Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

The 11595ha Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is one of Gauteng’s best and most well known nature reserves – just 30 minutes drive from Johannesburg. It is named for the ‘Sugar Bush’ protea that proliferates on the reserve amongst a wealth of other ‘Highveld’ flora.

Birdwatching in Suikerbosrand

A delight for birdwatchers are the sugarbirds that feed on the sweet nectar of the aptly named sugar bush flower, but it doesn’t stop there. The reserve is home to over 200 species of bird, many endemic to the area. These include Grey-winged Francolin, Yellow-tufted Pipit and in winter, the Sentinel Rock Thrush. 

The terrain in the Suikerbosrand Reserve varies from open grasslands to wooded gorges and mountainous areas. There is also marshland and extensive areas covered with fynbos like foliage. The diverse terrain supports a variety of flora systems and in turn a great variety of animals and birds.

Hiking and cycling in Suikersbosrand

There is over 66km of of hiking, driving and cycling routes through the reserve, many of them designed along the best birding areas, as well as the ‘Tourist Route’ – a tarred route designed for self-drive game viewing.

There is the short interpretive accessible trail of 1 km; The Cheetah Educational Route is a gentle 2 hour walk that starts and ends at a small visitor centre and is designed for visitors who want to learn specifics about the flora and fauna on the reserve and the Bokmakierie Nature Trail of either 17 km (7 hours) or 10 km (3.5 hours)

Animals that can be seen include several species of large antelope, including eland, wildebeest and red hartebees, as well as smaller species such as duiker and mountain reedbuck. There are also zebra, baboons and several small predator species, which are mainly nocturnal.

Entrance to the reserve is very inexpensive – only R45 per adult and R35 per child (this can change). There are extensive accommodation and caravan facilities at the Protea Hotel and at the Karekloof Resort within the reserve, as well as braai and picnic areas on the reserve ‘routes’, and overnight huts for hikers.

Entrance fees:
Entrance: R45-00/Adult, R35-00/Pensioner or Child (3-11 years)
Vehicles: R35-00/Car, R45-00/Combi (<14 seats), R55-00/Minibus (15-30 seats), R85-00/Bus (>30 seats)
Season Ticket: R305/Adult, R130/Pensioner or Child (3-11 years), includes additional fees e.g. vehicle fees. Requires one passport photo.

Visiting Hours:
Week days: 07:00 – 16:00 (exit by 18:00)
Weekends: 06:00 – 16:00 (exit by 18:00)
Earlier weekend times on a trial basis

Getting there: Take the N3 south from Johannesburg towards Heidelberg.