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

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

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

Lipizzaner Stallions

The famous white Lipizzaner horses can trace their heritage to 16th century Slovenia when Spanish, Arab and Italian horses were cross bred by the Archduke. He wanted to produce a breed suitable for military use displaying such characteristics as stamina, strength, courage and loyalty. 
From this sprang the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and, in order to protect the bloodline, a number of the progeny were spirited out during World War 2 to set sail for South Africa. The descendants of these Lipizzaners are the only performing school outside Vienna recognised and affiliated to the Spanish Riding School.
Choreographed to music, the Lippizaners dance their way through intricate steps with great discipline to enthrall audiences at the weekly shows held at their base in Kyalami about 30 minutes north of Sandton. Shows last an hour and are held most Sundays at 10.30am.
Special events are organised from time to time amongst which the Christmas Carols and Masked Ball are particularly popular.  Corporate events can also be arranged.  Picnic baskets can be ordered in advance of the Sunday performances.


+27 11 702 2103
http://www.lipizzaners.co.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/