Ezemvelo Nature Reserve and Hiking Trails

Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng

Ezemvelo Nature Reserve is the hidden beauty of Gauteng. Located a mere hour’s drive from OR Tambo International airport and 45 minutes from Pretoria, it is easily accessible by all.

The reserve offers an array of comfortable self-catering accommodation types to suite your needs, as well as a wonderful natural experience, with a wide variety of general game and bird species to be seen. Together these make Ezemvelo the perfect place to break away from busy city life.

A wide range of activities are on offer, from fishing to mountain biking, ensuring fun for the whole family.

Day visitors and bookings for weddings, conferences and events are welcome.

Ezemvelo supports green sustainable ecotourism, conservation awareness, and the education of the country’s youth.

Accommodation:

Chalet (Legae):
Legase are beautiful small cottages located near the main amenities of the reserve. They comfortably accommodate up to three people at a time. Nestled at the foot of the iron red hill that surrounds the main area, the chalets have a lovely view of the dam and distant grasslands. They are all fully-equipped and have private braai areas mostly situated in the shade of the Wild Saring as growing around the Legae.

Bedrooms:
Legae 1 to 4

Open Plan
3 single beds (1 in loft)

Legae 5 and 6

Open plan
1 double bed
1 single bed (in loft)

Legae 7 and 8

Open plan
1 double bed

Facilities:

Toilet / shower
Fully equipped kitchen
Braai facilities
Fan
Cleaning Service

Accommodation

Mountain Hut:
The mountain huts are situated at the most northern point of the reserve, 8km into it and away from the reception area, overlooking the beautiful Grootspruit River valley. For those seeking a rustic, secluded and truly natural experience, they are perfect. With lovely braai areas and the ideal view, this is a place to break away from the normal hustle and bustle. The huts are basic, lit by Consol Solar jars and candles. The huts are fitted with gas geysers, a gas fridge and a gas stove. Sleeping four, they are perfect for small family groups.

Two of the huts are wooden structures, whilst the third is clay plastered. Please specify on booking which hut type you would prefer.

2 bedrooms
2 single beds, 2 bunk beds
Outside toilet / gas shower
Fully-equipped kitchen with gas stove and gas fridge
Braai facilities
Solar lights

River Camp:

River camp is the ultimate group accommodation. The beautiful location of the camp adds to the atmosphere of un-spoilt nature. Situated next to the Grootspruit River at the foot of the valley wall, it is an outstanding spot for groups to relax in the tranquility of nature. The camp is positioned at the mid-way point of the stunning 23km Protea Hiking Trail. The camp is not powered with electricity, ensuring a more natural experience.

The camp is ideal for hiking groups, Bachelor parties and bush campers who would rather be away from the hustle and bustle of the main camping site.

River camp is equipped with:
Camping sites.
Dormitory (sleeping 20 people).
Kitchen & dining area with a gas stove & a gas fridge.
Bathroom with a shower & hot running water.
Battery powered lights.
Fire pit & braai facilities.

You would need to bring:

Basic camping gear, including kitchenette.
Cleaning supplies for dishes.
Linen/ sleeping bag and pillows.
Extra lights.

Meru Camp:

This shady canvas tented site together with a lapa and a kitchen is perfect for rustic events, retreats and group bookings. In total it can accommodate 80 people. Kindly note that this camp is as well self-catering.

Meru is equipped with:

Canvas tents with four bunk beds in each, sleeping eight.
The Eland Lapa.
Two ablution blocks with warm water.
Kitchen with a fridge, freezer and gas stoves.
Braai facilities.

You would need to bring:

Basic camping gear, including kitchenette.
Linen/sleeping bag and pillows.
Cleaning supplies for dishes.

Camping:

A lovely shady camping and caravan area is also available. The camp site is located very near to the reception and other amenities. In total there are 50 camp sites of various sizes which operate on a first-come-first-served basis. A basic kitchen is available as well as two ablution blocks for the use of campers. In addition, each site has its own braai facility as well as power points.

Hiking Trails

Ezemvelo Nature Reserve offers 3 different hiking trails. You will hike through the different habitats of the reserve amongst the game grazing around you. You may get closer to the animals than you would be with your car. Hiking trails will take you where your car can’t go, on top of a kopi or along a nice stream.

Recommended gear:
Comfortable shoes, water, binoculars
Summer: Sunscreen, hat
Winter: Rain jacket or poncho

Trails:

Ochna Trail:
Walk through grassland and small koppie.
4km (1h − 1h30)
Easy
Latest start time: summer − 16:30, winter − 15:30

Protea Trail:
Walk through grassland, small koppie, rocky area, new burnt area.
14.6km (3h30)
Easy (except for a steep part down a kopie, where the rocks can be loose)
Latest start time: summer − 15:00, winter − 14:00

Burkea Trail:
Walk through grassland, small kopie, rocky area, edge of rocky kopie.
21km (4h30 − 5h)
Tough (long and the part North of the reserve on the side of the kopie can be tricky)
Latest start time: summer − 13:30, winter − 12:30