Groenkloof Nature Reserve
| Groenkloof Nature Reserve | |
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| Location | Tshwane, South Africa |
| Nearest city | Pretoria |
| Coordinates | 25°47′36″S 28°12′14″E / 25.7934°S 28.2039°ECoordinates: 25°47′36″S 28°12′14″E / 25.7934°S 28.2039°E |
| Established | 1895 |
| Official website | |
The Groenkloof Nature Reserve, located adjacent to the Fountains Valley at the southern entrance to Pretoria, was the first game sanctuary in Africa. The reserve of 600 ha is managed by the Department of Nature Conservation. It is flanked by Christina de Wit Avenue and Nelson Mandela Drive, that separate it from the Voortrekker Monument and Klapperkop Nature Reserves. In aggregate these reserves conserve some 1,400 ha of bankenveld vegetation which is threatened in Gauteng.[1] The reserve is open to day visitors from 5:30 to 19:00 in summer, and 7:00 to 18:00 in winter.
History
This valley on the southern outskirts of Pretoria was proclaimed a game sanctuary by President Paul Kruger on 25 February 1895. Its main purpose was to protect the shy and timid Oribi, which occurred there, and other game that were being depleted by hunters.[2] For many years however, the reserve was leased for exotic timber plantation, to supply wood and paper. A memorial wall is to be seen beside traces of the homestead of the early pioneer Lucas Bronkhorst, who settled here around 1839.
Wildlife
When the reserve was reproclaimed in 1994, the plantations were removed to allow the natural vegetation to regenerate. Open grassland occurs along the Apies valley and the higher plateau. Native trees occur at varying densities on the hillsides and in the lower valley. These include Celtis africana, Hook-thorn, Mountain karee, Velvet bushwillow, Wild pear and Puzzle bush.[2]
The reserve is currently stocked with Zebra, Blesbok, Impala, Kudu, Blue wildebeest, Sable, Red hartebeest, Giraffe and Ostrich. Jackal, Duiker and Rock hyrax are also resident. Game birds include Guineafowl, Swainson's francolin and Crested francolin.
Facilities and activities
Entrance fees differ depending on the intended activity, and the number of persons partaking. The reserve is popular with cyclists, and mountain bikers can follow a 20 km route. The three hiking trails are designated as the red (1.3/3.5 km), white (3.7 km) and yellow (10.5 km) trails. Hikers can reserve an overnight hut. Off-road enthusiasts can explore 14 km of 4x4 tracks, while game viewing is possible from a 5 km motor car route. Guided horse rides and pony rides for kids are also offered. There are two picnic areas, named Meriting and Mashupeng, and a lapa may be rented for evening get-togethers.
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References
- ↑ George Bredenkamp & Noel van Rooyen. "34. Rockey Highveld Grassland". In: Low, A.B. & Rebelo, A.G. (eds) Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Groenkloof Nature Reserve". Services. City of Tshwane. Retrieved 17 October 2013.
Media related to Groenkloof Nature Reserve at Wikimedia Commons