The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is a unique destination located in the Cradle of Humankind, just north of Krugersdorp on the Kromdraai Road (D540). It is only a 45-minute drive from both Johannesburg Central and Pretoria, making it easily accessible for visitors.
The Reserve boasts well-maintained dirt or unpaved roads that are suitable for any type of vehicle. These internal roads allow visitors to explore the Reserve and take in the natural beauty of the area.
The Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including rhinos and lions, as well as other animals such as giraffes, zebras and various antelopes. The Reserve is committed to the conservation of these animals and their habitats.
Visitors can take guided tours of the Reserve to learn about the different species and their conservation efforts. They can also enjoy a variety of activities such as game viewing, picnicking, and bird watching.
In addition to its wildlife, the Reserve is also known for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery, the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve has something for everyone.
The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is a must-see destination for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation, as well as those looking for a unique and natural experience.
The Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy. From tranquil bush escapes to action-packed adventures, the Reserve caters to all interests and preferences. With something for everyone, it’s the perfect destination for a fun-filled day out.
Game Drives at the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, located just a short drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The reserve offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including day or night game drives which last approximately 2.5 hours and are conducted six days a week. These drives can be combined with a tour of the Wondercave for a unique experience, or visitors can watch the lion feed on Saturdays and Sundays. The reserve is also great for big groups to visit.
With over 600 head of game, the reserve boasts more than thirty different species of game, including three of the big five (Kruger Lion, White Rhino, and Buffalo). Visitors can view these animals from open vehicles in the presence of an experienced SATOUR-registered guide. The reserve also features endangered species such as wild dog which have been reintroduced in the area. Cheetah, hippo, crocodile and more than 20 species of antelope can also be found here.
A vulture hide offers visitors the opportunity to view and photograph the rare Cape Vulture. Additionally, evidence of leopard traversing the area has also been found. The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is a must-see destination for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation, as well as those looking for a unique and natural experience.
Bothongo WonderCave at the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
The Bothongo WonderCave is a stunning World Heritage Site located in the Cradle of Humankind, and is home to breathtaking formations that are sure to leave visitors in awe. The Cave features its own refreshment kiosk, allowing visitors to enjoy a snack or beverage while taking in the beautiful views of the Cradle of Humankind.
The Bothongo WonderCave was discovered in 1898 by Italian miners, who extracted approximately 15% of the formation and brought it to the surface. The cave’s formation is made up of calcite, which the miners heated in a self-built oven for two weeks at 1100 degrees. This formed a powder, which was then transported by ox wagon to Pretoria and Johannesburg to be used in the production of cement, toothpaste, and for gold extraction. Mining in the cave was halted in 1902 due to the outbreak of war and low productivity. The WonderCave is the third largest chamber in South Africa, with the largest being the Cango Caves and the second largest being the Sudwala Caves.
The WonderCave is open daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with new tours starting every two hours at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. To ensure a smooth experience, it is essential to make a booking in advance, and visitors are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before each tour time.
The Bothongo WonderCave can be accessed by descending 87 stairs at a 45-degree angle, which drops 22 meters below the surface. Once at the bottom, visitors will take an elevator that drops an additional 18 meters into the cave.
Day Visitor area at the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve offers a convenient day visitor area for visitors to enjoy. The area features picnic and braai (barbecue) facilities for visitors to use. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic basket and refreshments and spend the day enjoying the beautiful Highveld weather. To ensure the best spot, it is recommended to arrive early. Additionally, the day visitor area has a small swimming pool and ablution facilities, and some areas are wheelchair-friendly. There is no additional charge for visitors who would like to picnic or braai at the reserve.
4×4 Game Drives & 4×4 Offroad Routes
The Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience the reserve in a unique and exciting way through 4×4 adventures. These 4×4 experiences allow visitors to explore the reserve in an off-road vehicle and get up close and personal with the wildlife and natural beauty of the area.
Guided 4×4 safaris are available, where visitors will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will share their knowledge of the reserve’s wildlife and habitats. During the safari, visitors will have the opportunity to see animals such as rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes in their natural habitat.
The reserve also offers self-drive 4×4 trails where visitors can explore the reserve at their own pace, following a pre-determined route. These trails are designed to take visitors to some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the reserve, providing a true off-road experience.
The reserve also offers night 4×4 safari where visitors can enjoy the reserve at night and see nocturnal animals and it’s different.
Overall, the 4×4 experiences at the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve provide visitors with a unique and thrilling way to explore the reserve and its wildlife. It’s a great opportunity to discover the reserve in a different way, away from the traditional game drive and the reserve has the necessary facilities to accommodate 4×4 vehicles, so visitors can drive on the reserve’s dirt or unpaved roads with ease.
