13 January 2005

By Barry Hiles

JUST 1.5km outside Krugersdorp in Mogale City is a quiet bushveld retreat from the rush of the outside world.

Despite being sandwiched between the R24 to the south and the N14 to the north, the Krugersdorp Game Reserve is a peaceful sanctuary that is home to more than 30 mammal species. These include four of the big five: lion, rhino, buffalo and an occasional leopard visitor.

The reserve is also home to giraffe, impala, springbok, sable, eland and hippo.

The 1500ha of the reserve varies from cool and shady riverine forest, hot savannah to the startling kikuyu pasture.

The pasture is a vast, sloping plain of thick, lush kikuyu grass which is a deep, rich green after all of the summer rain. This plain provides excellent grazing for the herd animals, where most of the game can be seen.

It is here that the springbok nursery herd may be spotted.

For day visitors there are two distinct sections that are a must: the lion camp and the aviary.

The lion camp covers 100ha and is enclosed by four-metre high fences and double gates. Although the valley is densely vegetated, the pride is easy to spot.

The camp houses 25 lions - 17 not yet mature. With so many cubs, the mood in the pride is playful, and a joy to watch.

Every Sunday, at about 10am, the lions are fed a cow carcass - provided ranger Japie Mostert is sure of the cow's cause of death. He will also feed them "whenever I have a cow available".

After driving around in a sweltering car with wound-up windows, it comes as a relief to reach the aviary, get out and stretch.

A cacophony of squawks and shrieks greet visitors. The aviary is set within a large donga and is reported the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Here even the most myopic can enjoy bird watching, so bring a bird book along.

A paved path runs through dense bushes, with birds at every level. Information plaques at strategic places would enhance the visit, making bird spotting easier.

There are more than 150 bird species in the reserve, and most compete for attention through their calls or displays, or simply by their dazzling colours. The most spectacular is possibly the crowned crane, although the red-billed hornbills, plovers, francolins and waterfowl jostle also make sure they are noticed.

Besides the birds and the game, there are picnic and braai facilities and a swimming pool to cool off in. These are situated close to the main gate.

There are a variety of accommodation options for those wishing to stay a little longer.

The Ngonyama Caravan Park is situated on a ridge overlooking the kikuyu pasture. All sites have power and braai areas and there is a swimming pool and playground for caravan park guests.

The Ngonyama Lion Lodge and Conference Centre is located in the valley close to the lion enclosure, where guests can be lulled to sleep at night by the roar of the lions. There is a choice of accommodation, either bed and breakfast or self-catering. The rondavels and chalets are set in a beautiful shaded garden overlooking the hippo dam.

Angela van Staden of the Ngonyama Lion Lodge says summer is the best time to visit the reserve because so many of the animals have young. The lodge staff are proudest of their baby rhino, one of the three in the reserve.

For the more adventurous, Discover Lodge offers a variety of exciting ways to enjoy the bush. Teambuilding exercises and 4X4 driving courses are also offered. Discover Lodge also provides horse safaris, a quiet and peaceful way to enjoy the reserve for experienced riders and novices alike.

The reserve is open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm, and the lion camp from 8am to 5pm. Entrance is R30 for adults and R10 for children under 12.

For more information about the reserve, or bookings at Ngonyama Lion Lodge or Caravan Park, call 011 950 9900, or email info@afribush.co.za.

For reservations at Discover Lodge call 011 952 1970 /1/2 or email info@discoverlodge.co.za.

Unlocking the treasure chest
There is a wealth of attractions for the visitor to Mogale City.