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Nature reserve in Pretoria, South Africa
Photo: User:(WT-shared) NJR ZA, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a small reserve in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.
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catfish, yellow fish, carp and tilapia are common.
There are four bird hides in the reserve. The one at the picnic area is a bit old and creaky and some of the seating need repairs, kids from the picnic area can also be a nuisance to the serious bird watcher. The one on the Vlei Route is supported by Friends of Rietvlei and is in excellent condition and offers a good view of the vlei. The hide on Main Road has views over almost the whole Rietvlei dam, but is normally the first hide visitors see and you can expect some traffic in and out as people come to see what the hides look like.
The picnic area at Marais dam has clean toilets, braai areas, and running water. Bring a blanket, something to eat and drink and relax.
The Pretoria Sailing Club operated on Rietvlei dam. In order to sail you will have to become a temporary club member. Gypsies, Lasers and O9s are available for rent.
4-hour guided hike. Groups of 10 to 15 people.
Groups of 6 to 8 people. Guided hike, 21 km through the reserve. Two basic rondavels (huts) with beds, mattrasses, hot and cold water, some limited cooking utensils and firewood is provided. The rondavels do not have electricity.
Groups of 6 to 10 people. Horse, saddle and guide is included.
Groups of 6 to 8 people. Horse and equipment is included. Riders should have some horse riding experience. Router covers 36 km. Two basic rondavels (huts) with beds, mattrasses, hot and cold water, some limited cooking utensils and firewood is provided. The rondavels do not have electricity.
2-hour game drive using spotlights to locate the wildlife. A fire (and blankets in winter) will be waiting at Fish Eagle Lapa for a bring and braai (bring your own meat, salads, drinks, and have a barbecue) after the game drive.
Up to 30 people, firewood supplied. No loud music allowed and everyone must be out by midnight.
Maximum 200 people. Firewood, power points, ice machine, stove, walk-in refrigerator and cushions are supplied. No loud music allowed and everyone must be out by midnight.
Basic, but clean ablution blocks. A maximum of 60 people per night are allowed on the camp site.
The reserve is just off the R21 between Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport.
Read in the guideThe easiest option for day visitors is to self-drive. 30 km of tarred and 10 km of dirt road is provided for this. Speed limit within the reserve is 30 km/h.
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Johannesburg · International · JNB
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