South Africa Nature & Outdoors

In August and September, the wildflower displays on the Cape West Coast and the in the Northern Cape are considered to be among ..

Close to Clanwilliam is the beautiful Biedouw Valley. Not only is the floral display amazing, but one can continue to Wuppertal ..

Makutsi Safari Springs is a private Big 5 game reserve featuring natural mineral spring pools and a relaxed safari experienc

The Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve in the Limopopo Wolkberg offers hiking, birding,4x4 and guided walks through mountain paradise

If you would like to visit a pristine wilderness area that offers extraordinary rock formations, a multitude of hiking trails ...

A 6 km deserted stretch of pristine beach beckons a gallop on the 2 hour beach and dune bush horse rides at Papiesfontein

The Vrolikheid Nature Reserve lies in the Breede River valley, about 15km south of Robertson on the McGregor road. Rugged beauty

The Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg is the hiking and walking mecca of South Africa...

The Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden is Africa’s only true succulent or vygie garden: Found near Worcestor, expect to see ..

The Loskop Dam in the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve is the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere...

Sheilam Cactus Garden can certainly be proud of their vast variety of cacti, succulents and cycads. The farm has been recognized

There can be no better place in South Africa to park a caravan than at the Storms River Mouth campsite, in the Tsitsikamma ...

Open to day visitors, the Witbank Nature Reserve preserves a threatened Highveld ecosystem and several animal and bird species

We have just returned from a relaxing weekend at Rust de Winter Dam Resort, a fantastic nature resort in Limpopo that is ideal...

The Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve is two hours from Cape Town in a beautiful setting with a host of activities for the whole

A recent stopover in Hoedspruit on my way to the Kruger National Park turned out to be a truly amazing experience ...

Like the flowers in Namaqua National Park, luxury safari tents pop up during spring to charm and delight, before disappearing...

Gamkaberg Nature Reserve’s reputation as one of Africa’s finest is well deserved. Enjoy a sky-high picnic, scramble up a forest ..

This surprising gem of a spot, in Modderfontein near Edenvale is loved by bird watchers, nature lovers and is ideal for a picnic.

The beautiful Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, just 11km south of Jhb, offers tranquillity, birds, wildlife and hiking trails ...

Zoo Lake is a large park that is popular for relaxing in the sun, picnics, feeding the birds, walking, a place for the kids to

The Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens are a perfect getaway on a hot Gauteng day for a dip in a pool under a waterfall and picnic

Kloofendal Nature Reserve is an ideal unspoiled spot for the family, away from the city life, to enjoy a picnic, walk, bird watch

With Natural Heritage status, Mhlopeni Nature Reserve is considered one of the most beautiful conservancies in South Africa....

Earlier this month I posted about my adventure in the Northern Cape to see the annual floral display mother nature puts...

I’ve been dreaming about seeing the West Coast and Northern Cape flowers for years! Growing up in Jozi’s concrete wonderland...

This bay isn't really known of yet and you may find yourself enjoying the Kraal Bay beach all to yourself...

CapeNature’s new cottages at Algeria unlock the rugged beauty of this wilderness area for non-campers...

Crook's Corner is in a national park situated in the Limpopo Province, a great place for historians, bird watchers and adventures.

R35 gets you into the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, one of South Africa’s 10 national constant gardens...

Kosi Bay is real frontier country. In times gone by, a heavy military presence was posted in this little corner of Maputaland...

Hluhluwe, iSimangaliso, Ithala, Phinda – these parks take priority, but there are other wonderful options in KZN ...

At the foot of the Lebombo mountains, just south of Swaziland, lies a destination that not only resembles Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba..

Despite being top dog when it comes to hunting, the wild dog faces an uncertain future. Visitors to Kruger can help with resear...

Some places like the Agulhas National Park are so special they deserve to be shared with friends. “I wish we could stay for a week

Powered by nature, sailing offers the chance to see South Africa’s coastline from a new perspective. Theresa Lozier spent a day...

There's nothing to beat escaping to the bush and being surrounded by nature, game and birdlife. Here's our selection of ten bush..

This unique resort near Cathedral peak, Drakensberg, is themed around the local San rock-art caves ...

With pure mountain air, endless views and several hiking trails, Golden Gate is a weekend destination good for body and soul.

The huge iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the far north-east coast is a truly impressive stretch of land, ocean, lakes and rivers ...

The Valley of a Thousand Hills, covers a vast area of rolling green hills inland of Durban on the way to Piermaritzburg on the N2.

The Dullstroon Nature Reserve offers tranquility, birding and wildflowers, but mostly excellent fly-fishing and chalets on the dam

Part Breeding Centre, Research and Educational Facility and Game Reserve, this arm of the National Zoo is aimed at conservation...

An exceptional retreat with great camps, hiking and mtb, stunning surrounds and activities for the whole family near Mokopane...

Pietermaritzburg Botanical Garden was established in 1874 as a research station to test the viability of growing exotic trees ...

Alexandra Park is the green lung of the city of Pietermaritzburg in the Natal Midlands. The park provides the perfect ...

The beautiful Agatha Forest Reserve is situated in the mountains above the Letsitele Valley near Tzaneen, in the Limpopo Province

Only 60km from Polokwane and 40km from Tzaneen, the large Ebenezer Dam offers a superb weekend break, camping, boating and fishing

The 1000ha Faan Mentjies Reserve near Klerksdorp is a good birding spot offering a great variety of bird species, game and camping

Enjoy outdoors activities and luxury lodge accomodation in the tranquil surrounds of the Francolin Creek farm and Conservancy...

The 5000ha Ezemvelo Nature Reserve is an unexpected delight,close to Jhb, Pretoria and the OR Tambo airport. Wildlife, birding ...

The Bronkhorstspruit Dam and Nature Reserve is an ideal getaway for water sports, fishing and birding near Jhb and Pretoria.

Ntsikeni Nature Reserve is situated in the southern area of KwaZulu-Natal about 50km north of Kokstad between the Midlands ...

The Watchaba Wilderness on the Mpumalanga escarpment is a nature lovers paradise with waterfalls, pools, hiking trails and fishing

Mount Currie Nature Reserve is situated near Kokstad at the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains in East Griqualand...

Utrecht Balele Community Game Park is the only game park in KwaZulu-Natal which completely surrounds a town ...

Ngoye (Ongoye) Forest Reserve is probably the most impressive indigenous forest reserve in KwaZulu-Natal because of its ...

this is a magnificent example of dense indigenous sub-tropical forest containing many fine examples of hardwood species, forest ..

Entumeni Nature Reserve is located about 15 minutes to the west of Eshowe in Zululand. It was established in 1970 to preserve ...

The Boondock Forest Lodge above Laapmuiden on the Lowevld offers a spiritually uplifting and transformational labyrinth walk...

Ntendeka Wilderness Area is a fascinating area for the tree enthusiast and serious botanist. Situated in the Ngome State Forest ..

Weenen Nature Reserve is officially situated in the Battlefields region of KwaZulu-Natal but is also close to the Midlands ...

Chelmsford Nature Reserve is situated about 26km from Newcastle and 70km from Ladysmith in the Battlefields region of KwaZulu ...

Accommodation and activities at a newly created village on an Eastern Free State farm, based on Green Living and conservation....

The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is a paradise of flora, trimmed lawns and enough roses to brighten anyone’s day.

Eco Farm near Bothaville, Free State offers catch and release fly-fishing on the Vaal, hiking, birding and other outdoors pursuits

The panorama views that await those brave enough to ascend the chain ladders on Mont-Aux-Sources are the stuff dreams are made of

The Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve is a popular weekend spot for fishing, boating, birding and camping. There is some game viewing...

Just an hour-and-a-half's drive southeast of Cape Town is the mountainous Kogelberg Nature Reserve, a place that rivals the ...

Lake Sibaya, the largest fresh water lake in South Africa at over 70 sq. km., and is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in ...

Harold Johnson Nature Reserve is situated on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal about 24 km north of Stanger off the N2 highway ...

The reserve is an excellent example of well-preserved coastal bush and lagoon. There is a nature trail on boardwalks from ...

Maphelane Nature Reserve is situated near the small village of St Lucia on the southern bank of the Mfolozi River mouth in the ...

The Caledon Nature Reserve near Wepener and Lesotho offers unique floating camp accommodation, great birding, fishing and scenery

Umlalazi Nature Reserve is situated near the Zululand town of Mtunzini on the North Coast, KwaZulu-Natal. This 1028 ha reserve ...

Amatikulu Nature Reserve is situated between the Tugela and the Amatikulu Rivers on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal

Enseleni Nature Reserve, established in 1948, is a 293 ha reserve between the towns of Richards Bay and Empangeni in Zululand ...

The Mont Plaisir Guest Farm outside Fouriesburg is a horse lovers dream, but also an ideal getaway with outdoor trails and tours

The Free State is called 'BIg Sky Country' - enjoy it from the back of a horse on a Western Style cattle ranch and safari ride...

Meiringskloof: Immerse yourself in nature, abseil down huge boulders, 4x4 or climb up up a mountain & look into another country...

One for horse lovers, competent riders and polo players. Enjoy a Polo Holiday in the beautiful Eastern Free State near Ficksburg

This 36 ha reserve was established at the site of the storm water trap dams serving the AECI industrial plant at Umbogintwini ...

The Emanzini Country Resort outside Vrede in the Free State offers weekend breakaway activities - from water sports to motorcross

Enjoy a variety of outdoors activities, from hikes to caving, on the Koefontein Farm 15kms from Vrede, North Eastern Free State

The Albert Falls Dam, close to Wartburg in the Natal Midlands is a premier bass fishing destination. Water sports, birding and...

The Garden Route includes some of the most attractive coastal and forest scenery in the country, although it's by no means ...

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a variety of buck, zebra and rock hyrax. The scenic surrounds are ideal for a picnic.

This small reserve, about 28 ha in extent, is upstream from the mouth of the Ivungu River in Uvongo on the Hibiscus Coast ...

This 27km winding RAMSAR Wetland drains into the Klip River, still pristine at its source. See Hippo and rare Wetland bird species

Learn about the hardy, often medicinal, trees & plants that thrive in S. Africa's dry interior at the Botanical Gardens in 'Bloem'

Just 10 km south of Kenhardt, on the Brandvlei road, there is a forest of about five thousand amazing quiver trees, in a nature ..

Vanderkloof Dam is the second largest dam in South Africa and is perfect for angling and most water sports, including sailing ...

The Anysberg Nature Reserve is all about huge open space, rugged Karoo mountains and kloofs, big night skies, flora, fauna, peace.

The Swartberg Nature Reserve, set in stunning mountain scenery and flora, is close to Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert. Don't miss it.

The Gamkaberg Nature reserve protects the rare Cape Zebra, beautiful rich floral kingdoms and is valued for its scenic tranquil ..

The TC Robertson Nature Reserve lies just outside Scottburgh on the Umdoni Coast on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal ...

The wild flowers of the Cape West Coast and Namaqualand, in South Africa, are regarded as a botanical wonderland. Tourists ...

Drakensberg Canopy Tour is located in the Blue Grotto Forest just outside the Monks Cowl area of the Drakensberg...

Kamberg Nature Reserve is part of the beautiful Kamberg Valley and lies within the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park ...

Beaverlac Nature Reserve is a national heritage site, set in pristine fynbos in the Olifants River Mountains, just 2 hours from CT

Mzimkhulu Winderness Area lies in the southernmost part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, the world heritage site ...

The Swamp Nature Reserve, as its name suggests is mostly a wetland and is situated in the southern uKhahlamba Drakenberg Park ...

Himeville Nature Reserve is adjacent to the town of Himeville near the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in KwaZulu-Natal ...

The Cederberg Wilderness Area, a national heritage site and part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, not only has spectacular landscapes

Garden Castle Nature Reserve, in the southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a world heritage site in KwaZulu-Natal ...

Cobham State Forest is a 52000ha nature reserve in the southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakenberg Park, the world heritage site ..

Wagendrift Nature Reserve is situated near the town of Estcourt and about 50km from Winterton near the Drakensberg ...

Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve lies at the foot of the rugged Spioenkop Mountains close to the towns of Bergville and Winterton ...

The fynbos rich Limietberg Nature Reserve, which stretches from the Voëlvlei dam in the north to Franschhoek in the south, covers

Rugged Glen Nature Reserve lies just north of the Royal Natal National Park in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg National Park ...

Visitors can now overnight in Camdeboo National Park, at a new campsite and tented camp on the shore of Nqweba Dam.

Empisini Nature Reserve in Umkomaas is a complete escape, including an overnight stay in a "tree house", hiking, bird watching ...

Montane Forest Plantations with adjoining protected indigenous forest are owned and run by Komatiland Forests and Eco-Tourism.

Enjoy fishing, hiking, birding and the great outdoors around Piet Retief near the Swaziland border, with Outdoor Heartbeat

Little Farm Adventures near Volksrust, Mpumalanga, offers horse riding holidays with activities and accommodation for the family

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve in Umzinto is home to 300 bird species, 56 animal species, 4 hiking and 2 MTB trails, a nature ...

Babylonstoren, 8ha of beautiful formal garden, was inspired by the Company Gardens of the Cape. Biologically friendly, the ...

Kranztkloof Nature Reserve is on the coastal escarpment to the west of Durban between the towns of Pinetown and Hillcrest ...

New Germany Nature Reserve is situated about 15 km west of Durban in the town of Pinetown ...

The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve incorporating the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, is a wonderland of fynbos, magnificent mountains ..

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve lies about 20 km inland from the south coast town of Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal ...

Mpenjati Nature Reserve lies about 20 Km south of the south coast town of Margate in KwaZulu-Natal ...

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is about 170 Km from Durban near the town of Port Edward on the border of KwaZulu-Natal ...

Vergelegen Nature Reserve is located in the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area in the southern part of the uKhahlamba-Drakenberg Park ...

Lotheni Nature Reserve is located in the southern part of the Ukhalhlamba-Drakenberg Park in the Mkhomazi Wilderness Reserve ...

Lotheni Nature Reserve is situated in the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area in the southern part of the UKhalhamba-Drakensberg Park ...

Highmoor is part of the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park ...

The Mkhomazi Wilderness Area covers 54000 Ha of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Access is via the KwaZulu-Natal towns of ...

The second largest Canyon in Africa, one of the deepest in the world, surely the greenest and definitely one of the most beautiful

Walk and learn about nature, swim in cool rivers and drink in the spirit of the Mpumalanga Escarpment on the Panorama Route

Salmonsdam Nature Reserve is renowned for its mountainous landscape twittering with birdlife. The fynbos covered slopes, waterfall

The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, between Swellendam and Heidelberg, is a magnificent 250ha indigenous forest, and 14 000ha ..

Affordable bush safaris, family accommodation and camping, hikes and walks and game viewing in the bushveld of the Loskop Valley

The Olifants River flows through a heavily forested, winding Gorge into the Kruger National Park from its source in the Highveld

The ancient 30ha Platbos forest has trees that are over 1000 years old and is Africa’s most southerly indigenous forest. The walk

The Walker Bay Nature Reserve is managed by Cape Nature and stretches for almost 25km from the scenic Klein River Estuary ...

Experience the scenic beauty of the Mpumalanga 'Highland Meander' from horse-back -10 mins outside Lydenburg on the R36 road

The Kogelberg Nature Reserve, just west of Kleinemond, and close to Betty’s Bay, is the pristine heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

The Komati River Gorge is an impressive, bushy and wildlife rich canyon that offers swimming, birding and superb fly-fishing.

Pretty Lake Chrissie is the largest freshwater lake in South Africa and the heart of the pretty 270 lake Mpumalanga Lake District

The 800ha Heuningberg Nature Reserve began as a wildflower garden and today boasts over 300 species of fynbos; the Bredasdorp Lily

The Elands River Falls drop 70m down the Elands River Gorge between the towns of Waterval Boven (Emgwenya) and Waterval Onder

Abseiling, white-water rafting, canoeing, hiking, fishing & geology tours in the UNESCO Vredefort Dome WHS south of Potchefstroom

Just north of Potchefstroom, the Boskop Dam Reserve offers great angling, birding, game viewing, camping and outdoor recreation

540ha Buffelsvlei offers a fantastic family day out and guaranteed safari sightings on a pit stop just off the N12 west from JHB

The Molemane Eye Nature Reserve near Mafikeng surrounds a natural spring and offers fishing, camping and game viewing

A popular spot near Brits for camping and recreational fishing, the Vaalkop Dam is full of yellowfish & carp among other species

Wolwespruit is offers a quiet river-front game reserve offering camping, hikes and walks but particularly angling for yellowfish.

Transkaroo Adventures Farm near Noupoort offers 4x4, MTB, horse & hiking trails on a large working farm in the heart of the Karoo

Hiking, horse trails, MTB, fishing and birding are on offer at the Karoo Gariep Conservancy near Hanover - home of the Karoo Hippo

The Khologha Indigenous Forests are a magical outdoor experience. The wonderful canopies keep you shaded and are home to wildlife

A 2 day canoe trail takes you winding 13km up the Bushmans River to a camp in the bush. Great for bird-watching and game spotting

The Richtersveld World Heritage Site protects a unique landscape, biome and people. Visit the WHS in your 4x4 and meet the Nama

The Khamkirri Nature Reserve offers many outdoors and adventure activities from white-water rafting to fly-fishing to 4x4 trails

Harteespoor Dam a favourite 'local' weekend-break for city-dwellers, offering various watersports and many other attractions...

The Tswaing Nature Reserve is centered on the Tswaing Impact Crater and offers a hiking trail, birding, picnics and a small museum

The scenic Commando Drift nature reserve in the Eastern Cape, is ideal for fishermen, hikers and others who just want to relax ...

Goegap Nature Reserve offers 15000ha of spring wildflower profusion, bat eared foxes and other small game, eagles and quiver trees

David Letsoalo and I rose way before the dawn to leave Kurisa Moya and head on our way to Polokwane Game Reserve as part of my ...

The Hangklip Forest Reserve above Louis Trichardt offers walking and hiking trails, picnic spots, birding and mountain streams

The Medike Mountain Reserve is a private nature conservancy in a Natural Heritage area near Louis Trichardt in the Soutpansberg

Beautiful Thathe Vondo in the SE Soutpansberg contains the Sacred Forest and the Sacred Lake Funduzi - full of legendary creatures

Mapungubwe National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site was declared to protect extensive wildreness and an extraordinary history

Established in 1853, the Makana Botanical Gardens in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, is said to be the second oldest botanical gardens

The Debengeni Falls in the Woodbush State Forest in the Magoebaskloof is a beautiful summer swimming hole and birder's paradise

Visit the incredibly deep Boesmansgat, hike, take a photographic safari or a hunting safari at Mount Carmel farm south of Kuruman

The 74000ha Riemvasmaak Community Conservancy offers outdoors activities, chalets, 4X4, hikes and hot springs near Augrabies Falls

The Eye of Kuruman is an oasis in the middle of the Kalahari that waters Kuruman and provides a cool lush paradise in Kuruman town

Uniquely beautiful, the Golden Gate National Park near Clarens is the only one in South Africa proclaimed to protect scenery

The beautiful 22 000 ha Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve and Game Park is situated east of the town of Bethulie on the Gariep Dam

The Kowie Hiking Trail is an easy walking trail through the Kowie Nature Reserve in Port Alfred, perfect for a day off the beach

'Wait a Little' offers 5 to 10 day Big 5 Horse Safaris through the Karongwe game reserve in the Limpopo - experienced riders only!

The beautiful Wolkberg Wilderness near Haenertsburg is a 22000ha mountain forest area popular for self-guide day hikes and walking

The Modadji Cycad Reserve protects a unique and uncredibly ancient giant cycad forest. It is also the misty home of the Rain Queen

The Haernetsburg Grassland Hiking Trail is a 10km circular trail through rare mist belt grasslands and forest around Haernetsburg

The Eye of Marico is a dolomitic pond with a water lily forest and absolutely crystal clear water - great for swimming and diving

The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve just south of Rustenburg offers great birding, hiking and sightings of the endangered Sable Antelope

The De Wildt Herb Centre is one of South Africa's most famous gardens and features workshops and many attractions for a day out

Take walking tour through the Makapans Valley in the Limpopo - a National Monument for its paleontological sites and biodiversity

Outdoors activities,4x4, great camping, hikes, climbs, trails & MTB - the Kouga Wilderness Area is an outdoors enthusiast's dream

The Rhodes area of the Southern Drakensberg, Eastern Cape Highlands, is famous for some of the best rock art sites in South Africa

Enjoy the great outdoors around Cradock actively. Adrenaline Junkies offers abseiling, river rafting, MTB and other activities

More than 300 indigenous bird species can be seen at the 15ha MoyaPark Bird Reserve in Bathhurst in the Eastern Cape

The Marloth Nature Reserve lies within the rugged and scenic southern Langeberg mountain range near Swellendam.

The Mountain Sanctuary Park is a privately owned Nature Reserve 120km north-west of Johannesburg in the magnificent Magaliesberg

The Pretoria National Botanical Gardens is a dream destination for botanists or just a great place to picnic and take in a concert

The ancient and unique Karoo Heartland has proclaimed protection in the Camdeboo National Park and in the Valley of Desolation

Montagu Springs is the ideal, affordable holiday resort for the family. The surrounding beauty of the location immediately ...

Montagu Springs is the ideal, affordable holiday resort for the family. The surrounding beauty of the location immediately ...

The 12 000ha Willem Pretorius Game Reserve near Ventersburg in the Central Free State is known for its diverse game and birdlife

Three Sisters Horse Trails offer out-rides and horse safaris across beaches, through farmland, bush and river near Port Alfred

The 2- 4 day Kowie Canoe Trail is very popular among birders and can be combined with hikes in the Waters Meeting Nature Reserve

In 1998 Peter and Nola Frazer followed their hearts and built an outdoor labyrinth at the farm called Manger in Lemoenshoek ...

The Alexandria Hiking Trail in the Eastern Cape traverses pristine forest and the largest Dune Field in the Southern Hemisphere

The Klipkop Wildlife Sanctuary near Pretoria is a 2200ha Brakenfeld conservancy with two beautiful and easy walking hiking trails