South Africa is one of the most popular destinations when it comes to witnessing a plethora of wildlife and nature reserves. While the popular spots around the country are often visited frequently by the tourists, Pretoria is often an unexplored spot around the place that not many people often visit around for the wildlife and the natural beauty of the place around. If you are here wondering about the national parks in Pretoria, the possibilities might not be that extensive, but the available options are more than enough to cope up with the excitement one visits the place with.
7 Best National Parks In Pretoria
In this article, we will be discussing the top and the best national reserves around in Pretoria that you just can’t miss out on.
1. Groenkloof Nature Reserve
The Groenkloof Nature Reserve is situated just adjoining the Fountains Valley in the southern point of Pretoria. It was the very first game sanctuary in Pretoria and does make up for one of the most popular sightseeing spots around the place. This reserve is mainly managed by the Department of Nature Conservation. It consists of over 600 different species of animals and bird along with lush vegetation around the area of the nature reserve. Some of the most popular animals spotted around the park include zebra, giraffe, blesbok, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, and red hartebeest. Apart from that, you can also witness over 120 species of birds there, including guineafowl and crested francolin. Some of the rare species found there include Gunning's rock scorpion, golden-starburst baboon spider, the violin spider, etc.
Timings: 05:30 AM to 07:00 PM
Location: Tshwane, South Africa
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2. Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Next, on the list of the national parks in Pretoria South Africa include the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. The entire park is around 4000 hectares in the area which is what makes it one of the most popular ones in the area. The popular Rietvlei Dam is also located inside the park. It is predominantly located in the southeast portion of Pretoria in the Gauteng district. When it comes to the availability of flora and fauna around the national park, the options are quite extensive. There are over 404 species of birds and over 1600 species of mammals in the nature reserve. Some of the commonly spotted animals around in the nature reserve include Cheetah, Eland, Common Zebra, Springbuck, Oribi, Leopard, Hippopotamus, and Buffalo.
Timings: 05:30 AM to 07:00 PM
Location: 14 Game Reserve Ave, Rietvallei 377-Jr, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa
3. Moreletaspruit Nature Reserve
Yet another one of the beautiful South African National Parks in Pretoria is the Moreletaspruit Nature Reserve. It is located in the eastern suburbs of Gauteng. The place is known around for its nature trails and a wide range of scenic beauty of the birds and the animals that infiltrate the nature reserve. Even though there is not a specific count for the bird and the wild game species in the nature reserve itself, the count is believed to be quite extensive and diverse.
Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Location: Helios St, Moreletapark, Pretoria, 0044, South Africa
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4. Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
The Faerie Glen Nature Reserve is possibly one of the most popular natural reserve and parks around in Pretoria owing to the number of birds and animals that are found there. It is located in the western limit of Bromberg which is situated in the east of Pretoria. The entire park is infiltrated with not just a wide range of bird species, you can find quite a lot of animals and mammals as well. It has over 150 species of birds in the nature reserve. Some of the extensively witnessed animals in the park include mongoose, hedgehog, porcupines, bushbabies, small spotted genets etc. Apart from that, you can also find a wide range of impalas, zebras, and even hartebeest.
Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Location: January Masilela Dr, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, 0040, South Africa
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5. Wonderboom Nature Reserve
The Wonderboom Nature Reserve is yet another one of the most visited around national parks in Pretoria. It is a 1 km2 reserve which encompasses the Magaliesberg range as well. The main attraction, Wonderboom, from where the nature reserve gets its name is situated right beside the entrance. Apart from the scenic beauty of some of the iconic spots around the nature reserve, some of the most important animal species found around the area include impala, zebra and even black eagles.
Timings: 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Location: Wonderboom, Pretoria, 0182, South Africa
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6. Roodeplaat Dam Provincial Nature Reserve
The Roodeplaat Dam Provincial Nature Reserve is located on the shores of the popular Roodeplaat Dam which is situated around 22 km away from the north of Pretoria. The entire nature reserve is spread across an area of 15.55 km2. The entire area of the reserve is also home to quite an extensive variant of animals and bird species.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: 9956+88, Roodeplaat, 0186, South Africa
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7. Chamberlain Bird Sanctuary
If you are in Pretoria and wish to witness some of the most exquisite species of birds around, the Chamberlain Bird Sanctuary is an amazing place for you to visit. Not only can you witness the regular birds, but you can also witness quite a number of migratory birds from around the globe, so if birds entice you, this place is the one to be in.
Timings: 07:00 AM to 03:30 PM
Location: 103 Kieser St, Deerness, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa
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There is not an abundance of national parks near Pretoria but the ones available are more than enough to compensate for all your viewing pleasures. If you are visiting South Africa, make sure that Pretoria and the national parks and reserves to make an appearance in your itinerary.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
