Gauteng
In the Gauteng area there are various nature reserves that conserve the Highveld biome. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is one of the province’s premier ecotourism destinations, comprising of rocky Highveld grassland and a range of fauna and flora. The unspoiled natural environment makes for great hiking and mountain biking trails in the mountain area, and visitors will spot wildlife like black-backed jackal, blesbok, kudu, springbok and zebra.
Bronkhorstspruit Dam Nature Reserve is known for being a birder’s paradise, with 200 species of birds recorded in the grasslands of the reserve. It is situated on the southern edge of the Bronkhorstspruit Dam, which is a prime destination for anglers, and watersports such as boating, jet skiing and windsurfing are popular here. Rietvlei Nature Reserve is one of the world’s largest urban nature reserves, comprising of 3 800 ha of Highveld. The reserve houses animals such as eland, buffalo, white rhino, springbok and other antelope species. Various bird species also occur here, including the secretary bird, fish eagle, reed cormorant and occasionally the blue crane.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is home to various nature reserves where Highveld grasslands thrive in its natural state. Verloren Valei Nature Reserve is a protected area and one of the few places in South Africa where three endangered crane species breed. It is situated in a part of the Steenkampsberg plateau that consists of rolling grasslands and sensitive wetlands.
Loskop Dam Nature Reserve lies in the cultural heartland of Mpumalanga and borders the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere - the Loskop Dam. The reserve is made up of both Highveld and Bushveld, making it a vibrant sanctuary for animals such as hippo, giraffe, antelope species and warthog. Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve is famous for its excellent trout fishing and conservation of the rare Wattled Crane. The reserve consists of Highveld and wetlands, making it a scenic natural environment where visitors can hike, fish and spot an array of birdlife.