Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

__NOTOC__Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is one of Gauteng’s premier tourist destinations. Set just a short distance from the buzzing city of Johannesburg, a few minutes drive from Johannesburg International Airport and near the historical town of Heidelberg, this reserve boasts a representative sample of the fauna and flora of the Rocky Highveld Grassland biome. With 134 km² of unspoiled natural environment and a mountain range characterised by meandering twists and turns of hiking trails, the reserve offers an unbelievably refreshing break from the bustling city life. Here, the altitude varies between 1,545 and 1,917m above sea level.

The ridge was originally named after sugar cane (probably sorghum) found growing here by the party of general Hendrik Potgieter on 5 June 1836. [cite book|last = du Plessis|first = E.J.|coauthors =|title = Suid-Afrikaanse berg- en riviername|publisher = Tafelberg-uitgewers, Cape Town|date = 1973|pages = p. 181|isbn = 0-624-00273X] Later the ridge and consequently the reserve's name became associated with the characteristic Transvaal-Sugar bush ("Protea caffra"), a dominant vegetation type within the area's limits. [cite book|last = Raper|first = P.E.|coauthors =|title = South African Place Names|publisher = Jonathan Ball, Jhb & Cape Town|date = 2004|pages = p. 358|isbn = 1-86842-190-2]

Management

Recent land acquisitions have seen the reserve almost double in it size. A huge challenge for the reserve's management is to include the newly acquired lands in the reserve without disturbing the balance within the original area. The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is managed by the Gauteng province's Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs, South Africa.

Wildlife

Over 200 bird species have been identified in the reserve. For the game enthusiast, the reserve also offers a large range of mammal species including:

Cycling and Mountainbiking

The reserve is popular amongst mountain bikers and road cyclists for its quiet roads and trails, beautiful scenery, brutally steep climbs, fast twisting descents and the unusual chance to break the posted vehicle speed limits on a bicycle!

Hiking

The reserve includes a Visitors' Centre and the Diepkloof Farm Museum. The reserve can be explored on foot using several of the day and overnight hiking trails. The overnight hiking trails are especially recommended.

Notes

ee also

* Protected areas of South Africa