Rietvlei Nature Reserve Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Located in the Gauteng region of South Africa, Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a stunning natural oasis just outside of Pretoria. Spanning over 3800 hectares, this expansive reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the African bushveld.
The reserve is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as game drives, bird watching, and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the reserve in search of the iconic African Big Five – lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards – as well as a host of other species including giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The reserve's birdlife is equally impressive, with over 200 species of birds making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
In addition to its wildlife, Rietvlei Nature Reserve boasts a picturesque landscape of open grasslands, wetlands, and shimmering blue waterways. The Rietvlei Dam is a focal point of the reserve, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking along its shores. The scenic surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for photography and relaxation, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the reserve's ecosystem, there are educational facilities and guided tours available. The reserve's conservation efforts and environmental initiatives are showcased, providing valuable insight into the importance of preserving South Africa's natural heritage.
Gauteng
Rietvlei Nature Reserve Attractions - What to See and Explore
Rietvlei Nature Reserve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rietvlei Dam. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Learn when is the best time to travel to Rietvlei Nature Reserve weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Cheetah
The cheetah is a large cat native to Africa and central Iran. It is the fastest land animal, capable of running at 80 to 128 km/h, and as such has several adaptations for speed, including a...
Mammals
Common Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus, also called the hippo, common hippopotamus or river hippopotamus, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal and ungulate native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Mammals
Leopard
The leopard is one of the five extant species in the genus Panthera, a member of the Felidae. It occurs in a wide range in sub-Saharan Africa, in small parts of Western and Central Asia, on...
Mammals
Ground pangolin
The ground pangolin, also known as Temminck's pangolin or Cape pangolin, is one of four species of pangolins which can be found in Africa, and the only one in southern and eastern Africa.
Mammals
White rhinoceros
The white rhinoceros or square-lipped rhinoceros is the largest extant species of rhinoceros. It has a wide mouth used for grazing and is the most social of all rhino species.
Mammals
Gauteng