In the urban sprawl

Rietfontein Nature Reserve

Drive east along Witkoppen Road towards Fourways, past the suburb of Paulshof, and you’ll see a koppie rising from the sea of houses and office parks. The land around the koppie is the 24-hectare Rietfontein Nature Reserve – a wonderfully wild little park for the whole family to enjoy. The Friends of Rietfontein keep alien plants under control, allowing indigenous vegetation like proteas, puzzle bush, wild olive, blue guarri and veld grass to thrive. The earth is hard with quartzite rock and there are magnificent views at the top of the koppie, of Sandton close by and the Magaliesberg in the distance. The elevated perspective gives you a real idea of the scale of Joburg’s urban forest. A well-manicured 3 km trail snakes up and around the hill. Don’t be surprised if you bump into one of the resident blesbok, or if a dassie crosses your path. The highlight of any visit to Rietfontein is a guided walk with Israel Motswana who has lived on the property for more than 30 years. It’s a 3 – 4 hour outing and Israel will tell you all about the reserve and its amazing ecosystem. You’ll never believe how many different animals call the ‘burbs home! The reserve is open from 6 am to 6 pm and there’s ample space for a picnic once you’ve summited the koppie. It’s not as busy as some of Joburg’s other parks and has a real sense of peace and tranquillity. Where? Entrance off Holkam Road, Paulshof. Entrance fee: Free. Opening times: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm. No dogs allowed. Contact: 011 712 6600; friendsofrietfontein.org