The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Afrikaans name: Suikerbosrand natuur-reservaat
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Photo © Steven Herbert
Gauteng
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is located near Heidelberg and is less than an hours drive from Johannesburg. At 11,595 hectares in extent it is one of the largest nature reserve in the province of Gauteng.
The reserve is named after the Suikerbos (Sugarbush) which is a common plant in the reserve.
Accommodation in the Heidelberg areaMost of the reserve is covered in hills which offer attractive views. The south-eastern border of the reserve is flatter and is where one is more likely to encounter game. The reserve is stocked with various mammals including Black Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra, Mountain Reedback, Red Hartebeest, Steenbok, Chacma Baboon, Kudu, Springbok and Blesbok. Over 200 species have been recorded.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is popular with mountain bikers and hikers who are prepared to take on the seemingly never-ending hills.
There is limited chalet accommodation in the reserve and day visitors are welcome.
Above - Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above - Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Photo © Steven Herbert
Mammals of Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Please note that this is only a guide and, while we have made every effort to be accurate, we can't be held responsible for any errors.
Aardwolf
Antbear / Aardvark
Black-footed Cat
Common Duiker
Grey Rhebuck
South African Hedgehog
References and further reading
Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Year Published: 2006 - Page: 110Birding Hotspots - Author: Trevor Hardaker - Year Published: 2007 - Page: 27
Birding in Transvaal - Author: - Year Published: - Page: 23
Chris and Tilde Stuart's Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 64
Country Life - Issue 253 - Author: - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 52
Family Fun - Author: Lisa McNamara - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 132
Go Birding in the Transvaal - Author: Brendan Ryan and John Isom - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 23
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 64
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 102
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 104
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 70
Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 171
Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 145