Pretoria is a Nature Lover's Paradise

Pretoria is undoubtedly a place of impressive natural beauty that you can see at every turn - from beautiful parks for perfect picnic days to wildlife and nature reserves that place visitors amid some of the world's most exquisite animals. Yes, this big city, which is home to the Union Buildings, also has a charming personality with plenty of natural attractions for residents, as well as those visiting.

If you've recently relocated into the town or planning your big move, we've got good news for you, especially if you're a nature lover. Pretoria is home to some of the best nature and game reserves the country has to offer, our top three include:

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Fancy a day out with frequent sightings of buffalo, cheetah, white rhino and buck? Then Rietvlei Nature Reserve is the perfect destination for you. It spans an incredible 3 800 hectares of endangered Bankenveld grassland and is home to about 2000 animals, making it one of the better-populated game reserves in Gauteng. There is also a magnificent dam known as, Rietvlei Dam, which interestingly, supplies Pretoria with about 15% of its water. Its massive size also allows for plenty of outdoor activities such as bird watching, freshwater fishing, hiking, horse trails, and guided game drives.

Wonderboom Nature Reserve

The Wonderboom Nature Reserve, situated in Pretoria North amid the Magaliesberg mountains, is one of the smaller reserves in the city, but it still offers enough attractions and activities for an adventurous day out. The most renowned attraction in the reserve is its namesake, the Wonderboom (Miracle Tree), which is estimated to be over, an incredible, 1000 years old. There are plenty of other unique attractions to see such as the historical Fort Wonderboom, which is one of four forts built to protect Pretoria during the South African War (1899-1902). Before arriving at the fort, visitors will first have to get their workout gear in order to embark on a hike, and although challenging at times, it offers magnificent views over the city. Hiking trails also lead to other attractions including a cave and a man-made waterfall that cascades into the Apies River. And for bird and animal lovers, the reserve is home to guineafowl, dassies, antelope and a pair of Black Eagles.

Dinokeng Game Reserve

Situated just 30 minutes from Pretoria, in Hammanskraal, is the Dinokeng Game Reserve, which spans a vast, 18 500 hectares. It is Gauteng's only-free roaming Big Five reserve, where you can spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos walking freely - it is also home to hyenas and giraffes. The name "Dinokeng" translates to "place of two rivers" - in this case, the Elands and Pienaars - which offer incredible views, especially during sunsets and sunrises. Although the reserve is relatively new, having only opened in 2011, it has become one of the treasured attractions for the residents of Pretoria due to its array of activities such as day and night game drives, sunset boat cruises, guided bush walks, bush lunch picnics, bass fishing and game viewing.

There is a myriad of other beautiful natural attractions to visit in Pretoria such as:

1. Groenkloof Nature Reserve
2. Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve
3. Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
4. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

From spotting the big five and being surrounded by beautiful fauna and flora to game drives, hiking trails and family picnics - Pretoria is alive with the sound of nature. This is a big drawcard for new residents moving into the city and is a major reason many more are choosing to relocate here.

If you're considering Pretoria as your new home, speak to us at CSi Property Group today.