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| Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve | |
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 Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve gorge | |
 Interactive map of Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve | |
| Location | South Africa |
| Nearest city | Heidelberg, Gauteng |
| Coordinates | 26°30′S28°15′E / 26.500°S 28.250°E /-26.500; 28.250 |
| Area | 11,595 ha (28,650 acres) |
| Established | 27 March 1974 |
| Operated by | Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs |
| Website | Gauteng Tourism Authority |
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is aprotected area which encompasses most of the Suikerbosrand Range,South Africa.[1] It is one ofGauteng's most frequented ecotourism locations, located approximately 50 kilometres south-east ofJohannesburg, just west of the town ofHeidelberg in the upper catchment of theKlip andSuikerbosrand rivers. The altitude varies between 1,545 and 1,917 m (5,069 and 6,289 ft) above sea level.
The reserve, which is 134 km2 (52 sq mi), hosts a representative sample of the fauna and flora of the rockyhighveld grassland biome. Its boundaries include hiking trails, and tarred circular route for motorists.
The Suikerbosrand ridge was originally named after a sweet reed (probablysweet sorghum) found growing here by the party of generalHendrik Potgieter on 5 June 1836.[2] Later the ridge and consequently the reserve's name became associated with the characteristicTransvaal-sugar bush (Protea afra), a dominant vegetation type within the area's limits.[3]
Recent land acquisitions at the beginning of the twenty-first century[4] have seen the reserve almost double in its size. A huge challenge for the reserve's management is to include the newly acquired lands in the reserve without disturbing the balance within the original area. The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is managed by the Gauteng province's Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs,South Africa.
Over 200 bird species have been identified in the reserve. The reserve is also a habitat for a large range of mammal species including the animals listed below.[5]
The reserve is popular amongstmountain bikers and road cyclists for its quiet roads and trails, scenery, steep climbs, and fast twisting descents.[6]
The reserve includes a Visitors' Centre and the Diepkloof Farm Museum. The area is available on foot and contains several day and overnight hiking trails.
A holidayresort[7] for day visitors (apparently day visitors are no longer allowed in at Kareekloof) and overnight campers is situated within the nature reserve. (It was previously known as Kareekloof)
Accommodation is in the form ofchalets,caravan (some with 240 V power) and tent sites.
Media related toSuikerbosrand Nature Reserve at Wikimedia Commons
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