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South Africa's spectacular nature reserves offer incredilbe diversity
Nature reserves
South African nature reserves - peaceful retreats.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Private and provincial nature reserves conserve over 10% of South Africa's land surface.
When you visit South Africa's nature reserves you'll be astounded by the abundant diversity of plant, animal and marine life plus the stunning natural beauty that the different reserves offer.
Fancy a spot of whale-watching or game viewing, a leisurely beach walk or a mountain hike in Giants Castle Nature Reserve in the Drakensberg? What about immersing yourself in the Western Cape's unique floral fynbos kingdom, or getting into contact with one of humankind's early ancestors?
Maybe you'd rather gaze through the aptly named God's Window in Mpumalanga's Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve where the view is truly divine, or on your way by road from Johannesburg to Cape Town, try your hand at water sports at the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve in the Free State?
If you've no time for a full safari, then pop into the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve near Johannesburg where you'll have encounters of the close kind with lions, rhinos, plains game and a vulture or three. You'll see plentiful game, but not the Big 5, at the Suikersbosrand Nature Reserve, also near Johannesburg. Choose to walk or drive, and the reserve is wheelchair-friendly.
Most nature reserves are run by provincial authorities and provide very good value for money. Private Nature Reserves can also provide budget accommodation, but more often offer something more luxurious.
There's something for everyone in South African nature reserves. If you're in the Western Cape you can score a double whammy by hiking through rare and protected fynbos as you watch whales breach and blow at the Robberg Nature Reserve on the Garden Route near Plettenberg bay. Don't miss the huge Cape fur seal colony, or, if you're interested in history, access the past by visiting one of the Stone Age archaeological sites.
So remember - nature reserves in South Africa are not just about plants and the botanical kingdom, but also about different ecological systems, animals, birds, marine life, anthropology and archaeology and gorgeous scenery. And much, much more...
Travel tips & Planning info
Length of stay
It's up to you. Stay for a night, a few nights, or up to two weeks, depending on the size and range of activities in the reserve
What to pack
Pack warm clothes for cold nights, sturdy hiking boots, water, binoculars, cameras and sunscreen and hats.
Where to stay
There's accommodation to suit all pockets from stylish game lodges to friendly B&Bs. Contact the reserves directly for more information or contact tourism offices around the country.