On the Wild Side

Northern Cape
The Augrabies National Park is home to a great deal of small game species as well as a few black rhino, which you stand a good chance of seeing on an escorted drive. This is usually on the second part of the Black Rhino Trail, the first part of which consists of an inflatable boat ride in the gorge. Booking is through the National Parks Board.

Go to Outdoor South Africa: Northern Cape for more information on public lands and hiking in the area.

Northwest Province
Pilanesberg is probably the best known of the excellent wildlife destinations in this area.

The Rustenburg Trail
There are two two-day trails running through the Rustenburg Nature Reserve. They are mostly scenic but, if you are slow and careful, you can get quite close to game. In addition to zebra and giraffe, a number of large antelope species occur here, most notably eland, red hartebeest, sable, kudu and blesbok. Black wildebeest and smaller antelope such as oribi, klipspringer, duiker and mountain reedbuck may also be seen.

The birding is excellent, with a number of the colorful bushveld species, such as lilacbreasted roller, Meyer's parrot, paradise flycatcher and crimson boubou. Booking is essential and is through the Rustenburg Nature Reserve.

Go to Outdoor South Africa: Northwest Province for more information on public lands and hiking in the area.