Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is approximately 13 337 ha in extent and is at an altitude of between 1 545 and 1 917 metres above sea level. The reserve is accessed by a 67 kilometre circular tarred road and there are various walks available ranging from the short paved walkway at the back of the Interpretive Centre to the 10km and 11.5km Bokmakierie hiking trails. There is a large diversity of vegetation types including highveld grassland (some over 1800 metres), sheltered kloofs and valleys, Broadleaved woodland, Acacia Savanna, stands of Protea caffra and stands of Aloe marlothii. Taking the circular drive is the best way to cover a variety of habitats. This is a good reserve for highveld species such as Red-collared and Yellow-rumped Widows. Larks which occur include Spike-heeled, Red-capped and Long-billed and Pipits include African, Long-billed and Plain-backed. The paved walk behind the information centre may yield Sentinel Rock-Thrush (winter), Red-throated Wryneck, Red-eyed Bulbul and Bokmakierie. Mountain Wheatears are numerous in the higher areas of grassland where Wing-snapping Cisticolas and Grey-winged Francolin are also found. Red-wing and Orange River Francolins also occur whilst other cisticolas occurring in the reserve are Fantailed, Desert and Cloud. Capped Wheatear may also be seen. Summer raptors are Amur Falcon and Steppe Buzzard with resident raptors including Secretary Bird, Black-shouldered Kite and Jackal Buzzard. Numerous Canary species such as Cape, Yellow, Yellow-fronted, Streaky-headed and Black-throated occur within the reserve. The best time to visit is in early summer when larks and cisticolas are calling and Widows and Bishops are in breeding plumage.

In addition to the birding attraction the reserve also holds larger game species such as Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Black Widebeest, Sprinbok, Eland, Kudu and Chacma Baboon.

Directions

GPS Co-ordinates:

Description	Latitude	Longitude
Main Entrance	26°27'17" S	28°13'22" E
Secondary Entrance	26°31'60" S	28°09'64" E

From Johannesburg Airport take the R24 towards Johannesburg. Shortly after the R24 merges with the N12, branch left off onto the N3 south towards Heidelberg and Durban. Continue along the N3 for approximately 35 kilometers and take the R550(R554) Nigel / Lenasia offramp, turning right towards Lenaia at the offramp intersection. After approximately 8 kilometers the reserve entrance is signposted on the left-hand side of the road.

A secondary entrance to the reserve is available from the west via the R557 Karee Road which is also the entrance to the Kareekloof Resort.

Approximate travelling time from the airport 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.

Facilities

The reserve contains two excellent picnic spots with braai and ablution facilities. There is an Interpretive Centre and Farm Museum at the Diepkloof main entrance picnic area. In addition there is a small restaurant at the Protea Hotel adjacent to the Diepkloof main entrance picnic spot.

Overnight accommodation is available at either the newly opened 30 Room Protea Hotel or at the Kareekloof Resort, which is also administered by Protea Hotels. Kareekloof has both chalets and camping spots but is popular with families so can be a little noisy at peak times. There are also overnight hiking huts for the more energetic but these are not always open.

Additional Information

Enquiries:

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

Tel: +27 (0) 11 904 1011 or 904 3930/3/7, +27 (0) 71 602 7581
Fax: +27 (0) 11 904 2966

Protea Hotel & Kareekloof Resort

Tel: +27 (0) 16 365 5334
E-mail: reservations@phsuikerbosrand.co.za
Website: www.proteahotels.com/suikerbosrand

Gate times:

	Open	Close
Summer	07H00	18H00
Winter	07H30	17H00

Entrance Fees:

Adults	R20
Children	R10
Pensioners	R10
Car	R10

Kareekloof Resort Fees:

Vehicles	R50
Adults	R100
Children	R50
Camp Site	R120
Camping p/p	R55

Protea Hotel Chalets:

2 Sleeper	R760 per night
4 Sleeper	R930 per night
6 Sleeper	R1150 per night
8 Sleeper	R1275 per night