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Pretoria
Things to Do in Pretoria
Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria: Hours, Address, Rietvlei Nature Reserve Reviews: 4.5/5

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Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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Rietvlei Nature Reserve
4.5
745
#5 of 118 things to do in Pretoria
Nature & Wildlife Areas
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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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Top ways to experience Rietvlei Nature Reserve and nearby attractions

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$$ - $$$
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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
My first game drive in South Africa was here and it was so memorable!
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
A wonderful nature experience.
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
I like it
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
The perfect place for a family reunion
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.
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
Morning Visit
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!!!
Written December 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LaarQ
Pretoria, South Africa45 contributions
A breath of fresh air
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
Excellent sightings
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
Lovely day out
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
Peace and tranquillity
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
Great self drive option
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!
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Rietvlei Nature Reserve is open:
  • Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
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