Traveller SPRING 2022

Parks & reserves
Explore
THE OUTDOORS
BY THE AA EDITORIAL TEAM
Winter is letting go of its icy grip and giving
way to warmer spring weather. Now is the
perfect time to get out of the house again.
Here are several wonderful outdoor activities
in Gauteng the whole family can enjoy.
MORELETAKLOOF NATURE RESERVE
Nestled amongst the foothills of Moreletakloof, this unexpected
natural treasure covers 100 hectares and is home to various small
game – springbok, zebra, blesbok, impala, duiker, bush buck, and
ostrich – plus several bird species. Hiking trials range from 1,5 km
(wheelchair friendly) to 3,6 km. No dogs or bicycles are allowed in the
reserve. There is a restaurant on the grounds, but no picnic facilities.
ENTRANCE: It’s free and open between 06:00 en 18:00 daily.
MODDERFONTEIN
Modderfontein is a privately-owned, 265-hectar open area halfway
between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Not only does this space
aim to protect local fauna and flora, but it also functions
as an outdoor space where city folk can relax and
get in touch with nature. It includes parts of the
Modderfontein Stream, several dams, grasslands,
and hills. You’ll find steenbok, reedbuck, duiker,
black-backed jackal, otter, hedgehogs, and
several meerkat species, plus several hides for
birdwatching and picnic and fishing spots. The
adjacent Taroko farm has amenities for hikers
and mountain bikers.
ENTRANCE: R35 per adult, R20 per child under 12
(additional cost for picnics and fishing)
WALTER SISULU
BOTANICAL GARDEN
In the heart of Roodepoort, you’ll find a
small oasis laid out around the Witpoortjie
Waterfall. The area has been used
recreationally since the 1800s, but it was
only established as a botanical garden in
1982. There is an abundance of wildlife
and about 240 bird species, as well as a
Verreaux's eagle breeding pair that lives at
the top of the waterfall. Three main types
of flora can be found here: Egoli Granite
Grassland, Gold Reef Mountain
Bushveld, and Northern
Afrotemperate Forest.
You’ll notice about
600 different
endemic plant
species in the
garden.
ENTRANCE: R70
for adults; R40
for students and
R20 for learners.
Access is free
for pensioners on
Tuesdays.
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SPRING 2022 | AA Traveller