Africa Nature Reserves

Amakhala Game Reserve offers a wildlife experience that will inspire and revitalize your soul. Be captivated by the call of fish eagles echoing through the kloofs and the roaring of lion at night. Named for the stunning display of aloes proliferating in the malaria-free Zuurveld, Amakhala is home to the Big 5 and numerous animals. Visitors have the opportunity to spot lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, abundant antelope and birdlife. This breath-taking reserve also contains a prehistoric Bushman burial ground and some ancient dinosaur fossil sites. By staying at Amakhala you can have a quintessential African experience exploring the bushveld while on safari, walking, and river cruising or simply chilling with a glass of wine at one of the well-appointed lodges.

Lying on the border of the North West Province, Atherstone Nature Reserve offers an exciting game viewing experience. Black rhino and elephant are the biggest highlight for many visitors to this 23 500-hectare wilderness. Characterised by extensive savannah plains with bushveld and Kalahari grasslands eco-systems, Atherstone supports a great diversity of wildlife and birds. Besides antelope, zebra and giraffe, buffalo and rare sable can also be seen. Feathered friends to get twitchers ticking off boxes are the large number of grassland birds including the Kori bustard and secretary bird.

When the mighty Orange River is in full flood the sound of water thundering down the 56-metre high Augrabies Waterfall is deafening. It’s an awesome experience at any time of year. Called Aukoerebis(place of great noise) by the Khoi San people, the powerful flow of water gushing out from the vast granite abyss of the Orange River Gorge. Besides the falls, great sites to visit are Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner. Home to a diversity of species, the Augrabies National Park and its spectacular granite gorge offers great birding, some small game, reptiles, springbok, gemsbok and giraffe and a fun hiking trail.

Bartholomeus Klip Reserve is teeming with herds of eland, springbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and bontebok. Many other animals, such as baboons, bat-eared foxes, lynxes, and smaller species of antelope, live here too, and it is known that leopards still occur in the mountains.Among the birdlife at Bartholomeus Klip is the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, once farmed here in large flocks at the height of the ostrich feather boom in the 1870s and today one of the leopard’s favourite foods. The magnificent black eagle (correctly known as Verreaux’s eagle) nests in the mountains, and the enormous dam near to the farmhouse has a spectacular array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors. Flamingos have also been seen in some of Bartholomeus Klip’s smaller dams and there are a host of interesting large and small birds out in the reserve and on the wheatlands, including large flocks of the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.

The breath-taking Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve is one of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering roughly 200-square kilometres of pristine mountainous terrain, the ‘Valley of the Baboons’, is one of the largest wilderness conservation areas in South Africa. Just 120 kilometres west of Port Elizabeth, this awesome wilderness playground has much to offer nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The eastern side of the reserve starts at the Komdomo Campsite. From here the road winds 250 kilometres through the incredibly scenic and craggy Groot River Port towards Willowmore in the west. A paradise for adventurous and active types, the vast mountainous landscape offers a unique wilderness experience with a plethora of things to do. These include rock climbing, mountaineering, camping, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, fishing, scenic drives, bird watching and 4x4 trails. The diverse habitats support over 1,000 different plant species including the striking Erica and Protea families as well as ancient cycads. The reserve is also home to more than 50 mammal species, 300 bird species and numerous reptiles and amphibians. A state-of-the-art World Heritage Site Interpretive Centre overlooking the Cambria Valley showcases the diversity and natural and cultural history of the Baviaanskloof region.

The Beachwood Mangroves is a delightful mangrove estuary lying north of the Umgeni River Mouth. Within the nature reserve are red, white and black mangroves, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, kingfishers and other bird species. Several interesting walking routes have been laid out. The key to the southern entrance can be obtained (after paying a deposit) at the northern gate off fairway drive.

Visit one of Limpopo’s wildest secrets Situated in the Waterberg Biosphere, a leading South African wildlife area, this small 2 000-hectare reserve is home to impressive amount of wildlife. At Ben Alberts Nature Reserve you can easily spot white rhino, giraffe, kudu, blue wildebeest, eland, zebra, warthog and an awesome variety of birdlife including the endangered Cape Vulture. A visit to the Vulture Restaurant is always exciting, especially if you get involved in feeding these large raptors. Characterised by low mountain ranges and open savannah, Ben Alberts Nature Reserve and the Waterberg features grassland, steep gorges and crystal pools. The entire environment is perfect for game viewing, hiking, bird watching and mountain biking.

Discover the magic of the Karoo with a unique wilderness experience at the exclusive 5-Star Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve. Bordering the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers malaria-free wildlife viewing of a wide variety of game. Professional rangers will introduce you to lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope, abundant birdlife and rare flora on interesting game drives. An awesome thing to do is go on a walking safari to shadow cheetah as they prowl for their prey.

Home to 500 breeding pairs of endangered Cape Vultures, the far flung Blouberg Nature Reserve is a dream destination for twitchers and nature lovers. Catch all the action from a hide at the ‘Vulture Restaurant’. Best visited during winter months, you will be able to see Lappet-faced Vulture, Hooded Vulture, White-headed Vulture and White-backed Vulture. An exciting rare visitor to southern Africa, Ruppell’s Vulture, is breeding in the Blouberg Colony. Other raptors you might spot are the melanistic Gabar Goshawk, Eagle-Owl, brown snake-eagle, tawny eagle and a variety of owls. With a bird list of well over 225 recorded species it’s easy to tick off over 100 birds in a day. Best loved are the resident flock of comical Crested Guineafowl. Other birds to look out for are Southern White-faced Scops-Owl, Greater Painted Snipe, Grey Tit-Flycacther, Red-backed Shrike, Crimson-Breasted Shrike and Kalahari Scrub-Robin. The scenic landscape of Blouberg Nature Reserve covers a variety of habitats. Dry bushveld savannah interspersed with giant baobabs and mashatu trees, wetland and a small Sycamore fig forest. There are some wonderful hiking trails and opportunities to sight giraffe, zebra and various antelope on the plains. Opening hours are 06:00 – 19:00 +27 (0)15 563 0702 or 083 251 9071

Deep in the Langeberg Mountains and part of Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is the hiking paradise Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. As part of the Cape Floral Region, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fragrant mountain fynbos and indigenous kloof forest characterize the lovely landscape. Some incredibly rare species of Ericas can be found. The ravines are populated by stinkwood, yellowwood, Cape holly, red alder, beech, white alder and candlewood trees. If you're a tree-spotter, look out for a thicket of mountain cypress growing on a cliff edge. Wildlife that you may encounter includes grey rhebuck, klipspringer, grysbok, baboons, leopard, mongoose and genet. The area boasts numerous birds with 184 recorded species including black, martial, crowned and booted eagles, redwinged and redneck francolins, blackrumped buttonquail, striped flufftail and Layard’s titbabbler. Popular with hikers, the main attraction here is the lack of infrastructure and remoteness. Paths are unmarked and huts provide only basic shelter and no toilet facilities. Hikers need to be well-equipped for all weather and must carry an accurate map. Hikers may choose their route from 64 km of paths. A circular two-day route of 27 km follows an old jeep track up Loerklip and back down Saagkuilkloof. Advance bookings are essential. +27 021 659 3500 bookings@capenature.co.za

Set on the southern slopes of the Bosberg Mountains, the Bosberg Nature Reserve is a popular destination for hikers. The densely-wooded nature reserve looms over the lovely dorp of Somerset East. The forest is characterised by lofty Outeniqua yellowwood, white stinkwood, Eastern Cape cabbage trees, wild peach and wild olive trees. Offsetting the forested area are the grassy plains of the Dohne sourveld as well as Karoo succulents and mountain fynbos. Wildlife you might encounter includes zebra, bushbuck, bush pig, baboon, rock hyrax, Vervet monkey, tortoises, frogs, snakes and lizards. Look out for the Knysna turaco flitting among the treetops. With more than 80 species of birds recorded in the reserve, twitchers have much to get excited about, particularly during summer or spring. Hikers usually take on the fairly strenuous two-day Bosberg Trail. There is also the far less intense option of the Bestershoek Trail and sedate strolls to the viewpoints over Somerset East.

Home to rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, eland, bontebuck and numerous antelope, Botlierskop provides visitors the opportunity to view free roaming wildlife from the safety of 4x4 vehicles in the Garden Route. Named for one of the dramatic rock formations on the reserve, the beautiful setting is also the sanctuary for two elephants that joined the Botlierskop team, Sam and Tsotsi, rescued orphans from the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe. Guests are able to experience riding on elephant back and interacting with these remarkable creatures. Knowledgeable guides share the wonders of Botlierskop and up close encounters with four rescued and rehabilitated lions, rhino, buffalo, giraffe and many of the 1 800 animals.

Malaria free and home to an impressive diversity of animals, Bushman Sands Game Reserve boasts wonderful Big 5 wildlife viewing opportunities. Situated on 40 square kilometres of former farmland, the reserve has reintroduced animals that once roamed here over 200 years ago. Lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, elephant, rhino, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, zebra, giraffe, hippo, kudu, eland, springbuck and waterbuck can all be found. Sunset cruises on the reserve’s large dam present perfect opportunities for spotting wildlife such as elephant and antelope. Other things to see are the Bushman rock art paintings that date back thousands of years.

Almost entirely surrounding the lovely town of Graaff-Reinet, Camdeboo National Park offers an incredibly scenic escape in the Karoo. Dating back hundreds of millions of years ago, the Karoo remains one of the great natural wonders of the world. The 19 405-hectare park provides the visitor with insights into this unique landscape and ecosystem of the Karoo. A large portion of the park is situated on the foothills of the Sneeuberg range, with a small section of low lying-plains and the Nqweba Dam. Amazing rock pillar features can be found in some places, particularly in the Valley of Desolation where dolerite pillars can reach heights of 120 metres. Animals you are most likely to spot include steenbok, springbok, blesbok, black wildebeest kudu and grey duiker. Cape buffalo, red hartebeest and gemsbok are fairly frequently seen. Cape Mountain Zebra and klipspringer may be seen in the more mountainous areas of the reserve.

Conveniently situated within Port Elizabeth, the Cape Recife Nature Reserve has much to offer visitors and locals alike. A stunning beach, rolling dunes, coastal fynbos, marine birdlife, rock pools, and a 133-year old lighthouse beckon further exploration. The reserve is renowned as a ‘must do’ birding site in Port Elizabeth to see marine and freshwater birds. The tern roost at Cape Recife is the best place in the country to see Roseate Tern. Seven species of tern are found here including Roseate tern, Antarctic tern and occasionally Damara tern. Waterbirds that are often seen include Little Bittern, South African Shellduck, African Black Oystercatcher and Southern Tchagra. African penguin and ocean birds can also be spotted offshore. Cape Recife Nature Reserve facilities include an Information Centre, ablution block, bird hides, picnic site and a nine-kilometre walking trail.

On the tip of Cape St Francis and sandwiched between a plethora of coastal holiday houses is the lovely Cape St Francis Nature Reserve. This sanctuary is not only rich in botanical and animal life; it offers unhindered views of the ocean. Here the endangered coastal dune forest and fynbos is preserved from further development, providing a home for bushbuck, grysbok, duiker, porcupine, bushpig, monkey, mongoose, caracal and otter. Twitchers will find plenty to tick off here with 200 bird species recorded. A delightful hiking trail leads to a superb viewpoint and it’s easy to lose yourself for many hours within the reserve. Bottlenose and common dolphins can often be seen surfing the breaks and southern right whales winter offshore during August to November.

The lofty spire of Cathedral Peak soars above several craggy pinnacles of the Cathedral range. This region of magnificent mountain vistas is one of the favourites in the ‘Berg’ for hiking and rock climbing. The most trodden hiking trails include Cathedral Peak, the Organ Pipes and Ndedema Gorge boasting a variety of San rock art. The landscape is dominated by what is known as the massive Ridge of the Horns. Stretching four kilometres, this range features some of the most spectacular peaks in South Africa including Cathedral Peak, Bell, Outer Horn, Inner Horn and the Chessmen. If you have a 4WD vehicle venture to the top of Mike’s Pass to see superb views of the Central Drakensberg. The Rainbow Gorge as well as the Didima Resort and San Art Centre; an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Project is well worth a visit. Photo credit: Cathedral Peak Hotel.

Home to the handsome nyala antelope, D’Nyala Nature Reserve protects an impressive number of mammal species. Predators on the prowl including leopard, brown hyena, jackal and smaller cats can also be seen. 60 mammals can be ticked off here including white rhino, giraffe, waterbuck, zebra, tsessebe and eland. Extraordinarily beautiful baobab, nyala, mopane, marula, knobthorn, wild figs and leadwood trees are characteristic of this reserve. The fruit of the impressive Nyala tree is a great source of food for elephant, antelope, birds, monkeys and humans. Two game viewing hides provide wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities over the riverbeds and flat savannah, particularly during the dry season. D’Nyala Nature Reserve became the focus of media attention when talks between FW de Klerk and Cyril Ramaphosa were held here before the democratic transformation in South Africa.

Popular for weekend getaways, Doorndraai Nature Reserve’s offers decent fishing, birding, hiking, game drives, boating and picnicking. The Doorndraai Dam is part of this 7 000-hectare nature reserve situated on the Sterk River and in the foothills of the Waterberg. The dam is a popular largemouth bass angling site with a camping site, chalets and a conference centre. It’s also home to a wide variety of wildlife and 300 species of birds. Twenty-three species of raptor have been recorded in the reserve. Look out for Osprey, resident African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, Verreauxs' Eagle and Tawny Eagle. Many waders, herons, ducks and Common Whimbrel can be seen on the open shoreline.

Revitalise your soul and get far from the crowds in the lovely sister reserves of Dwesa and Cwebe. The two fairly small nature reserves of Dwesa and Cwebe lie on each side of the Mbashe River on the Wild Coast. This awesome setting is bordered on one side by the forest-fringed shores of the Indian Ocean, and on the other by the undulating sourveld grasslands of what was formerly the Transkei. Dwesa and Cwebe conserve one of the largest swathes of indigenous coastal forest in the Eastern Cape. Another important function is to protect the sensitive inter-tidal and marine environment. The birdlife is incredible with over 290 species of birds recorded. Birds to spot includes rarities such as the Narina Trogan and Mangrove Kingfisher. Cape buffalo, eland, zebra, blesbok, blue wildebeest, warthog and crocodiles have been reintroduced. Look out for the Cape clawless otter in the lagoon. Beautiful trails with amazing views enable hikers to explore the forests, estuary, mangroves, beach and grasslands of Dwesa and Cwebe on foot.

The East London Coast Nature Reserve merges ten coastal reserves and two inland state forests. These protected areas are set between the Great Kei River in the north-east and the Tylomnqa River in the south-west. It’s an awesome spot to spend a family holiday or just enjoy chilling on the stunning beaches. Active types will find that there’s so much to do along this lovely coast. Multi-day hikes, nature walks, horse trails and fishing tend to be the most popular activities. From north-east to south-west the parks include Cape Morgan, Double Mouth, Cape Henderson, Chintsa West, Kwelera, Nahoon, Cove Rock or Gulu, Kidd's Beach, Kayser's Beach and Chalumna. These reserves occupy 57% of the 250-kilometre coastline between between the two rivers. Umtiza Forest and Fort Pato Forest are situated inland on the northern banks of the Buffalo River 14 kilometres and 25 kilometres north of East London.

Discover Elandsfontein’s rich fossil heritage on a guided Quad Bike Fossil Safari or 4WD Nature Drive. The dunes on Elandsfontein are the final resting place of early humans and animals that date back to the early Stone Age. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served. All quad bikes have fully automatic gearboxes to ensure that even novice riders can enjoy this unique experience. To manage the impact on the dunes the number of quad bikes is limited to eight, but each quad bike is big enough for two passengers. Watch wildlife in comfort during the 4WD Nature Drive. Originally the home of the largest inward migration of game in the history of the Western Cape, Elandsfontein is waiting to be discovered by nature lovers. Guests on the three hour nature drive can expect to see include eland, hartebeest, zebra, wildebeest, oryx, kudu, bontebuck, springbuck and Cape buffalo, the first of the Big Five to be reintroduced into the reserve. Unspoilt nature and rich and diverse birdlife complete the experience. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served.

Lying in the heart of the Waterberg UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the privately owned Entabeni Game Reserve promises an exciting wilderness experience for discerning travellers. Here you can take a scenic helicopter flip, gaze at the stars in the observatory, go on guided horse trails, visit the local Pedi village, enjoy sunset lake cruises and a variety of wildlife viewing activities. Known as ‘The Place of the Mountain’, this malaria-free safari conservancy has an astonishing five ecosystems. Knowledgeable and friendly guides take visitors on fascinating excursions identifying a diverse array of interesting birds and animals – so much more than the usual Big Five sightings! Explore the grasslands and stunning craggy escarpment, drive down between the cliffs past bubbling streams and down to the balmy sand wetlands – you definitely won’t get bored. And at less than a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, the reserve’s proximity and lack of the nasty anopheles mosquito makes it an alluring destination.

Only accessible by ferry, Featherbed Nature Reserve is a privately-owned unspoiled headland at the Western Head of the Knysna Lagoon. Visitors young and old will thoroughly enjoy embarking on a spectacular four-hour eco-experience to this exquisite little corner of the Garden Route. This outdoor experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive, guided walk and a lavish buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant. Access to the reserve is strictly controlled and visits are only permitted in the company of the Featherbed Nature Reserve's specialist guides.Starting with a 25-minute ferry cruise, your local guide will share intriguing tales about the Knysna Lagoon, early shipping industry and Knysna’s oyster cultivation.The cruise is followed by a 4x4 drive to the top of the Western Head where supreme views of the lagoon, mountains and Knysna can be seen. After the drive, you have the option of walking a 2.2 kilometre downhill guided nature trail. This fun family outing ends with with a blowout buffet lunch at the popular Knysna restaurant under the milkwood trees.The four-hour excursion departs daily from Knysna Waterfront. Bookings are essential.

Situated in the Kleinrivier Mountains on the northern side of Hermanus, Fernkloof Nature Reserve incorporates mountain fynbos as well as a pocket of evergreen forest. A 60 kilometre network of trails provides the opportunity for people to go out and enjoy some exercise and fresh air. These trails offer stunning panoramic views of Walker Bay, the Hemel en Aarde Valley and Maanskynbaai.The reserve is a haven of biodiversity with 1474 species of plants recorded. Parts of the coastal area including the Cliff Path Nature Area, the Mossel River valley and the area from De Mond to Kettle Point, including the mouth of the Vogelgat River and part of the Klein River lagoon have recently been incorporated. This means that the coastal area with its unique fynbos, the mountain fynbos as well as the sensitive lagoon area is now linked.Keep your eyes open to spot grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, klipspringer, baboon, mongoose and dassie. Birds that you are most likely to see are Cape sugar birds, sunbirds, rock thrush and rock jumpers. Raptors include the jackal buzzard and black eagle. You can also spot seed and insect-eating species such as Rameron pigeons, canaries, flycatchers and white-eyes in the patches of forest alongside streams.Need to know? Fernkloof Nature Reserve is open from 7am to 7pm.

Lying inland and north of Nature's Valley is the relatively undiscovered Formosa Nature Reserve. Most travellers to the Garden Route cling to the lovely coastline and miss the beautiful wildness of the Tsitsikamma Mountain range. But if you’re after the solitude of a pristine reserve that is seldom disturbed, look no further. You can spend days exploring this long stretch of wilderness that lies between the Tsitsikamma National Park, Nature's Valley, and the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area. There are no formal hiking trails in the 5 0000-hectare reserve – just lots of lovely footpaths to discover the stunning mountain forest and wet fynbos. Abundant bird life draws twitchers from far beyond the limits of Kareedouw and Misgund, the Klein Karoo villages on either side of the park. Don’t miss one of the reserve’s major attractions – trek up the famous Formosa Peak to summit the highest pinnacle in the Tsitsikamma Mountains.

Nestled between the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains in the Klein Karoo, this remote mountain reserve is definitely worth a visit. Most folk who venture to Gamkaberg Nature Reserve come to soak up the peace and tranquillity. The best season to go is in spring although any time of the year is worthwhile. Part of the Cape Floral Kingdom which boasts one of the richest floras on earth, Gamkaberg is a botanists paradise. Here you will find four of the South African biomes – Fynbos, Succulent Karoo, Subtropical Thicket and Evergreen Forest. Home to the endangered Cape mountain zebra, honey badger and leopard, the reserve is an important refuge for rare Western Cape wildlife. Other animals you can spot include eland, red hartebeest, grysbok, grey rhebuck, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, baboon, caracal, aardvark, aardwolf, black backed jackal and many small mammals. The reserve is also host to numerous birds, reptiles and insects. Day trippers can look around the information centre, meander through the labyrinth, explore the short footpaths and use the picnic or braai spots. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Spectacular coastlines, lush forests, deep river gorges, majestic mountains and open savannah – the Garden Route National Park has it all. This section of the South Coast of South Africa owns one of the loveliest stretches of coastline on the planet. Home to a variety of ecosystems, the park combines the world renowned Wilderness and Tsitsikamma sections, the Knysna Lake section, various mountains, and indigenous forest and Fynbos regions. Resembling a mosaic of landscapes and seascapes from ocean to mountain areas, the Garden Route National Park is celebrated for its diverse ecological and cultural heritage. Not only that, the Park is a playground for adventurers and nature lovers. Managed by SAN Parks, it offers numerous accommodation choices, events, activities, places of interest and scenic attractions.

Sublime mountain scenery and exhilarating hiking steals the show at Giant's Castle Nature Reserve, but that’s not all this historic park has to offer. Giant's Castle is home of the largest antelope in Africa, the eland, and the impressive bearded vulture. Watch these broad-winged beauties and some of South Africa’s rarest birds swoop down for meaty treats at the Vulture Restaurant during the winter season. Situated in the central region of the UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reserve is a spectacular fusion of grassy plateau and deep valleys careering down from the lofty Drakensberg peaks. Other attractions are the rather commercialised but wonderful rock-art sites and the Main Caves Museum, providing alluring glimpses into the past lifestyle of the San people.

The riot of colour in Goegap Nature Reserve is a magnet for artists, photographers and anyone seeking some nature therapy. Kaleidoscopic fields of vivid purple mesembryanthemum, yellow Namaqua daisies and orange gazanias all turn their happy faces towards the sun.Lying about 70 km north of Kamieskroon and 15 km southeast of Springbok, Goegap Nature Reserve is a fantastic place to kick off your flower trip. Bearing in mind that the best route to travel for a flower trip is north to south so that you see the flowers facing the sun.“Goegap” derives its name from the Nama word for waterhole and there are plenty supporting the bird and animal residents. The Hester Malan Wild Flower Garden has a wide and interesting selection of Namaqualand succulents. There’s a 17 km drive that sedans can negotiate and an 80km 4x4 route. The landscape of granite boulders and sandy plains makes for stunning scenic driving on the narrow untarred roads. You could also hop onto the three hour guided truck tours during the flower season.Funky feathers? Look out for the Namaqualand Sandgrouse which has an amazing ability – it can store water in its breast feathers and fly as far as 40 km to quench the thirst of its nestlings. Twitchers will be kept busy with spotting all 94 recorded bird species! Home to 45 mammalian species, you will have a chance of spotting gemsbok, springbok, Hartman's Zebra, bat eared foxes and aardwolf amongst the incredible number of floral species.Saddle up and ride on the wild side in this magnificent landscape. Contact Namaqua Horse Trails Tel: +27 27 718 3583. On the milder side of keeping your carbon footprint down why not get on your bike and cycle the 17 km sedan route?

Famous for its golden sandstone cliffs and abundant antelope and zebra herds, Golden Gate Highlands National Park nestles in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The park is named for the glowing golden ciffs lit by the sun, paticularily the imposing Brandwag rock. This unique reserve is a true highland habitat. Wildlife you are likely to see are black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra. If you're lucky you could spot the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Try to visit the Vulture Restaurant! Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening. Other stunning lookout points are the Zuluhoek lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint (third highest point in the park); Oribi basin and Drakensberg view. Hikers can chose from various day trails (varying from 1 hour to 5 hours) or the awesome two day Rhebok Hiking Trail (2 days and 1 night). Up for an African cultural experience? Get to experience the Basotho way of living dating back to the sixteen century by tasting traditional cuisine and learn about the traditional equipment and weapons at the Basotho Cultural Village. The Herbal Trail introduces visitors to the medicines that were (and still are) used by the African Traditional Healers.

Get far away from the madding crowds and discover one of the Garden Route’s best kept secrets. Long kept under wraps, this gentle and serene protected coastal reserve is guaranteed to nurture your soul. Goukamma Nature Reserve incorporates a long beach, extensive high dune field, the Goukamma River and estuary as well as the self-contained Groenvlei Lake. The coastline stretches for 14 km and the adjoining marine protected area extends out to the ocean for 1.8 km. Bring your snorkelling gear and explore the lovely rock pools at Rowwehoek. A network of hiking trails traverses a diverse range of habitats for birds, mammals and marine life. Cape clawless otter, grysbok, bushbuck, bush pig, porcupine, bushbaby, Cape dune mole rat, caracal and honey badger all live in this paradise. Most of the animals are quite timid and difficult to spot but you will see plenty of droppings and spoor on the trails. The coastline offers excellent whale watching from July to December and dolphins are frequently spotted surfing the waves. The area is great for birdwatching with more than 220 recorded bird species. The Goukamma River has a number of picnic sites and braai spots. Bring your own firewood.

The spectacular Great Fish River Reserve lies in the Great Fish River valley between Grahamstown and Fort Beaufort and extends all the way to the Kieskama River. This malaria-free destination is still pretty much off the major tourist radar, offering visitors an awesome wilderness experience. The typical Eastern Cape succulent bushveld and rocky terrain provides the prefect habitat for black rhino, Cape buffalo, kudu and hippo. Not only is it a haven for all shapes and sizes of wildlife, the reserve has several historical sites and offers outstanding safari and wildlife adventures. Visitors can choose numberous ways to experience this rugged wilderness including exciting walking and hiking trails, day and night game drives, picnics on the riverbanks, bird watching trips, birding from a waterside bird hide and visits to the fabulous Adam Krantz viewpoint.

Excellent bird watching, gorgeous indigenous Knysna forest and mountain fynbos characterize this CapeNature reserve in the Langeberg. The 250-hectare forest is situated 22 km northwest of Heidelberg and is considered the best and largest woodland in the south-western Cape. The Bushbuck and Grysbok Trails (2 – 15 km) and the short mountain bike trail through high forest are wonderful options to explore this stunning reserve. Permits for these trails are available from the CapeNature office. Forest tree species that you will see are stinkwood, yellowwood, red alder and the ubiquitous ironwood. Wildlife that is often encountered includes bushbuck, Cape grysbok, Cachma baboons, various small mammals like mongoose and genet. Occasionally leopard can be seen. Rich in bird diversity, the reserve boasts no less than 196 bird species. Twitchers will be gripping their binoculars to spot endemics like the Knysna woodpecker, Knysna warbler, Victorin’s warbler, forest canary and Cape Siskin. Other forest specials to look out for are the Narina Trogon and majestic Crowned Eagle. And what else is there to brag about? Grootvadersbosch is home to a subspecies of ghost frog and a unique forest emperor butterfly.

Lying on the banks of the Great Letaba River just west of Kruger National Park and close to Tzaneen, the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve is a fabulous place to view wildlife on foot. You’ll find none of the big hairy scaries here – just various antelope including rare sable, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, hippo and giraffe. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the more elusive leopard, jackal and hyena. The Great Letaba River flowing on one side of the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve attracts rich and varied bird-life in all seasons. Evenings visitors are usually treated to special sightings of nightjars and owls. The main attraction of this beautiful reserve is the chance to walk most of it easily on foot. Exciting hiking options include the one km Mopane Interpretive Trail, the Letaba Trail along the river and the Giraffe Trail, a 32 km three-day hike with overnights in luxury huts. A self-drive route winds through the reserve and you can hope to see a fair amount of wildlife. Make your way to the wonderful lookout point that offers fantastic views – it makes for a great picnic spot. Guided morning and sunset game drives are available but you’ll need to book a day in advance. Thrill seekers can opt for the mountain bike trail and horse rides. You could also visit the Eiland Mineral Bath, a bubbling thermal spring long used by locals as a source of salt and medicinal treatments. Today the spring supplies an outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy.

The incredibly scenic Harold Porter Botanical Garden is situated between the coast and the mountainside. The garden is renowned for its waterfalls, amber pools, deep gorges and abundant birdlife. Deep in the heart of the fynbos region, it is one of the best places to explore coastal fynbos. And its vast – there are 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos as well as 190 hectares of natural fynbos! Keen hikers should lace up their boots and hit the Leopard Kloof Trail. The 3 km round trip leads through fern forests and up to a waterfall. You’ll need to get a permit and pay a key deposit. Need to know? Opens at 08:00, closes at 16:30 on weekdays and at 17:00 on weekends and public holidays. The parking area closes at 18:00 in winter and 19:00 in summer. Keen gardeners can purchase plants from the indigenous plant nursery.

Initially a wild flower garden, the 407-hectare Helderberg Nature Reserve was proclaimed a reserve in 1960 to preserve an important enclave of Mesic Mountain Fynbos.Along with the incredible plant diversity, the reserve has a rich fauna. Visitors can experience bontebok grazing at any time of the day and some 169 species of birds have been recorded. Look out for three types of tortoise – the mountain tortoise, the angulate tortoise and the padloper.There are several lovely walking trails, of which only the Brown Route is non-circular. Facilities in the reserve include an information centre, plant herbarium, gift shop, indigenous nursery, resource centre, walking paths and benches, Oak Café restaurant, picnic area, facilities for the disabled and ablutions.

Established in 1895, wildlife viewing has always been the prime attraction at Hluhluwe, close range sightings made all the more exciting with viewing hides conveniently overlooking waterholes. Today the reserve is part of the greater Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park covering 96 000 hectares and containing an immense diversity of animals, birds and plant life. Home once more to the Big Five, Hluhluwe Game Reserve is also the headquarters of Operation Rhino and is internationally renowned for its white rhino conservation. Hluhluwe makes up the northern section of the park, characterised by undulating hills of savannah vegetation and woodlands. Along with game-viewing drives, there are two self-guided drive routes which give insight into the management and natural history of the park. Highly recommended are the early morning and late afternoon guided walks.

Lying 20 kilometres south of Port St Johns, Hluleka Nature Reserve is one of the Wild Coast’s best kept secrets. This tranquil reserve showcases a diverse range of eco systems – rocky seashores, golden beaches, lagoons and lush forests of quinine, coral, stink ebony and Natal fig trees – home to an abundance of wildlife. Meandering paths lead through the forests to open hilltops offering spectacular dolphin and whale watching. Hluleka's leading attraction to the naturalist is the excellent birdlife. Look out for the rare green coucal, Cape parrot, osprey, fish eagle, ground hornbill, African finfoot and Knysna turaco. Wildlife you may encounter include bushbuck, eland, Burchell’s zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, blue duiker, rock dassie and bush pig.

Home to rare white lions and the Big Five, Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve offers a delightful safari experience in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Inkwenkwezi, the Xhosa word for 'under the stars', offers an unforgettable wilderness adventure with amazing options such as elephant-back walks, hiking, horseback and quad-bike trails guided by experienced rangers as well as stunning beaches to explore. Along with lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant, the reserve has cheetah, numerous antelope, giraffe, zebra, other predators and prolific birdlife. Inkwenkwezi is also popular with couples wanting to tie the knot in a romantic but easily accessible game reserve. It’s just a five-minute drive from awesome beaches and a 40-minute drive from East London Airport. Getting there by car is easy as the roads are tarred right to the entrance gates.