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Get the most out of Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve with this insider’s guide!
Last spring, I found myself yearning for a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. A friend suggested a visit to Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, and I thought, “Why not?”
Little did I know, this hidden gem just south of Johannesburg would become my sanctuary. From breathtaking hikes to serene picnic spots, it offered a perfect escape.
I’ll guide you through its wonders below!
Things to Know
Website: https://klipriviersberg.org.za/
Address: 129 Peggy Vera Road, Kibler Park, Johannesburg South
Phone: +27 84 804 4073
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM
Admission Fee:
- Free
Background
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Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is a large nature reserve located 11 kilometres south of Johannesburg.
It stretches over 640 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora, bird species, and mammals.
Visitors can explore hiking trails and numerous archaeological sites. Moreover, the Bloubosspruit River flows through the area!
The reserve also has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times and played a significant role in the Second Boer War. It was officially declared a nature reserve in 1984.
How to Get to Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
By Bus: Bus line 056B passes near Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. You can alight at the Gordon Road & Battersea Drive Bus Stop, which is a short walk from the reserve.
By Taxi: If you’re taking a taxi, the base fare is around R70, with an additional charge of about R9.50 per kilometre. You can set your drop-off point at the main entrance on Peggy Vera Road.
By Car: There is parking available at the main entrance of the reserve on Peggy Vera Road.
What to Do and See in Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Explore hiking trails
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From leisurely strolls to more challenging paths, there are hiking trails for everyone here! One of my favourites winds through dense bushveld, offering glimpses of indigenous flora and fauna.
The panoramic views from the higher trails are worth the climb, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Visit historical sites
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At the reserve, you’ll find the remnants of the large Tswana community that once thrived here. You can see the original stone walls that surrounded their kraals, providing a glimpse into their way of life
Another intriguing spot is the ruins of Sarel Marais’s 1850 fruit farm, destroyed by fire, with the family cemetery located nearby.
The Vierfontein Dam at the northern end once supplied Johannesburg with water in the late 1880s and now showcases large quartzite blocks quarried in Mondeor.
Bring your binoculars and enjoy bird-watching
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This reserve is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 230 bird species recorded so far. I’ve found that the best way to encounter the bird life here is on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the diverse habitats.
The reserve features a mix of well-wooded hills, montane grassland, and a small wetland, each teeming with different bird species.
In the valleys, keep an eye out for Jameson’s firefinch and red-collared widowbird. During summer, you might spot paradise flycatchers and various warblers in the denser thickets.
Have a relaxing picnic
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A picnic area is near the entrance of the reserve. It’s equipped with braai facilities, making it easy to enjoy a proper South African outdoor meal.
Join a guided walk
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Lasting about three hours, the guided walks here are led by specialists who provide insightful information about the diverse plants and animals in the reserve.
The cost is R100 for a family of five or R50 per adult and R30 per child over three years old.
Where to Eat in Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Kraal Restaurant
Website: https://www.thabahotel.co.za/kraal-restaurant/
Phone: +27 11 959 0777
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 7 AM to 10 PM
The Kraal Restaurant is a cosy spot perfect for unwinding and savouring great food and wine.
You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors on the front and back decks. Alternatively, you can also sit in the garden area where children can enjoy the kiddies’ outdoor play area.
We suggest starting with the mussels and chicken livers, which are very tasty and come in large portions. For mains, the chicken and rib combo and the beef bourguignon are amazing and can be shared between two people.
Where to Stay in Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Thaba Eco Hotel
Website: https://www.thabahotel.co.za/
Phone: +27 11 959 0777
Thaba Eco Hotel offers a luxurious, eco-friendly retreat with stunning views.
Its rooms are spacious and well-appointed, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment for guests. Additionally, it has a spa that offers a range of luxurious treatments such as full body massage and facial treatments.
Most notably, they offer the Eco Drive, which lets you see wildlife outside the hotel grounds!
