Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria: Hours, Address, Rietvlei Nature Reserve Reviews: 4.5/5
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
4.5
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
28 within 3 miles

Arlington Brewery & Cidery
51
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pizza • Pub

Willow Feather Farm
32
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegan Options

Alla Turka
57
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Turkish

Ala Turka Restaurant
113
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Mediterranean • Turkish

A'la Turka
20
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Turkish • Middle Eastern

Karoo Grill & Bar
148
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • African • Bar

Mythos Irene Village Mall
81
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • British

Piza-e-Vino
96
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Punto Delis Bakers
10
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Pizza

Wimpy
9
1.7 mi$$ - $$$
Attractions
16 within 6 miles

Rietvlei Nature Reserve
23
0 ftNature & Wildlife Areas

Irene Village Mall
184
1.7 miShopping Malls

Irene Farm
449
Farms

Acrobranch Centurion
99
Sports Camps & Clinics

Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve
70
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Irene Village Theatre
9
2.6 mi

Centurion Society Of Model Engineers
26
Playgrounds

Centurion Theater
15
Theaters

Irene@Smuts Market
8
Flea & Street Markets

Centurion Mall
43
Shopping Malls
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
745 reviews
Excellent
309
Very good
343
Average
77
Poor
9
Terrible
7
CaliDreamer28
San Diego, CA12 contributions
Jan 2020
I already had booked a trip for Kruger National Park but my housemate connected me to a friend she'd met in a previous trip who lived in Johannesburg area. So I added to visit this city the weeknd before going to Kruger, and what a joyous surprise this game reserve was! She lived in Kempton Park, so this was less than an hour drive away, and I was surprised when the cashier said it was only 60 Rand as the entrance fee!! There weren't that many cars when we went on a cloudy Friday afternoon and it was so relaxing and laid back. Most memorable sightings were buffalos crossing in front of us, zebras to the side of our car (including a baby one!) and rhinos not too far from the road. I saw Big 2 here without even knowing it :)
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Willem v
13 contributions
Oct 2021
Rietvlei is a true Gem! It is a wonderful way to escape the city living for a few hours in a pristine reserve that is very well managed with good roads. There are various antelope, buffalo, small mammals and loads of birds to be seen. We have always left the reserve feeling very happy and satisfied with what we saw and the experience we had. Highly recommend a trip to Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
paulmey37
Pretoria, South Africa5 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
Although everyone says it's very unsafe, we have camped there a couple of times without incident. I like it because it's close by, well maintained and quite inexpensive. Lots of fishing and camping spots with clean ablution blocks close by.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MaggiLo
Pretoria, South Africa5 contributions
Feb 2020
My father's two brothers and their wives were visiting Pretoria and I was looking for a special place to take the septuagenarians and octogenarians. Restaurants are too noisy and costly and they all love nature, so a braai at Rietvlei nature reserve sounded perfect - and it was. I was a bit concerned as they all walk with walking sticks, and although the path from the parking to the picnic spot at Marais dam is well kept and paved, I was concerned they may struggle, but I got them all to the water's edge in good shape. The warden on duty approached me and allowed me to drive in and pick them up after the braai.
Apart from numerous water birds and zebra we spotted red hartebeest, wildebeest and some blesbuck.
It was a perfect day and one of those memories we will all treasure forever.
Apart from numerous water birds and zebra we spotted red hartebeest, wildebeest and some blesbuck.
It was a perfect day and one of those memories we will all treasure forever.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GeneralShamu
New York City, NY768 contributions
Dec 2021
Spent a little over two hours driving through the reserve in the mid morning hours and was pleasantly surprised at just how many animals we were able to o see. We had assumed most would be hiding/sleeping come mid morning but that was not the case. There are dozens upon dozens of zebra and wildebeest to see (including some babies from both groups), ostriches, rhinos, springboks, kudu, etc…
Go on a nice sunny morning with the windows rolled down and you’ll love it. Not to be missed if in Pretoria/JNB!!!
Go on a nice sunny morning with the windows rolled down and you’ll love it. Not to be missed if in Pretoria/JNB!!!
Written December 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LaarQ
Pretoria, South Africa45 contributions
Dec 2019
A magical experience to have a close encounter with nature on your doorstep. Definitely one of Pretoria's best kept secrets. We were lucky to find ourselves in a buffalo traffic jam. You do have to overlook power-lines and housing estates but it is not difficult to rather focus on the Gauteng cloud displays. The old farmstead is being used as a coffee shop. It is beautiful under the huge oak trees but everything is a bit dilapidated and a tad sad. This could also be a true gem.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shaz_m03
Ireland156 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Suitable for the solo traveller, or groups. Sightings are excellent, with a good variety of wildlife. The coffee shop offers basic eats and drinks. Entrance fee is reasonable. The picnic/braai area is stunning - visited previously, and not on my most recent visit, as it is closed due to Covid19 regulations. Really a day well spent.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
imsharad012
Pretoria, South Africa61 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
The place has two sections. One the nature reserve and another the picnic / braai around the lake. It takes entire day depending on what you want to do. My kids thoroughly enjoy it each time we visit. A gem in Pretoria and a must visit!!!
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wade V P
Johannesburg, South Africa71 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
Spent the afternoon on Friday after a stressed week. I am a regular visitor. Four hours of slow driving with windows open. Recent burning and new growth meant lots of game with many opportunities for photography. Bird life in abundance but slow and time averse is the trick. Plan your trip. Binoculars, bird book, a charged camera, snacks and drinks - you’ll have a great time. Research the history of Rietvlei beforehand for a more interesting experience.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
YoWi
Pretoria, South Africa48 contributions
Apr 2019
We enjoyed the reserve from the convenience of our own vehicle! We did a picnic lunch at the dam, and thereafter a scenic drive through the park. The children enjoyed finding animals, and we just enjoyed the tranquility of our surroundings.
The reserve is well maintained with good tar roads, conveniently located on the outskirts of town, and really worth a visit!
The reserve is well maintained with good tar roads, conveniently located on the outskirts of town, and really worth a visit!
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fit Like Mummy
Midrand, South Africa475 contributions
Can we take your pet with in the vehicle for the game drive
We are planning on visiting end Nov 2019. We will drive a hired VW minibus. Can I do the roads in this vehicle? What is the entry fee per person?
angeliqa v
17 contributions
Hi yes there are tarred roads so the bus will be fine. The is R80 per adult(not 100%sure) and then R100 for the vehicle.
Sss Q
South Africa71 contributions
Hi,
Is it necessary to have a 4x4 type vehicle to visit Rietvlei?
Thank you. (I have a Honda Jazz)
MBATourismGuy
7 contributions
For the most part we have done it in Honda balade so 4x2 is fine. of course the best 4x4 is a 4x2 rental car :-) so it should not be a problem.
Hi we would like to know the prices for the self catering chalets near the dam at Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
johnandmichelleb
Johannesburg, South Africa37 contributions
Hi. I looked googled Rietvlei Nature Reserve tariffs and it seems to cost R900 per night for the chalet and requires a R500 deposit. It might be best to contact them.
Regards,
Michelle
Jamie P
Pretoria, South Africa
Hi, what’s the price range?
Diana G
Pretoria, South Africa14 contributions
Entrance Fees from 1st July 2018 Adults 18 years and older R59.00 Children 7-17 years R32.00 Children 2-6 years R11.00 Infants to 2 years Free Pensioners 60 years and older R34.00 Disabled persons R34.00
Smitha S
Mumbai, India100 contributions
Hi, I am looking to visit mid May with 2 kids. Do I need to book in advance? We would like a guide for the tour. Also, What are the hours and arrangements to do the day & the night drives? Do we need to stay at the reserve?
The website (which is an unofficial site for the reserve) doesnt say much. Is there an email id to reach out at.
Regards
Smitha
Margonda
The Hague, The Netherlands265 contributions
No you do not need to book in advance. Normally most people just drive in with their own car. Their is a place for coffee or small lunch. Lot of people also bring their own lunch. Night drives are not possible. I know a guide if you really want because self drive is an option.
Carmen V
69 contributions
What is the entrance fee for adults?
Also, is the reserve safe?
otto u
Pretoria, South Africa107 contributions
Morning. The entrance fee like pensioners like me is R32.00.
Normal persons is R64.00. Interesting is that there no vehicle fees Fees to see the lions is optional , I think it is R100 per person.
The reserve is very safe to visit and the good car control at the entrance gate is working.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rietvlei Nature Reserve
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Rietvlei Nature Reserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Rietvlei Nature Reserve tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Rietvlei Nature Reserve:
- (0.56 mi) Pheasant Hill Guest House
- (2.49 mi) Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel
- (2.55 mi) Andante Lodge
- (3.92 mi) Leopardsong Manor
- (5.01 mi) Opikopi Guest House
- Restaurants near Rietvlei Nature Reserve:
- (0.33 mi) Arlington Brewery & Cidery
- (0.54 mi) Willow Feather Farm
- (0.61 mi) Alla Turka
- (0.76 mi) Ala Turka Restaurant
- (4.81 mi) Fishmonger Centurion
- Attractions near Rietvlei Nature Reserve:
- (0.00 mi) Rietvlei Nature Reserve
- (0.40 mi) Dlamini 4 Africa
- (7.26 mi) Mmilo Tours - Day Tours
- (1.70 mi) Irene Village Mall
- (8.38 mi) Hazel Food Market