Known as Modjadji Cycad Reserve, the Modjadji Nature Reserve is unique as far as the conglomeration of a single-species cycad forest goes, and has been declared as one of South Africa’s provincial heritage sites for this very reason.
Ecologically, the biome makes for exceptional botanical exploration as well as birding, while the significance of South Africa’s only matriarchal monarchy adds an interesting cultural spin on your visit here. The ancient Encephalartos transvenosus cycads growing here, date back 50–60 million years, and specimens up to 13 m tall have been found in the Modjadji Nature Reserve. Modjadji Camp itself consists of traditional huts, and is one of the destinations along the very popular African Ivory Route.
The Capricorn region incorporates much of the Eastern Lowveld biome, an area densely settled by the local Shangaan people. The area, which unfolds along the foothills of the Wolksberg and Drakensberg ranges, forms a natural gateway to the province’s premier destination, the Kruger National Park. Haenertsburg, a village known as ‘The Capital of the Lands of the Silver Mists’, is a stunning stopover en route to Modjadji.
Immediate villages surrounding the reserve include Kga-Gapane and Modjadjiskloof; both of these are quite rural, but you’ll get all your basic requirements in the shops here. Even better, use the roadside markets for fresh produce like fruit and vegetables. If you’re keen on a bit of a more bumped-up urban experience, head down the R71 to Tzaneen.
How to Get There
Find your way from Tzaneen: Drive from Tzaneen to Phalaborwa on the R71. After 1.7 km turn left to Deerpark. Drive for 17 km and turn left to Bolobedu South. Drive for 13 km and turn left at the stop sign. Watch out for unmarked speed humps. Drive for 6.5 km and turn right onto a brick-paved road. Continue on the paved road for 2 km before going onto a gravel road.
Continue for another 1.2 km. Turn right at the Ivory Route Modjadji Camp sign. After 900 m, passing some homesteads, you get to the Modjadji Cycad Reserve gate (open from 07:30 to 16:30). Drive 300 m to camp.
The unique vegetation of Modjadji ensures interesting bird diversity. The dense forested woodland means the birds are not that easy to spot,...