Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
The North West province is filled with an abundance of nature reserves and wildlife. It really offers travellers a variety of things to do and places to visit. And keeping with the theme of nature reserves, the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is a nature reserve filled with stunning landscapes and beautiful wildlife. The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve features a large nature reserve found in Rustenburg.
Location
The reserve initially was named the Rustenburg Nature Reserve but was eventually changed to the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve. You will find the Kgaswane Nature Reserve, Rustenburg in the centre of the town and it is, therefore, a rather unassuming location. The reserve comprises up of over 4500 hectares and has been constantly expanding. It is near the northern slopes of Magaliesburg. The reserve is made up of mountains, velds and wildlife.
How to get There
Rustenburg is about an hour away from Pretoria thereby providing easy access and convenience in seeking an outdoor activity. The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is 120 kilometres from Pretoria and will take you about an hour twenty minutes to travel.
The easiest route to travel to the nature reserve is via the N4 and continue on this route for the majority of the journey. You can see below a map with the route clearly marked. As it is using the national road, it is safe and convenient. However, you will have to pay toll fees which will cost you an additional amount. There is clear signage to the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve so you will easily be able to find it.
Activities
Kgaswane Mountain Reserves has a host of activities for you to experience. One of these is simply being outdoors, there are spectacular views of the mountains which make you really appreciate all that South Africa and in particular the North West has on offer.
Self-Drives
The reserve welcomes day visitors and you can enjoy a self-drive on their tarred roads which pass through a few viewpoints. A simple self-drive route is the Sable Loop, it is not very lengthy in distance but allows you to drive through the reserve and try to spot as much wildlife as you can. This route was a firm favourite and you can use any vehicle to drive on it as it is tarred roads.
Picnic Spots
When you drive into the reserve and if you use the sable loop, you will notice a few picnic sites. These are ideally found at the centre of the reserve near the reception area. If you do nothing else at the nature reserve, you should simply pack a picnic and enjoy it surrounded by nature. It’s a relaxing experience and family-friendly. There are braai facilities, refuse bins and toilet facilities at the picnic sites. It often gets busy so plan your trip and arrive early to secure your picnic spot.
Wildlife
Kgaswane Mountain Reserve hosts a range of wildlife and is most famous for its herds of sable antelopes. The reserve currently has about 800 antelopes throughout its grounds. Other wildlife which you will be able to see at the reserve include kudu, zebra, springbok, impala and many more. The reserve also has a small number of predators which include the caracal, jackal and leopard. As with any wildlife reserve, it’s often more difficult to view the predators as they usually stay hidden so keep a close eye out.
Birdlife
If you are an avid bird watcher, you will be pleased to hear that the reserve has over 300 species of birdlife around its grounds. The nature reserve also has a breeding colony of the cape vultures. There are also black eagles.
Hiking Trails
One of the most popular activities at the reserve and is often the reason why many people visit the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is for the hiking trails available. There are also overnight hiking trails available which you will have to book with the reserve.
The hiking trails which you can enjoy are the following:
Summit Route which is 25,3 km offering natural pools;
Baviaanskrans Route which is 19,5 km offering waterfall views and the garden of remembrance;
Peglarae Trail is 5,5km and covers rocky terrain and is fairly steep;
Vlei Ramble is 2km offering a viewing hut on the vlei.
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Kgaswane Mountain Reserve Prices:
Day Visitors:
Adults R40.00 per person
Vehicle R20.00 per vehicle
Kgaswane Mountain Reserve Contact Details:
Address:
Helen Joseph Dr, Cashan, Rustenburg, 0305
Telephone Number:
014 533 2050
Days & Times:
Monday – Sunday – 06:00 am – 18:00 pm
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve offers a lot. And if you visit for the stunning views, you won’t be disappointed. If I missed anything, let me know in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my previous post on the Pilanesberg National Park and all that it has to offer.
