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Suikerbosrand Provincial Nature Reserve

Suikerbosrand Provincial Nature Reserve

About an hours drive from Johannesburg and close to the town of Heidelberg you will find the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. The reserve is named after the Transvaal Suikerbos, (Protea Caffra), which outnumbers all plants and vegetation in the 11,595 hectare reserve. Ranging from 1,545m to 1,917m above sea level, the main feature of the reserve that forms its backbone is the Suikerbosrand Mountain Range.

The mountains, valleys and grassy plains together with the extensive flora and fauna make the reserve an excellent destination for hiking, cycling and picnicking. A network of backpacking hiking trails which covers 66 kilometres, has been established, as well as a short, 4km long interpretive trail called the Cheetah Trail. When setting out on foot it is advisable to get an early start, especially in summer as the area can be very hot at midday and is subject to violent thunder storms in the afternoons. The best time to hike in the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is Spring and Autumn. Be prepared for extremes of weather whatever time of the year you do the hike. And for those who prefer the comfort and security of a motor vehicle, there is also a 60km long motor vehicle route. While in the reserve visitors should keep their eyes open for Zebra, Black Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Brown Hyena Mountain Reedbuck, Steenbok, Grey and Common Duiker, Baboon, Blesbok, Springbok, Kudu and Cheetah. Approximately 200 birds have made the reserve their home which has made Suikerbosrand a firm favourite with the birders too.

The flora and fauna is varied and includes a large number of grass species. Trees in the reserve include the white stinkwood, highveld cabbage tree, ouhout, sweet thorn, and the common guarrie. Wild flowers include the agapanthus, disseldoring, wild sweet pea, Orange River lily, and the large witchweed.

Whichever way you choose to explore Suikerbosrand, on foot, mountain bike or by vehicle, it will definitely be worth the effort. An experience to remember!


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