Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, 11 kilometres south of Joburg city centre, is a 680ha nature reserve. Its name means "stone river mountain" in Afrikaans. Mainly comprising open veld and koppies, the reserve is home to 238 bird species; 600 plant species; wildlife, including blesbok, zebra and duiker; as well as a rich archaeological site. It boasts the highest concentration of identified Iron Age sites on the Witwatersrand.
There are also the remains of a BaTswana village - a replica can be seen - and the walls of a house built in 1850 by one of the early voortrekkers, Sarel Marais. The reserve is fenced, and has several nature trails and hikes, ranging from short routes to nine kilometres long. The Bloubos Spruit ("blue bush stream") can be seen on most of them.
Facilities/features/events: Large and small corporate events, filming commercials and photography.
Walking trails - view map
Bird Species List
Getting there: Take the N12 southern bypass, taking the Klip River Drive offramp. Go south and turn right onto Columbine Avenue. (Dischem, Black Steers and a garage either side) turn left into Ormonde Drive. Pass Devereux Avenue on your left; just before the bridge turn left into Frandaph Drive. At the end of Frandaph Drive, use the Silent Pool entrance into the reserve.
Or, take the De Villiers Graaf Motorway (metro route 1) south, taking the Columbine Avenue offramp. Go east along Columbine Avenue. (Dischem, Black Steers and a garage either side) turn right into Ormonde Drive. Pass Devereux Avenue on your left; just before the bridge turn left into Frandaph Drive. At the end of Frandaph Drive, use the Silent Pool entrance into the reserve.
