Polokwane Game Reserve

Description

At 3,200 hectares, the Polokwane Game Reserve is one of the largest municipal game reserves in the country, located just outside of Polokwane in Limpopo. Situated just 3 hours from Johannesburg, the reserve offers an easily accessible, high quality, and low cost experience for both day and overnight trips.

One of the most important aspects of the Polokwane Game Reserve is that it conserves the Pietersburg Plateau false grassland, one of the only remaining examples of this extremely localised vegetation type home to indigenous birds. This habitat is characterised by open savannah and themeda grass with the occasional acacia tree.

The reserve is home to more than 21 species of wildlife, including the white rhino, sable antelope, giraffe, impala, and more. It is also fantastic for bird watching, with over 300 species recorded. Keep your eyes open for the Tinkling Cisticola, Northern Black Korhaan, Shelley´s Francolin, Double-banded Courser, Burchell´s Sandgrouse, Bushveld Pipit, Great Sparrow, African Wren-Warbler, and Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler. You have a good chance of spotting raptors like the African Hawk-Eagle, Black-chested Snake-Eagle, Secretary Bird, Wahlberg´s Eagle, Greater Kestrel, and Gabar Goshawk.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the reserve has a number of hiking trails. There is a popular 20km one-day hiking trail which meanders through the reserve. There are also horse riding trails available.