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NATURE RESERVES
From Kruger to Cape Town and Namaqualand to Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa is home to the most stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna in the world. The nature reserves you can find across the country showcase this wide range of diversity. Often these reserves offer fantastic outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, canoeing and mountain biking.
A nature reserve is an area of land that is protected and managed in order to preserve the flora, fauna, geological features and other special interest within it. Whereas a game reserve mainly specializes in wildlife, a nature reserve protects much more than just fauna. It is looking at the entire ecosystem. All the different components have to be in balance in order to create a thriving reserve. Most of the time the local flora, or some of the fauna, in these reserves are rare or endangered.
The very first nature reserve in South Africa was the Groenkloof Nature Reserve in Pretoria and was established in 1892. Today there are countless nature reserves in the country, varying in size, landscape, flora and fauna. South Africa even has a special nature reserve, the Prince Edward Islands. These types of reserves are highly protected areas and exclude all human activity, except conservation and scientific research.
The nature reserves in South Africa offer a great addition to the popular national parks. The finest flora and fauna and most scenic landscapes can be found in these reserves. Some of the best land-based whale watching can be done from the Walker Bay Nature Reserve in the Overberg region. Beautiful Fynbos vegetation grows in almost all of the Western Cape nature reserves. Hike some of the exceptional scenic trails in the mountainous Drakensberg region. Visit the mangroves in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal provinces or behold the largest green canyon in the world at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in the Panorama Route region.
Nature reserves are excellent locations for exploration and relaxation. Much of this beauty is best experienced on foot and fortunately these reserves offer plenty of trails for you to explore.
NATURE RESERVES
Western Cape
Anysberg Nature Reserve
The Anysberg Nature Reserve is located between the towns of Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu. The reserve is almost 80.000ha in size and consists of plains, deep valleys, steep gorges and beautiful mountainous backdrops. A 4x4 trail and many kilometers of mountain biking and hiking trails are excellent to discover the rich biodiversity of this reserve. Numerous antelope and smaller carnivore species roam here.
Mpumalanga
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is a popular tourist destination in South Africa. Within the reserve lies the third largest canyon in the world, however it is considered the largest green canyon in the world because of its subtropical vegetation. The entire nature reserve provides plenty of dramatic viewpoints. Together with Bourke’s Luck Potholes and a couple of spectacular hiking trails, this reserve is well-worth the visit.
Western Cape
De Hoop Nature Reserve
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is a hidden gem along the coastline of the Western Cape and is bypassed by many tourists. The reserve consists of a couple of different habitats like wetland, sand dunes, mountains, Fynbos, a Marine Protected Area and a sandy and rocky coastline. It is in this MPA that you can find the finest examples of inter-tidal ecosystems in the rock pools and the best way to appreciate it is by snorkeling. Most of the reserve is covered in Fynbos, boasting a wealth of bird, mammal and plant species to discover. And with little dangerous game, hiking is safe.
Western Cape
De Mond Nature Reserve
The De Mond Nature Reserve is located between Struisbaai and Arniston and covers the mouth of the Heuningnes River. This river mouth is a breeding ground for various bird species and home to many reptiles, crustaceans and seahorses. This reserve has an endless beach, coastal dunes covered in Fynbos, crashing waves and a river estuary. The 7km Sterna Trail winds through the reserve and provide excellent opportunity to see the plethora of seabirds, such as the African Oystercatcher, Damara and Caspian Tern.
Western Cape
Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve
The Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve is located to the north of Montagu. It is a 4300ha reserve nestled in a mountainous terrain with beautiful rock formations, a wide variety of protected game and rich in Fynbos and Renosterveld vegetation. There are several hiking trails through the reserve, some with natural rock pools and streams to enjoy. Take one of the game drives, go mountain biking or just enjoy a scenic walk.
Western Cape
False Bay Nature Reserve
The False Bay Nature Reserve lies along the False Bay coast, between Muizenberg and Mitchells Plain. It consists of about 50% permanent wetland and 49% terrestrial vegetation. Over 60% of the bird species in the Southwestern Cape can be found here. With 6 bird hides and 2 observation towers, it’s a birders paradise. The reserve also supports the endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos and Cape Flats Dune Strandveld vegetation, as well as a couple of Hippo’s.
Western Cape
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
The Fernkloof Nature reserve is located all around Hermanus, from its coastline, up into the mountains. This reserve is particularly known for its diverse plant life. Making up only 0.002% of the Cape Floral Kingdom, it is home to 14% (over 1300) of the plant species of that kingdom. No other place on earth has this many species in such close proximity. It has some beautiful mountainous areas and a small patch of evergreen forest. The 60km network of paths offer 4 suggested trails, but endless opportunities.
Western Cape
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
The Gamkaberg Nature Reserve is located to the west of Oudtshoorn and encompasses almost the entire Gamkaberg mountains. This varied terrain includes mountain peaks, plateaus, deep ravines and incredible rock formations. Large numbers of Mountain Zebra roam here, alongside other antelope and smaller predators. Many hiking trails venture through this landscape that is covered with Fynbos and Succulent Karoo.
Kwazulu-Natal
Giant's Castle Nature Reserve
The Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve is located to the west of Mooirivier. Nestled in the foothills of the impressive Drakensberg, offering grassy plateaus, deep valleys, marshy areas (vleis) and indigenous forests. The reserves altitude ranges between 1300m to 3280m and is home to the Bearded Vulture. The Common Eland and Chacma Baboons are commonly seen, while the Mountain Reedbuck and Caracal are occasionally spotted. Giant’s Castle is a true hikers paradise.
Western Cape
Goukamma Nature Reserve
The Goukamma Nature Reserve is located along the coast, between Sedgefield and Knysna. The reserve has a couple of different habitats like dense forests, coastal dunes covered with Fynbos, a long sandy beach with sandstone cliffs, lakes, rivers and estuaries. It boasts over 220 bird species and some small mammal species. You can even spot some whales and dolphins out at sea. Flora and fauna are best experienced via the 4 hiking trails, ranging between 2h and 6h, or canoeing up and down the river.
Western Cape
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is a small (250ha) reserve located to the north-east of Heidelberg. It is one of the largest remaining indigenous forest in the Langeberg region. Dozens of tree species grow here including Stinkwood, Yellowwood, Red Alder and Ironwood. Some of the trees have grown very old and large, giving visitors a magical and fairytale like feeling. 2 hiking trails meander through these forests.
Western Cape
Helderberg Nature Reserve
The Helderberg Nature Reserve is located just outside Somerset West and includes the Helderberg Mountain. There are various hiking trails snaking through this reserve and provide beautiful vistas. The highest peak (1137 m) offers a 360-degree view of Cape Town, the Cape Flats, False Bay and the mountains of the Cape Winelands. The vegetation here is mostly Fynbos, which attracts about 170 bird species to the reserve. It’s a perfect destination for an active city-getaway.
Eastern Cape
Hluleka Nature Reserve
The Hluleka Nature Reserve is located along the coastline, south of Port St Johns. This small reserve offers a landscape rich in diversity and has abundant wildlife. There are rocky seashores, lagoons, grassy hilltops, forests and golden beaches. The rolling hills are covered in forests and are rich in incredible birdlife such as the elusive Narina Trogon. The winding paths through the forest, breathtaking landscape and presence of wildlife makes this reserve a paradise for nature lovers.
Western Cape
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve is a massive 70.000ha reserve and located between Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Grabouw. It is a mountainous reserve with altitudes between 500m and 1590m. With day and multi-day hikes, a mountain bike trail, kloofing trails and a canopy tour, there are plenty of options to experience this scenic beauty. In addition, with over 1300 recorded plant species, 110 bird species, as well as the Leopard, Caracal, Cape Greysbok and Bush Duiker, there is abundant natural beauty to discover.
Western Cape
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve lies near Stellenbosch and incorporates the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to the Jonkershoek Mountains and part of the Jonkershoek Valley, providing beautiful green valleys, waterfalls and rockpools. Over 1100 plant species are found here and a number of small mammals, birds and reptiles. With various short walks and 4 hiking trails (between 5-18km), the reserve offers great exploration.
Western Cape
Keurbooms River Nature Reserve
The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve lies north of Plettenberg Bay, alongside the Keurbooms River. This beautiful reserve is covered by forest, with trees such as Cape Beech, Giant Stinkwoods, Yellowwoods and of course Keurboom trees. There are no hiking trails through this reserve, so getting around is done by river. There is an overnight canoe-trail (7km) up to Whiskey Creek Cabin. The further up the river you go, the more you fall under Keurbooms’ spell.
Western Cape
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve is located to the north of Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond and is often referred to as the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve is filled with mountain peaks, craggy kloofs, valleys and boasts exceptional diversity and quality of Fynbos. There are three patches of indigenous forest which include Yellowwood, Stinkwood and Boekenhout trees. With many day hikes ranging from 5-24km and a multi-day hike, Kogelberg is waiting to be explored on foot.
Western Cape
Limietberg Nature Reserve
The Limietberg Nature Reserve lies to the east of Paarl in the Du Toitskloof Mountains. Some of the highest peaks of the region can be found here with the Du Toit Peak being the highest at 1996m. In winter the highest peaks get covered in snow. There are several walks and hikes through the Fynbos-covered slopes, steep kloofs and deep valleys. It is recommended to be, or go with an experienced hiker when visiting Limietberg.
Western Cape
Marloth Nature Reserve
The Marloth Nature Reserve is located in the Langeberg Mountains, just north of Swellendam. The vegetation is predominantly mountain Fynbos with patches of indigenous forest. The reserve is regarded a dream for flora enthusiasts because of the incredible variety and abundance of wild flowers. Rich in hiking trails, ranging from 2 to 21km in length, that lead you into shady green forest with streams, rock pools and waterfalls.
Eastern Cape
Mkambati Nature Reserve
The Mkambati Nature Reserve is a 7700ha reserve on the coastline of the Wild Coast, between Port Edward and Port St Johns. It is flanked on either side by the forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers. The reserve is predominantly grassland with patches of forest and many rivers and streams leading to the ocean. Of which, the Mkambati river is perhaps the most beautiful. It has many waterfalls and rocky sections before it reaches the ocean. Mkambati is the place for hiking, waterfalls, rugged gorges and a spectacular coastline.
Western Cape
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is located to the east of Franschhoek and lies in the Franschhoek Mountains. There are 10 hiking trails that will pass through the lush greenery, fields of wildflowers and alongside pale brown mountain streams of this reserve, ranging from 2 to 13 km in length. The higher you climb, the more breathtaking the views become, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Mpumalanga
Mount Anderson Wildlife Reserve
The Mount Anderson Wildlife & Water Catchment Reserve is located to the east of Lydenburg and is approximately 20.000ha in size. It supports a vast variety of rare and endangered animals as well as unique plant species. The upper grassland slopes are a sanctuary for many antelope species and the free roaming Leopard, Jackals and Brown Hyaena. The reserve offers game drives and guided walks, but there are also plenty hiking and walking trails from which to enjoy this spectacular scenery and breathtaking views.
Western Cape
Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve lies to the west of Paarl and is named after the 3 massive granite rock formations. They date back over 500 million years and are the second largest granite rocks in the world. These granite rocks shine like pearls when they are washed by the rain. This Fynbos-covered reserve is home to Wild Olives, Rock Candlewoods and Wagon Trees. The network of paths and some stunning 360-degree views make this reserve a relaxing getaway.
Western Cape
Robberg Nature Reserve
The Robberg Nature Reserve is located to the south of Plettenberg Bay and is one of the highlights of the Garden Route. The peninsula is home to rugged cliffs, caves and sandy beaches. Most of the reserve is covered in Fynbos. There are 3 hiking trails that range between 1,5 and 9km in length. These will give you fantastic views across the bay and the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the background. Along the coastline you can spot seal colonies, whales and dolphins further out and a variety of sea birds.
Kwazulu-Natal
Royal Natal National Park
The Royal Natal National Park is located to the south of Phuthaditjhaba and has some of the best mountain scenery of South Africa. Within its borders you will find the Amphitheatre (a 5km long wall, up to 1200m high), the Mont-aux-Source peak (3282m high), the Tugela Falls (948m high), The Policeman’s Helmet (distinctive rock feature) and the Tugela Gorge. A couple of hiking trails offer wonderful scenic views of the mountains, waterfalls and valleys.
Eastern Cape
Silaka Nature Reserve
The Silaka Nature Reserve is a small but beautiful reserve, located just south of Port St Johns. A couple of trails lead through the forest, filled with giant trees covered in moss, lichens and orchids. You might even spot the seldom seen Blue Duiker and Bushbuck. The reserve features some grasslands, mostly magnificent indigenous forest and a dramatic piece of coastline.
Western Cape
Steenbras Nature Reserve
The Steenbras Nature Reserve is located to the south of Gordon’s Bay and is part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Home to a great variety of vegetation and some exciting animals like Chacma Baboons, African Wildcats, Cape Foxes, small antelopes, Caracals and Leopards. This mountainous reserve is well-known for the Steenbras River Gorge, a couple of Crystal Pools and hiking trails. Ideal for hiking, kloof jumping and abseiling.
Western Cape
Stony Point Nature Reserve
The Stony Point Nature Reserve is located on a rocky shoreline of Betty’s Bay. The main purpose of this very small reserve is the conservation of the African Penguin colony that lives here. Boulders Beach and Stony Point are the only 2 mainland colonies of African Penguins in the Western Cape. The boardwalks provide excellent observation on the 2000 breeding pair, but also on the 4 cormorant species (Bank, Cape, Crowned and White-breasted) that breed on the outer rocks. Stony Point is quieter and less of a tourist mecca, compared to Boulders Beach.
Western Cape
Swartberg Nature Reserve
The Swartberg Nature Reserve is located between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert and is a long, narrow stretch of land. The 121.000ha reserve is home to the Gamkaskloof, also known as Die Hel. There are two spectacular mountain passes that cut right through the reserve: the Swartberg Pass (R328) and the Meiringspoort Pass (N12). The vegetation here is mostly Renosterveld, Mountain Fynbos and Spekboom Veld. A couple of day hikes and multi-day hikes take hikers past beautiful rock formations, incredible views and unspoiled vegetation.
Western Cape
Table Bay Nature Reserve
The Table Bay Nature Reserve lies between Table View and Milnerton. It is mostly permanent and seasonal wetlands, with habitats like coastal dunes, floodplains, reedbeds and salt marshes. A couple of boardwalks and 2 bird hides offer great bird sightings. Over 150 bird species, 30 mammal species and 400 plant species call this reserve home, including the endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and Cape Flats Sand Fynbos.
Western Cape
Tygerberg Nature Reserve
Located to the north-east of Cape Town, the Tygerberg Nature Reserve is surrounded by suburbs. It is rich in biodiversity with over 500 plant species, 130 bird species and 20 mammal species. A couple of hiking trails traverse the reserve and lead to various lookout points. On clear days you can see Table Mountain, the Mother City, Robben Island and Cape Flats. This is also home to the critically endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld vegetation.
Western Cape
Walker Bay Nature Reserve
The Walker Bay Nature Reserve is a coastal reserve, located south of Hermanus and Gansbaai. The 17km long coastline of the reserve seems to go on for miles and miles. This coastline is characterized by unspoiled white beaches and rocky limestone outcrops. A variety of hikes along the coast are available, you can access the Klipgat Caves and Walker Bay is often referred to as one of the best spots for land-based whale-watching.
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