Gauteng Nature & Wildlife Experiences. Contact details and information on Gauteng Nature & Wildlife. The information below is in no particular order.
Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve
About 20km north-east of Pretoria, the Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve is a popular destination for birdwatching, freshwater angling and a variety of water sports.
There is also a 7km hiking trail, as well as a picnic and braai area on the edge of the sprawling Roodeplaat Dam.
The reserve makes for an excellent day-trip destination, and if you’re keen to spot some wildlife, the southern part of the dam is great for game viewing. You may see kudu, zebra, impala, blue wildebeest, warthogs and black-backed jackals, among other animals.
For more information and contact details, please check Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve HERE.
Lama-Lama Game Reserve and Conference Centre
The 3 000ha Lama-Lama Game Reserve is situated a mere 30 minutes north of Pretoria in the Leeuwfontein Collaborative Reserve. Offering a variety of sports and leisure activities, as well as game-viewing opportunities and conference rooms, it is a popular place for small conferences and private team-building events.
The bush camp has a choice of five chalets that can accommodate up to 13 guests, all of which have self-catering facilities, including a braai, and are serviced daily. Sports facilities include a swimming pool, darts, volleyball, table tennis and fishing.
There is also a scenically positioned church on the premises where weddings can be arranged, with the reception taking place back at the bush camp (maximum 170 guests). Bed and breakfast and half-board options are available if you don’t fancy cooking your own meals.
Visitors can enjoy 4×4 game drives through the reserve organised by the camp. Animals that can be spotted include buffalo, giraffe, eland, kudu, blue wildebeest, impala, zebra, warthogs, jackals and baboons, while there are almost 300 different species of birds to keep your eye out for too.
Different packages can be tailored to suit requirements. Prices available by request.
Directions
Take the N1 towards Polokwane up to the Zambezi Road off-ramp. Turn right towards Cullinan. Proceed for about 1km to the first set of traffic lights and turn left towards KwaMhlanga. Proceed for about 44km (past the Roodeplaat Dam and past the two traffic circles at the Big Tree Shopping Centre) up to the four-way stop in Moloto. Turn left (direction Rust de Winter) and proceed for 11.5km. Entrance to Lama-Lama is on the right-hand side.
Lama-Lama Game Reserve Contact Information
+27 (82) 447 6142
or email nhb@hblaw.co.za
+27 (0)12 481 3600
Website: http://lamalama.co.za/
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Gauteng’s first free-roaming Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) game reserve, this reserve was officially opened in September 2011. From top-quality hotels and mid-range lodges in Gauteng to tented dwellings and standard self-catering houses, accommodation options are tailored to suit everyone’s style and pocket.
The name of the Dinokeng Game Reserve (DGR) is derived from the languages of the baTswana and baPedi people who traditionally inhabited the area. Meaning “a place of rivers”, Dinokeng lies in the catchment area of two rivers that flow into the Olifants and Limpopo rivers and on to the Indian Ocean.
The DGR is situated on the northeastern quadrant of the Gauteng Province of South Africa between latitudes 25°40’00”S and 25°10’00”Sand longitudes 28°15’00”E and 28°40’00”E comprising currently 18 500 ha.
The DGR area experiences summer rainfall patterns in the form of thunderstorms which can be variable and erratic. Rainfall varies from 350mm to 750mm per season. Temperatures vary between 0° and 40° with a long term daily average of 21°.
The Dinokeng Game Reserve is Malaria-free.
Tel.: +27(12) 711 4391
reception@dinokengreserve.co.za
Abe Bailey Nature Reserve
The Abe Bailey Nature reserve is located in Carletonville, close to Khutsong on the West Rand. The 4,200-hectare reserve is named after pioneering mining magnate Abe Bailey who lived, farmed and hunted in the area in the 19th Century and whose hunting lodge is now the reserve’s main office. With approximately 220 species of both grassland and wetland birds, it is a birder’s delight.
The reserve is known for its excellent viewing of both grassland and wetland birds and its patches of woodland provide sightings of interesting and unusual birds. The reserve keeps a list of the more than 250 species of bird that have been spotted here and over 100 of these species are known to be residents or regular migrants.
Spend some time patiently listening and watching for the birds and you will be lucky enough to see some rare and beautiful creatures such as Red-throated Wrynecks, Paradise Flycatchers, Karoo thrushes, Grey-headed sparrow and Glossy Starlings among others. There are no bird hides in the reserve and the best spot to catch a glimpse of some of the larger water birds such as Black Crakes, Purple African Swamphens, Yellow-Billed Stork, Greater Flamingo and the African Fish-Eagle is along the bridge which crosses the wetlands. In good weather, you might also spot Black Herons, Red-knobbed Coots and Moorhens.
The birdlife here is best spotted on foot and it is advisable to ask the helpful staff for directions to the best tracks and trails depending on what you would like to see. Facilities include a shaded picnic site, ablutions, dormitories and chalets for overnight stays. Lecture facilities are available for up to 60 people.
Abe Bailey Nature Reserve Contact Number: +27 (0)18 787 9918
Ingwe Bush Camp
The Ingwe Bush Camp is situated on 5 000 acres of lush wilderness, an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, Tshwane and Rustenburg. This luxury campsite is with the Nooitgedacht Game Reserve and offers a natural retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s an ideal environment for team building, corporate functions and conferencing, as well as adventure vacations and wilderness safaris.
The conferencing facilities can cater up to 30 people schoolroom-style, 40 cinema-style and 20 boardroom-style. The building has all the necessary modern equipment and includes the main hall, breakout room and boma. Comprehensive catering services are also available to provide a variety of delicious treats for delegates. The environment is quiet, peaceful and the natural isolation is highly conducive to creative problem solving, team bonding and camaraderie.
Ingwe Bush Camp offers some of the country’s best game viewing through its open safari programme that provides visitors with breathtaking views of some of South Africa’s most photographed animals, including giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu, impala, zebra, hyena, leopard, gemsbok and others.
The landscape is incredibly diverse, featuring over 200 species of trees and shrubs that house more than 200 bird species, making for a chorus of morning song as the sun rises in the forest. Some of the more spectacular residents include black eagles, tawny eagles, fish eagles, martial eagle, secretary birds, hornbills and red-billed wood hoopoe. The scavenger feeding sites (also known as vulture restaurants) are frequented by more than 400 Cape griffin, lappet face and white-back vultures.
Accommodation is provided in a luxury tented campsite in the Riverine Forest, nestled under the peaks of the Magaliesberg. Each fully furnished tent caters for up to four people and includes an en-suite bathroom, warm carpeting, fully equipped kitchens, porches and braai areas.
Ingwe Bush Camp Contact Details:
+27 (0) 72 304 5802
Email
info@ingwebushcamp.com
Website
www.ingwebushcamp.com
Chameleon Bush Lodge
This four-star self-catering lodge, created and run by Chris and Carlien Pieterse, consists of five separate air-conditioned twin-bedded units, all equipped with the latest mod cons. Three of the units are specially fitted with indoor and outdoor showers.
What makes Chameleon Bush Lodge unique is that two of the units were built in a water tower, while the remainder is free-standing. The five units mark the first phase of this secure, upmarket lodge, which recently opened to the public. It’s the answer to those in search of luxurious, modern accommodation that’s part of its surroundings.
The lodge has electric fencing that is designed to deter the free-roaming game from getting too close to the lodge and its guests. Thanks to this fencing, you will be able to relax on your bush-facing patio or enjoy the evening fire at the Lapa while watching the antics of resident wildlife.
In addition to a spectacular variety of birds, the property is also home to a colony of springhare, an added attraction, especially when they bound around the property in the early evening. Guests can also go on guided bush walks and game drives with experienced rangers. If you have a high-rise or 4×4 vehicle you can enjoy a self-drive tour of the reserve. You can obtain a self-drive permit at the Tau and Ndlovu gates of the Dinokeng Game Reserve or directly with Chameleon Bush Lodge.
Chameleon Bush Lodge Contact Details:
PHONE
+27 (0) 82 454 6535
+27 (0) 82 736 9160
WEBSITE
Hennops Hiking Trails
The Hennops Hiking Trail is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained hiking trails in Gauteng, offering three hiking routes, including the relatively easy 6km Zebra Route (takes approximately two hours) and the more challenging 11.3km Krokodilberg Route (experienced hikers can expect to complete this trail in four to five hours).
The routes leave from the Hadeda Camp where there are picnic and braai areas, and basic hiking accommodation for those wishing to stay overnight.
The trails begin by crossing the Hennops River either by a suspension bridge or an old-fashioned “cable car” that works by a pulley system.
On the longer Krokodilberg Route you will pass by a large cave, reached by a rope ladder, before beginning the steep climb across the hills to various viewpoints from where you can see all the way towards the Magaliesberg mountains. Along both routes there is some wonderful indigenous flora and fauna to admire such as zebra, blesbok, kudu and giant tree-like aloes.
Due to the lack of shade along both routes, it is recommended that hikers leave as early as possible to avoid the heat of the midday sun and that hikers bring sufficient supplies of water and food with them.
Entrance to the camp is off the R511 25km west of Pretoria, approximately 10km south of the R105 junction.
Hennops Picnic Spot
The Picnic Spot is situated next to the Hennops River itself and offers 2 swimming pools, ablution facilities and ample braai facilities for day visitors.
Hennops Picnic Spot is also the home of the “Famous Suspension Bridge” seen in many films. The first bridge was built by the owner’s grandfather in 1932 and washed away with the floods a year later. It was then reinforced and except for necessary repairs, is still in good repair.
Contact Details for Hennops Hiking Trails
Phone Number
+27 (0)82 825 9205
Email
info@hennops.co.za
Website
www.hennopstrails.co.za
Intundla Game Lodge & Bush Spa
Tucked into the Bobbejaansberg Nature Reserve in Dinokeng central, an hour’s drive from OR Tambo International Airport or from Lanseria Airport lies Intundla Game Lodge & Bush Spa.
Apart from the main drawcard – Big Five game drives in Dinokeng Game Reserve – there’s fishing, canoeing, volleyball, boules, nature walks and birdwatching. And to relax hot and weary bodies, the spa offers a host of pampering treatments.
The venue is designed to host conferences and team-building events, functions, weddings and leisure guests. There are nine different conference venues, allowing for flexible seating arrangements. A dedicated conference coordinating team is on hand to ensure that every event is a success.
When it comes to team building, colleagues can enjoy a range of activities in the tranquillity of the bush. From outdoor adventures to Hunger Games and Minute to Win It games, themed dinners and more, there’s plenty to look forward to. Adjacent to the lodge, a beautiful lake is suited to water-based team activities during the summer, with raft building and canoe races ranking highly with guests.
Comfortable accommodation comes in the form of 37 luxury, en-suite, thatched chalets and an executive suite able to host 78 sharing or 39 singles. Intundla also has a restaurant, lounge, boma, wine cellar and business centre. Additional facilities include a pool, wedding chapel, honeymoon suite and cocktail bar for sunset birdwatching.
Find Intundla just 3km along the Hammanskraal Road off the R573 and 26km from Zambezi Road or the N1 off-ramp.
Team Building Activities
The Game Lodge Grounds are ideal for Treasure Hunts, Survivor, Hunger Games, Adventure Games and all outdoor Team Building Exercises that require plenty of space and fresh air. Our function rooms can be used for Themed events and indoor Team Team Development Activities such as Minute To Win It, Themed Events and Dinners.
Next to the lodge is a stunning lake that is perfect for water-based Team Building Activities such as Raft Building and Canoe Races.
Boma Events set the scene for some of the best moments shared around the fire. Our two Bomas are perfect for evening drumming, cooking competitions year-end dinners or simply enjoying nature around you with the people that matter most.
Wedding Venue
Intundla has gained a fine reputation for beautiful and memorable Weddings. Boasting a romantic Chapel, mouth-watering cuisine, and an idyllic Honeymoon suite.
Game Lodge Facilities
Head out into the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve for a Game Drive or relax back at the lodge and enjoy our Restaurant, Lounge, Boma, Wine Cellar & Reception / Business Centre. On the bank of the dam is a swimming pool plus cocktail bar/lounge where you can watch the spectacular bird life or sip drinks while watching the gorgeous sunsets explode over the water. The Game Lodge is built around a dam with 37 luxury en-suite thatched chalets, an Executive Suite, and a Honeymoon Suite.
Intundla Game Lodge Contact Details:
Physical Address
Bobbejaansberg Nature Reserve, 3km along the Hammanskraal Road off the R573, Dinokeng
Email
info@intundla.co.za
Phone Number
+27 (0)12 735 9913
Website
www.intundla.co.za
Leopardsong Game Lodge
Leopardsong Game Lodge is in the heart of Dinokeng’s Big 5 Game Reserve. Conveniently located close to Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo international airport, Leopardsong Game Lodge offers comfortable 4-star luxury accommodation and a range of exciting activities.
The lodge comes with a fully-equipped conference centre and a wide selection of recreational facilities. With an emphasis on responsible tourism, Leopardsong supports the local community, sourcing produce from local farmers.
When not busy wining and dining, guests are invited to join game drives in the mornings and afternoons. Wine tasting, laser clay pigeon shooting, bush picnics and evening performances by electrifying fire dancers are also available. A short shuttle ride away, guests can also enjoy sundowner boat cruises, microlight flips (a two or three-seater light wing aircraft), gorge gliding, zip lining, walking with lions or very romantic hot air ballooning.
Leopardsong Game Lodge offers a range of day visit options that include game drives, teambuilding activities and day conferences.
The Lodge was built in 2003 and is a self-contained luxury air-conditioned lodge in a 100 Hectares of safety fenced bush with free-ranging, zebra, nyala, Duiker, warthogs and impala. This ‘safe’ zone is set within the 18,500 hectares Dinokeng ‘big five’ Game Reserve.
There is accommodation for up to 20 people in 10 ensuite rooms. The beautifully styled rooms have as standard:
Tea / Coffee
Fridge
Hairdryer
High-quality amenity packs
Free wifi is available
We are proud of our excellent South African cuisine and our chefs also enjoy catering for a wide variety of dietary preferences such as vegetarians, halal and kosher. Dining takes place in the onsite dining room before a pleasant evening around the roaring fire in the boma. Or have a special braai in the heart of the game park.
During the day the swimming pool enables you to cool off or have a cool beer from the bar or a nice glass of wine.
Leopardsong Game Lodge is the ideal destination for a breathtaking romantic break or as a wedding venue or just a never to forget family holiday. There is a fully equipped conference centre.
Contact Leopardsong Game Lodge:
Physical Address
Pride Of Africa Nature Reserve, Haakdoringfontein, Hammanskraal
Phone Number
+27 (0) 78 804 3393
Website
