Buffalo are one of many species at the Lama-Lama Game Reserve. Photo courtesy Ikiwana/Wikipedia

Those of us living in the big cities often imagine game reserves to be a good four or five hours away by car, but the truth is that in Gauteng you are never too far from being immersed in natural surroundings. Lama-Lama Game Reserve and Conference Centre is one such place, and is located just 30 minutes north of Pretoria.

It is part of the Leeuwfontein Collaborative Reserve, which is made up of nearly 3 000ha. Lama-Lama has kudu, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, and many more species, not to mention extensive bird life. You can simply drive through and take your time trying to spot the wildlife in the reserve. But you can also choose to take a day pass, or even stay the night if you feel like a longer break.

There are many aspects to Lama-Lama, including the conference centre and frequent church services. It comes as no surprise that it is often used as a wedding venue.

The reserve is part of a larger government project and will one day be part of a much larger Big Five game reserve.

Admission

R96,90 (day visitor)

Directions

Take the N1 towards Polokwane (Pietersburg) up to the Zambezi Road off-ramp. Turn right towards Cullinan. Proceed for about 1km to the first set of traffic lights after the onramp to the highway. Turn left towards KwaMhlanga. Proceed for about 44km (past the Roodeplaat Dam and past the two new traffic circles at the new Big Tree Shopping Centre) up to the four-way stop in Moloto. Turn left (direction Rust de Winter) and proceed for 11,5km. Entrance to Lama-Lama is on the right hand side.

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