Pretoria’s Rietvlei Nature Reserve now open after temporal closure

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Pretoria is now open to the public after it temporarily closed this week. 

The nature reserve was closed due to the impact of inclement weather conditions in Pretoria the past weekend. 

RIETVLEI NATURE RESERVE NOW OPEN

Roads and bridges within the reserve were deemed to be unsafe due to heavy rainfall. 

City of Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson, deputy chief Roland Hendricks said driving conditions were poor, with slippery roads and reduced visibility.

The City of Tshwane said the reserve opened its doors to the public on Wednesday 13 April 2022. 

“The Reserve was closed on 11 April due to flooding caused by recent heavy rainfall. Operations have now returned to normal,” the City said.

Established in 1929, the Rietvlei Nature Reserve is one of the largest urban nature reserves in South Africa.

It also has an abundance of wildlife right on the capital city dwellers’ doorsteps.

The reserve also boasts three of the Big Seven species in South Africa (buffalo, rhino and cheetah).

The reserve also recently welcomed a new family member! A rhino calf.

The calf was estimated to be about two days old. It was spotted with its mother, Pippa on Friday morning. 

As previously reported, City of Tshwane MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, Katlego Mathebe said the calf will only be named once its gender has been determined.