Pretoria - On Sunday, we felt the need to get out and enjoy the wide open and see some wild animals.
We decided to go to the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. We’ve been there before, but not for a few years. We arrived with our picnic basket not expecting much. Boy, were we surprised.
We had not been driving far and had seen some buck and zebra, when we came across a group of rhinos. Controlled burning had left a small island where they were eating and drinking. It’s unsettling to see these huge animals without their horns (deliberately removed) but at least they are there and thriving.
After making our way to the old farmstead, which has a restaurant, we came across three more rhinos and a newborn, which were being fed. They were so close, you could almost touch them.
The restaurant has tables inside, but most people there were sitting outside enjoying the sun. This is also a picnic spot with chairs and tables and braais. There is a jungle gym and donkey rides for the kids.
On our way out, we found a herd of buffalo, which was special as they are not always easy to spot, and we were also lucky to see a jackal.
We had our picnic at the dam; the parking area was almost full, but we found a nice new all-weather green bench made of recycled material near the new hide, where we listened to the fish eagle and watched the ducks.
I am sure it will looks much nicer when everything is green again, but it was pleasant.
We looked for the lion enclosure and found out that you need to book and pay at the restaurant to go in one of their vehicles, which we will do when it is warmer.
What surprised us most was the amount of work that is being done in the reserve. The roads are in good condition and the picnic spots and bird hides are well maintained. This could be thanks to the help of the Friends of Rietvlei.
We saw more animals than I expected and I will go back soon with the grandchildren.
Pretoria News