Coordinates: S25 47 379 E028 11 764
Area size: 600 ha
Groenkloof Nature Reserve is located near the famous Fountains Valley. This valley on the southern outskirts of Pretoria was proclaimed as a game sanctuary by President Paul Kruger on 25 February 1895, the first in Africa. Its main purpose was to protect the shy and timid oribi that were found there and other game that were being wiped out by hunters.
After 1910, portions of the area were rented out for the establishment of commercial plantations for the delivery of wood and the production of paper, both of which were in short supply during the world wars. By the late 1950s, the City Council of Pretoria became the owner of the area.
Currently, big clean-up operations are being run to restore the original woody bush of the area.
Wildlife
The wildlife on the reserve include zebra, jackal, duiker, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, ostrich, giraffe and sable. The rich birdlife will keep bird lovers busy for hours on end.
Vegetation
Groenkloof Nature Reserve features low, broken ridges varying in steepness. The vegetation is semi pen thicket, dominated by a variety of woody species, including Acacia caffra, Rhus leptodictya, Combretum molle and Dombeya rotundifolia. The under-storey is dominated by a variety of grasses.
Activities
Groenkloof Nature Reserve offers a large variety of activities for nature lovers just 5 km from the city centre.
Hiking trails
- 4 km hike (white trail)
- 3,5 km hike (red trail)
- 10,5 km hike (yellow trail)
Horse trails
- Day horse trail: Guided, with a minimum of four and a maximum of six horses
- Weekend horse trail: Maximum of four hours per day
Vehicle trails
- Night drives: Two-hour drive, including use of the lapa
- Mountain bike trail: ± 20 km routes
- Helmets are compulsory – no helmet, no ride
- Motorcar route: ± 5 km (interpretation route)
- 4×4 routes: ± 14 km (interpretation route)
- Picnic area: Exclusively for relaxing after one of the trails (bring your own firewood)
Facilities
- Overnight facilities are available for hiking, 4×4 driving and mountain biking
- The Bamber Youth Camp accommodates youth groups of up to 60 people
Visiting hours
September to April: 06:00 to 18:00
May to August: 06:00 to 18:00
Directions
Groenkloof Nature Reserve is reached via the entrance to Fountains Valley Resort. Follow the R21 to the Fountains Circle and take the Fountains/Centurion turn-off into Christina de Wit Avenue. Turn left after about 500 m at the entrance to Fountains Valley Resort. Use the alternative entrance gate 800 m from the Fountains Valley Resort main entrance gate on weekends and public holidays.
Tariffs
Entrance fees
5 km motor car route: R138,00
14 km 4×4 route: R138,00
Adults (18 years and older): R51,00
Schoolchildren (7 to 17 years): R32,00
Preschool children (0 to 6 years): R17,00
Pensioners (60 years and older): R32,00
Recovery of 4×4 vehicles on route: R575,00
Day hiking and mountain biking trails
Adults (18 years and older): R51,00
Schoolchildren (7 to 17 years): R32,00
Preschool children (0 to 6 years): R17,00
Pensioners (60 years and older): R51,00
Monthly tickets
Adults (18 years and older): R313,00
Schoolchildren (7 to 17 years): R214,00
Preschool children (0 to 6 years): R71,00
Pensioners (60 years and older): R214,00
Annual tickets
Per person: R1 167,00
Overnight hiking trail, mountain bike trail and 4×4 trails (maximum 12 persons, self-catering)
Per person per night: R116,00
Non-refundable damage deposit of 40%
Day hiking trails per guide extra: R242,00
Environmental education
Children of schoolgoing age: R46,00
Adult accompanying group, per adult: R89,00
Day group, per person: R73,00
Overnight, per person: R111,00
Bamber Youh Camp
Per person/child: R88,00
Adult accompanying group, per adult: R126,00
Per guide: R242,00
Non-refundable damage deposit of 40%
Guided day hike (four hours, including guide): R80,00
Self-catering accommodation house 2
Fully equipped with furniture, cutlery and linen, self-catering
Maximum of six persons
No children under 17 allowed without adult supervision
A non-refundable deposit (40% of the tariff) is payable when the booking is made, and the balance of 60% is paid within 14 days of the function date. If not paid, the booking will be cancelled, and the deposit forfeited.
Per person, per night: R927,00
If used on a same-day, booking-and-occupation basis (the booking is not made in advance), per person, per night: R491,00
Day drive with tractor and trailer through Groenkloof Nature Reserve (± two hours)
Per child: R44,00
Horse trails (guided)
Day trail, two hours, with guide, 4 to 8 persons: R184,00
Day trail, per hour: R126,00
City light/moon light trail, three hours, with guide, 4 to 8 persons: R184,00
Overnight trail, per person, per night, maximum of four hours per day trail: R260,00
Pony rides for children (10 minutes): R51,00
Night drives
Per person, including use of lapa until 23:00: R169,00
Lapa hire (during the day)
1 to 15 people: R1 090,00
16 to 30 people: R1 886,00
31 to 60 people: R2 725,00
Non-refundable damage deposit of 40%
Contact details
Bookings should be made four weeks in advance for the overnight facilities and if a guide is required for a hiking trail.
Tel: 012 358 1757/1753/8188 (bookings)
Email: groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za
Address: Groenkloof Nature Reserve, PO Box 1454, Pretoria, 0001
