HomeExplore TshwaneNature ConservationGroenkloof Nature Reserve Groenkloof Nature Reserve Groenkloof Nature ReserveCoordinates: S25 46 49 E28 12 36 In the 1820s, Mzilikazi arrived in this beautiful valley, by which time the BaKwena had already driven the San out. He stayed at Meintjieskop while his impis built two of his cities in the area. The women used to fetch water from the Apies River and called it Enzwabuhlungu. This means “something that hurts” which refers to the sharp dolomite rock that hurt their feet. The Sotho name is Entsabohloko and refers to the circumcision rites where the young men of the tribe used to stand in the water during the ceremony. On 25 February 1895, President Paul Kruger proclaimed the valley on the southern outskirts of Pretoria as a game sanctuary – this was the first game sanctuary on the African continent. Its main purpose was to protect the large herds of animal on the outskirts of town from hunters who were responsible for their demise, as well as to protect the shy and timid Oribi that occurred here. In 1910, portions of the area were rented out for the establishment of commercial wood plantations because of the wood and paper shortages due to the world war. By the late 1950s, the City Council of Pretoria became the owner of the area. In 1994, the reserve became the responsibility of the Department of Nature Conservation and preparations were started to release game again. 1999 was the year where impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, and ostrich were reintroduced on to the reserve and 2002 saw the release of giraffe and red hartebeest. Currently, big clean-up operations are being done to restore this area to its original vegetation of woody bushed. Activities Groenkloof Nature Reserve offers many different activities for nature lovers just 5 km outside the city centre. Hiking trails: 3,5/1.3km hike (red trail) 3,7 km ( white trail)10,5 km( yellow trail) Entrance fees Please note: Groenkloof Nature Reserve is a cash-free zone.ACTIVITYDESCRIPTIONPRICEDay tariffAdults (18 years and older)R 58,00Pensioners (60 years and older) and persons with disabilitiesR 37,00School children (7 to 17 years)R 37,00Preschool children (3 to 6 years)R 21,00Infants (0 to 2 years)Free of Charge4×4 nature trailPer vehicleR 152,00Recovery feeR 630,00Overnight facilitiesOvernight hut (sleeps 12 people)Per personR 126,00Bamber youth camp (sleeps 30 people)Per personR 142,00Per childR 100,00Per guideR 262,00Lapa hire1 to 15 people R 1,207,5016 to 30 peopleR 2,100,0031 to 60 peopleR 2,987,00Crockery hire0 to 25 peopleR 798,0026 to 50 peopleR 1, 207,0051 to 75 peopleR 1, 638,00Self-catering accommodation house 2 (maximum of six people)Per person, per nightR 1, 018,50Per person, per nightIf used on a same day, booking and occupation basis (if the booking is not made in advance)R 546,00Tractor drivePer childR 47,00Film shootsCommercial film recordings (advertising, movies, music videos, etc)R 2,415,00Professional photo shootPer shoot, per day plus entrance fee per personEngagements, weddings, matric farewells, etcR 168,00 R 58,00Group or terrain hireRental of grounds for large groups (excluding lapas ) for a maximum of 100 personsR 11, 340,00Environmental educationGuideR 89,00Children of school going ageR 52,50Day group per person R 52,50Adult accompanying group, per adultR 100,00Guided day hikePer person (± four-hour hike)R 89,00Day hiking trailPer guide extraR 262,50Night drivePer person (minimum 10, maximum 22 persons)R 183,75Horse trailDay trail: Two hours (per person)R 199,50Day trail: One hour (per person)R 136,50City light/moonlight trail: Three hours (4 to 8 persons)R 152,00Pony rides: 10 minutes (children under 12 years)R 58,00Annual ticketsAdults (18 years and older)R 1,281,00Per child (2 to 12 years)R 483,00Per child (13 to 15 years)R 798,00Per child (16 to 17 years)R 1,050,00Family of four (two adults and two children)R 1, 260,00Family of two (one adult and one child)R 630,00Bookings and contact numbersBooking are only necessary for the overnight facilities (made two weeks in advance) and if a guide is required for a hiking trail.Telephone: 012 358 1757 (bookings)012 358 8188/ 012 358 0473Email: groenkloofnaturereserver3@tshwane.gov.za (bookings)Address: Groenkloof Nature Reserve PO Box 1454, Pretoria, 0001Website: www.tshwane.gov.za/groenkloofnaturereserveVisiting hoursSummer ( September to April ) 06:00 to 18:00Winter ( May to August ): 06:00 to 18:00Entrance to the nature reserve will only be allowed until one hour before closing time.Please note: Groenkloof Nature Reserve is a cash-free zone.
