Reserve.  Because the animals have not been persecuted and are reasonably habituated to vehicles, really excellent sightings are the norm. 
The reserve infrastructure includes over 200 kms of good gravel roads, several hides, picnic sites and even a restaurant.  Apart from Sun City's multiple hotels, the Reserve owns and operates two camps consisting of chalets and caravan and camping sites. Furthermore, several private lodges located on the perimeter of the Reserve also offer excellent accommodation.
Game drives are offered from these establishments and hot air balloon rides are also available.  Being in the malaria free Bushveld only adds to the desirability of the destination 
Be aware though, because of the proximity to Gauteng, the high quality of game viewing and the hotel availability, Pilanesberg is a tourist hotspot and does get crowded so try and avoid school holidays, public holidays and weekends.



http://www.pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za/
http://www.parksnorthwest.co.za/pilanesberg/
http://pilanesberggamereserve.co.za/?source=google&medium=cpc&campaign=%22Pilansberggamereserve.co.za%20Search%22&adgroup=%22Pilansberg%20Game%20Reserve%22&gclid=CLm9r7PAp7oCFXHJtAodtw8AKQ
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilanesberg_Game_Reserve

A Nature Reserve in Jo'burg

Situated 15 minutes south of the Central Business District of Johannesburg and surrounded by residential suburbs, lies the pretty 680 ha Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. The Klip River has cut a valley through the hills which allows it to meander gently through the Park to eventually join up with the Vaal River.
An extensive series of well-maintained and marked hiking paths can be linked up thereby offering distances of up to 12 kilometres and of differing exertion levels from fairly flat to reasonably strenuous.  Superb views can be had from the summit of the hills looking north to the City skyline and south over farmlands and further rolling hills.  During winter, the hills are covered in beautiful flowering aloes.  Birdlife is extensive particularly in summer and the Reserve is home to a number of wild animals including blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, zebra, blesbok etc.
Archeological digs reveal that the area supported human settlements dating back several hundreds of years.  Pioneer farming in the 18th century and skirmishes between the Boer and British forces during the Boer War add interest to the history of the area.  Geologically, the Klip Riviers Berg is also interesting being formed from lava deposits.
Guided walks are conducted regularly but exact dates and times should be checked in advance. For equine enthusiasts, it is possible to arrange horse trails as well.  A small picnic area complete with benches and a toilet offer the necessary comfort amenities.  Entrance is free. 



http://www.klipriviersberg.org.za/ 
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/klipriviersberg_nature_reserve/

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

The SA National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) oversee a number of National Botanical Gardens across the country, probably the most famous of which is the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. Some 30 years ago, the Roodepoort and Krugersdorp Municipalities made available some 300 hectares of land to start the Transvaal Botanical Gardens, more recently renamed the Walter Sisulu NBG. 
 Located on the northern slopes of the 'white waters ridge', it is centred around the beautiful Witpoortjie waterfalls and preserves a sample of the Rocky Highveld Grassland and the indigenous flora.  A 4.5 kilometre walking trail winds up the ridge providing spectacular views towards Pretoria and, at the same time, a good workout.
But it is perhaps best known for the mating pair of Black or Verraux's Eagles that have nested on the cliffs next to the waterfall rearing chicks year after year.  They are known to hunt for food as far away as the Magaliesberg. 
A full programme of entertainment is offered including live musical afternoons usually in winter, a Christmas Carol performance and talks on butterflies, astronomy, geology etc.  Picnics on the swathes of lawn and under shady trees are popular and children love the 'train' rides operated by a charity over the weekends. A restaurant offers teas, breakfast and light lunches.  Perhaps inspired by the plants seen in the gardens, indigenous plants may be purchased at the nursery on the way out.

http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/walter_sisulu_botanical_gardens/

The Place of Salt

Tswaing is Tswana for Place of Salt (Saltpan in English and Soutpan in Afrikaans) and, strangely, is a National Museum, so designated to preserve a large meteorite crater.  Why should that be strange you may ask?  Well, Tswaing also comprises an approximate 2 000 hectare nature reserve complete with plains game.
This crater can be seen from outer space and is over 1 kilometre wide and 100 metres deep and is estimated to have been formed over 200 000 years ago when a stony meteorite with a diameter of between 30 and 50 metres hit the earth. Water in the crater comes from surface springs, ground water and rain water and is rich in dissolved carbonates and sodium chlorides.

Stone tools from the Middle Stone Age reveal that the crater was regularly visited by people from as far back as 100 000 years ago in order to hunt and collect salt.  It is believed that Tswana and Sotho people also harvested the salt between 1200 AD and 1800 AD.  Between 1912 and 1956, soda ash and salt was extracted in a commercial operation.
A pleasant picnic site under shady trees complete with braai facilities and toilets is the starting point for a fairly gentle and attractive 8 kilometre walk that leads to the crater floor.   As a bonus, it is a good birdwatching destination with a good variety of waterbirds in the crater and Bushveld birds in the surrounds.
Approximately 35 kilometres north west of Pretoria, this potential World Heritage site  is well worth a visit.


www.ditsong.org.za/tswaing.htm
www.hartrao.ac.za

Suikerbosrand - a Nature Reserve

Suikerbosrand (Afrikaans for Sugarbush ridge, the Sugarbush or protea caffra is a protea species found in the reserve) is a delightful 13 000 hectare reserve providing a quiet refuge a mere 30 minutes south of the busy concrete jungle of Johannesburg on the N3 motorway to Durban. The "ridge" or mountain range which comprises the bulk of the reserve, rises to the highest point in Gauteng at approximately 2000m above sea level and consists mainly of grassland forested with indigenous trees in the ravines and some acacia karoo on the southern slopes. 

A scenic 60 km circular drive traversing the mountain range, is marked at various points of interest and boasts a pretty picnic area half way round complete with braai (or barbecue) facilities and toilets.  A large playground and a 19th century historic farmyard (tours may be arranged), form part of the main picnic area located at the entrance.  Horse trails can be arranged in advance.
Over 20 species of game including eland, zebra, black wildebeest, springbuck, hartebeest, kudu, tssesseb, leopard etc roam the reserve while birdwatching can turn up some special species (total 286) such as the Orange River Francolin.  Both cycling and hiking are popular activities: the circular drive provides a stern test for the cyclists while hiking trails range from 4.5kms to 17kms for single day outings.  A network of additional trails allows up to 6 days of hiking to be undertaken complete with overnight huts.

Hotel accommodation (3/4 star quality) is available in a secluded valley.
Contact the Reserve: +27 11 904 3930
           Protea Hotel: +27 16 365 5334


  http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/suikerbosrand_nature_reserve/

Anyone for Indigenous?

After several days of cool, rainy weather, Easter Saturday dawned with bright sunshine and crisp blue skies, just the invitation to head out of town to Muldersdrift and The Random Harvest Indigenous nursery. Our outing started with a general pottering around and checking out the plants, shrubs and trees (the nursery had mounted a wonderful display of succulents and cacti), a strenuous appetite building exercise that was satisfied with an above average breakfast. This was served underneath the acacias and included farm butter and milk, homemade bread and jams to supplement the staple eggs and bacon.  Delicious.
After some advice on ridding our lawn of the ever encroaching weeds and the purchase of some bulbs and succulents, we were done.
It is without doubt our favorite nursery.  Why?  It is in the country, it sells a staggering array of indigenous trees and plants, a very high quality standard is it maintained, displays are interesting and change frequently, expert advice is freely available, staff are pleasant and helpful and and and.  Oh and there is a play area for the younger members of the family and it is also possible to wander around to see the farm animals.  Bottom line, it is so much more than a nursery but is an experience and an outing.
Do you feel like a break for a night or two in the country?  Random Harvest have a couple of wonderful cottages to rent complete with DSTV and all the other little touches you would expect from a quality operation.  A chatty online newsletter is also available free of charge.  

http://www.randomharvestnursery.co.za/

Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre

A little more than an hour's drive north of Johannesburg and even less from Pretoria on the gently sloping northern side of the Magaliesberg lies an oasis, the Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre.  Some 30 years ago, the doyen of Herbs in the country, began transforming a typical and fairly barren piece of Bushveld land into what is now a restful and peaceful garden. Not that the Centre is complete; due in early 2014 will be a lavender garden complete with benches inviting the weary to "come aside and rest awhile".
The Centre incorporates a number of elements starting with the extensive and beautifully laid out gardens planted with every imaginable herb plant, bush and tree.  Delicious refreshments, different, freshly made and naturally incorporating herbs, ranging from cakes and muffins to light lunches are available from the restaurant.
Children will enjoy the Fairy Gallery while expending energy as they rush around chasing butterflies and discovering the thoughtfully placed "fairy playground" and clay rabbits.  Of course, a nursery offers a wide variety of reasonably priced plants and trees for those who want to start or extend a herb garden.
For those mementos and gifts, a well stocked shop provides a wide variety of soaps, jams, books and many other things with a herbal connection.  For those who are interested in birdwatching, take a pair of binoculars because a combination of the lush gardens, large shady trees, water and the Bushveld environment attracts many of the more unusual specie.  
Only open on Wednesdays and usually a monthly Saturday workshop, it is best to phone ahead to check.  It is a very worthwhile and different days outing.

www.margaretroberts.co.za