Kloofendal Nature Reserve

Kloofendal Nature Reserve
For an escape from the day to day grind of the city, its time to head to Kloofendal Nature Reserve. The reserve is situated in the Roodepoort suburb of the same name, on Gautengs West Rand. This 150-hectare ecotourism and cultural heritage park was one of Johannesburgs first nature reserves and is of high conservation value as it is a transition zone between the Bankenveld, Drakensberg and Savana ecosystems.

For those who enjoy putting on the hiking boots there are a number of walking trails of various distances so be sure to look out for the number of small mammals such as duiker, mountain reedbuck, dassie, mongoose, and hedgehog to name a few that call the Kloofendal Nature Reserve their home.

Kloofendal is characterised by rocky outcrops and unspoilt Highveld vegetation. The transitional, endangered Bankenveld vegetation is a primary draw card, but the reserve is also home to various small animals, such as duiker, mountain reedbuck, dassies, mongoose, hedgehogs, black-backed jackal, mole rats and gerbils. Twitchers will enjoy the bird hide at the dam, and should look out for black sparrow hawk, Verreaux's eagles, Ovambo sparrowhawk, peregrine falcon, spotted eagle owl, barn owl and wailing cisticola.

The reserve is also the location of one of Johannesburgs first gold mines, the Confidence Reef Mine, where gold was discovered in 1884. The mine was declared a national monument in 1984, and its remains and old stamp mills can be viewed by special appointment.

Organised walks are conducted by the Friends of Kloofendal, an organisation dedicated to the environmental upkeep of the reserve. There are picnic facilities at designated spots and the park hosts occasional evening events.

If you want to enjoy a lazy afternoon stroll and enjoy nature in a peaceful suburban area, Kloofendal Nature Reserve is the place visit.

Admission to Kloofendal Nature Reserve is free and the reserve is open daily from 06:00 to 18:00. It is possible that during winter, the reserve may be closed due to fire hazard.

Directions
Kloofendal Nature Reserve is near Westgate and Clearwater Mall. Take the N1 South towards Roodepoort, exit at 14th Avenue and turn right. Turn right on to Hendrik Potgieter. Turn left on Christiaan de Wet, right into Wilgerood Road, left into Topaz and almost immediately right into Galena. The entrance to the reserve is at the bottom of the hill, on your left.

For more information on the reserve as well as checking its status during winter before visits please contact:
Tel: +27-11-7126600
Tel: +27-11-6742980
Tel: +27-79-6935608 (Friends of Kloofendal)
Or email: joburgconnect@joburg.org.za