Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
The 650ha Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, just 11km south of downtown Johannesburg, is an oasis of calm amid the bustle of the city. Among the largest nature reserves in the Johannesburg metropolitan area, Klipriviersberg (meaning “stone river mountain”) was proclaimed in 1984 to preserve the area’s rich biodiversity and archaeological sites.
The reserve is home to more than 600 plant and 150 bird species. Zebra, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok, duiker, springbok and mountain reedbuck roam freely in the reserve.
Unique artefacts and ancient dwellings have been discovered in the reserve. Nineteen stone-walled Iron Age settlements dating from about 1500 have been identified, along with 90 sites that suggest a large pastoral settlement in the area. Excavations have revealed signs of agrarian production, the rearing of cattle and goats, and hunting, while the remains of a village provide evidence of an early Batswana community that lived on the koppies (“hills”) in the area. The ruins of a house, built in 1850 by voortrekker (“pioneer”) Sarel Marais, are also a point of interest in the reserve.
Visitors to Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve can explore the grassland and koppie landscape on the network of six hiking trails. Although visitors can take in the sites of the reserve in their own time, guided hikes take place every second and fourth Sunday of the month. These start at 08h00 during the warmer months (September to April) and 09h00 in the cooler months (May to August). Horse trails can also be arranged.
Admission
Free
Visiting hours
Daily from 07h00 to 18h00
Directions
From Johannesburg’s N12 southern bypass, take the Kliprivier Road (R566) off-ramp. At the first traffic light, turn left towards Vereeniging and then right on Impala Drive. Turn left at the reserve’s sign board. Alternative entrances are on Peggy Vera Road and Frandaph Drive.