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Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria

4.3
#1 of 29 in Parks in Pretoria
Nature / Park · Wildlife Area
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Examine all sorts of exotic animal species at Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Established during the great economic turmoil of the 1930s and sitting at an average elevation of 1,525 m (5,000 ft), the reserve preserves indigenous trees, birds, and mammals. Take a guided tour on the well-maintained roads through the bush landscape to observe different species of hippos, leopards, and zebras. Arrange your visit to Rietvlei Nature Reserve and discover more family-friendly attractions in Pretoria using our Pretoria attractions planner.
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Rietvlei Nature Reserve reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
753 reviews
Google
4.3
TripAdvisor
  • Enjoyed the game park, being so close to the city and surrounded by Highways but still peaceful. Many animals spotted and enjoyed the dams where Hippos were seen at a distance 
    Enjoyed the game park, being so close to the city and surrounded by Highways but still peaceful. Many animals spotted and enjoyed the dams where Hippos were seen at a distance  more »
  • Peace and quiet on the outskirts of Pretoria. The self-drive option is inexpensive and includes several bird hides, lookouts, picnic spots and even a coffee shop, which we haven’t visited yet. The... 
    Peace and quiet on the outskirts of Pretoria. The self-drive option is inexpensive and includes several bird hides, lookouts, picnic spots and even a coffee shop, which we haven’t visited yet. The...  more »
  • Rietvlei Nature Reserve is always a treat! It surprises you - as u never know what u might see each time u visit. Always many birds and such fun to hunt for the special species. 
    Rietvlei Nature Reserve is always a treat! It surprises you - as u never know what u might see each time u visit. Always many birds and such fun to hunt for the special species.  more »
Google
  • Very well looked after nature reserve, just on the edge of the suburbs of Pretoria. There is a large dam and lots of grasslands as well as some small rivers and reed beds. There are buffalo, cheetah and other wildlife to see, but it is probably the bird life that makes this place so special. With a diversity of habitats you should easily able to see at least 50 different species in a few hours if you drive to different spots. There are also several well maintained birdhides where you can sit and admire the scenery while you lookout for birds. There is also a nice restaurant/coffee-shop where you can get a light snack and refreshments and enjoy sitting out in the peaceful gardens.
  • One of my favourite “in the wild” places to relax and unwind. Perfectly located between Kempton Park and Pretoria offering that “outdoor wildlife experience” without having to drive for hours. I haven’t been disappointed yet. The birdlife is amazing. The hides are perfect for sunset photography. The cheetah’s are always on the list of animals to find. So far I have seen them 3 times… And with the cubs only a few months old it’s the perfect time to visit. For the more adventurous there’s the wildlife walks and overnight camps. The tar roads are good, however, some of the sand roads need a little attention, especially if you’re in a sedan. Tickets are purchased on arrival, but credit card only. No cash!
  • Very nice game drive. Lots of animals that includes Cheetahs, rhinos and many more. Pricing not bad for a day out with the family. Place is clean and lots of picnic spots. There is braai areas. So make sure to pack a chop
  • On my first visit I saw quite a variety of the animals. The clouds also played along to make the scenery more spectacular. Even heard some jackals while driving around the reserve. The animals are so relaxed around the vehicles that you can have a nice close view of them🦓 I would recommend going here to anyone.
  • Beautiful reserve and nice to see animals wandering around. Didn't see many varieties but what we saw was good to have been with the family. There is a large variety to see but you have to be patient and drive around. Really worth it. The cost was I think R65 per adult person.

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