What to do and see in Pretoria, Gauteng: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

April 4, 2022 Alida England

Pretoria is a vision of purple, thanks to its plethora of blossoming trees that gave the South African metropolis its nickname: Jacaranda City. Give in to the animal magnetism of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, then get up close and personal with the big, bad kitties of the Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre. The buildings of Pretoria reflect diverse architectural styles and influences, creating a unique urban landscape.
Restaurants in Pretoria

1. Klippenbosch -Day Spa

Portion 18, Klipkop 396 JR, Pretoria 0081 South Africa +27 12 941 9182 [email protected] http://www.klippenbosch.co.za
Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 56 reviews

Klippenbosch -Day Spa

Reviewed By 853nickyc - Emalahleni, South Africa

After being greeted by the owner, we had a delicious 2 course breakfast and homemade bread. The staff performed a song for us, and off we went to our first 2 treatments... then we had a cheese platter, and off to another 2 treatments. We then had a delicious lunch, and had our final 2 treatments finished off with a chocolate platter. All treatments were so relaxing! Fourth time there. Would definitely go a hundred times over.

2. Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Nelmapious Drive Centurian, Pretoria South Africa +27 12 358 1810 http://rietvlei-reserve.co.za
Excellent
41%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 739 reviews

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Reviewed By ryamarim - Roodepoort, South Africa

Rietvlei is ideal for a daytrip, with well maintained roads, various hides and a picnic spot, the family can spend quality time here It's a place where you can slow down and enjoy nature

3. Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

Helios St Moreleta Park, Pretoria 0044 South Africa +27 12 358 1510 [email protected] http://moreletakloof.co.za
Excellent
44%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

4. Faerie Glen Nature Reserve

Pretoria South Africa http://www.tshwane.gov.za/Services/Nature%20Conservation/Pages/Faerie-Glen-Nature-Reserve.aspx
Excellent
41%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Faerie Glen Nature Reserve

Reviewed By russellmC1304BG

I grew up in the 1980s a stones throw from there. There was never a weekend that went by not exploring. There were no fences, just nature so close to civilization. The view from the koppie is amazing. There was even a direct dirt path up to the top and I remember some of the obstacles.

5. Rietvlei Nature Reserve

entrance gate off the M31 Rietvlei Dam Municipal Nature Reserve, Pretoria 1739 South Africa +27 12 480 9944 http://www.rietvlei-reserve.co.za
Excellent
57%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Reviewed By 170julianl - Pretoria, South Africa

If you want a quite getaway from the busy city life that is Pretoria then this is a must. Absolutely amazing to go and unwind, have a game drive, stop at the coffee shop for a drink and a snack and continue on your way to experience all the wild life.

6. Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary

Boshoff Street, Pretoria 2004 South Africa +27 12 348 1265 [email protected] http://www.tshwane.gov.za/Services/Nature%20Conservation/Pages/Austin-Roberts-Memorial-Bird-Sanctuary.aspx
Excellent
36%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 105 reviews

Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary

Reviewed By SMKCENTURION - Centurion, South Africa

The park is adjacent to the Blue Crane restaurant and worth a visit if you love birds. Many species resident at the park, including Blue Cranes, which are quite tame. Spend time in the bird watching hide as well when there.

7. Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Christina de Wit Avenue, Pretoria 0002 South Africa +27 12 440 8316 http://www.tshwane.gov.za/Services/Nature%20Conservation/Pages/Groenkloof-Nature-Reserve.aspx
Excellent
36%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 232 reviews

Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Reviewed By SELVGOV22 - Sandton, South Africa

Great hiking trail. Difficult to get information on whether dogs are allowed - rules at the gate however indicate that “no body may bring domestic or wild animals into the reserve”

8. Welgedacht Game Reserve

Bobbejaansberge, Pretoria 0002 South Africa
Excellent
43%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
14%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 14 reviews

Welgedacht Game Reserve

9. Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Pretoria South Africa http://www.tshwane.gov.za/Services/Nature%20Conservation/Pages/Wonderboom-Nature-Reserve.aspx
Excellent
24%
Good
55%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
10%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 29 reviews

Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Reviewed By HelenChristmas - Boksburg, South Africa

I went with a friend specifically to see the Wonderboom Tree - an wild fig tree which has several 'daughter' trees - wonderful after a day in Pretoria visiting various sites. Went to eat at a restaurant at the Shopping Centre opposite - plenty of choice and clean toilets! We opted not to go on the various walks this time. It is possible to drive near to the tree. Just to see the tree and take photos takes under an hour, if following the hikes, this could take longer!

10. International Primate Rescue

Plot No 20 Boundary Road, Pretoria 0186 South Africa +27 79 479 3712 [email protected] http://www.iprescue.org
Excellent
76%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
18%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 17 reviews

International Primate Rescue

Volunteering with rescued primates at a registed charity. A genuine hands on experience where volunteers interact daily with the monkeys as they assist in the feeding, cleaning and general care of over 125 primates. The sanctuary houses Marmosets, Tamarins, Squirrel Monkeys, Capuchins, Macaques, Mona Monkeys, Patas Monkeys and Grey Mouse Lemurs. Other residents include Fennec Foxes, Sugar Gliders and Tenrec

Reviewed By cheyennencollins - Cincinnati, United States

I cannot even begin to express my love for the primates at International Primate Rescue! Thanks to Sue Mousley, they live happy and fulfilling lives. I know that under her care, no matter what the world throws at the sanctuary, the primates will be fed and loved on. My experience there will never be topped! Not only was it a place where I could live out the dream of caring for primates, but it was so peaceful and structured that I was able to work on myself! I cooked every day, I read, I worked on personal projects and I strived to better myself as a human in general! What was great is that Sue and the other volunteers had open and honest conversations with me about ways in which to help me do it, too. They are genuinely some of the best people I have ever met. Living with strangers isn’t easy and relationships aren’t perfect, but everyone was willing to talk about their problems and concerns and work together. Keep in mind that this isn't totally a vacation! Be ready to work hard! There are so many animals who need you to clean up their poop and feed them all throughout the day! I promise it is worth it, though. I am telling you, if you have the chance to volunteer at IPR, DO IT!!! I cannot wait for the day I get to go back; I know, without a doubt, it will be soon! If for some reason you cannot make the trip, I urge you to consider donating something. A little goes a long way and with Sue in charge I can guarantee the money goes towards nothing but the livelihood of the animals there. This sanctuary is ethical, wonderful and impressive! I am so grateful for the opportunity to work there for 6 months and I would have stayed longer if I could at the time! IPR will always be considered another home to me and so many others who pass through. p.s. I cannot believe there are negative reviews of this place. It makes absolutely no sense to me. Sue is the kindest, most selfless woman on the planet and you get to work with primates! People that cannot appreciate an experience like this must have unreasonable expectations or a poor work ethic.

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