Few people are aware that Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Pretoria is the largest peri-urban nature reserve with wild animals situated within city borders in the world. It is about 4000 hectares (40 km2) in size. The mammal species that you will be able to see here, include rhino, buffalo, lion, hippopotamus, cheetah, black wildebeest, zebra, eland, blesbuck, red hartebeest, springbuck, reedbuck, waterbuck, oribi, duiker, otter, jackal and many more! More than 400 bird species and 530 plant species have been identified here. The reserve also has a group of friends and their website includes information on amphibians and reptiles that have already been identified.
The reserve is made up of open grassland and undulating hills. It has a typical Highveld climate with dry, frosty winters and an average of 724 mm rain in summer. Temperatures fluctuate between an icy -2°C in winter and a hot 34°C in summer. Activities include horse-riding, angling, camping, picnics and night tours, subject to availability and COVID-19 restrictions.
The Rietvlei Nature Reserve Facebook group publishes amazing photos on a daily basis. It offers armchair travellers an opportunity to share in the beauty offered by this unique reserve.
