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/

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/

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/