Braai & Heritage: Discover the Best of Wonderboom Nature Reserve
- Harry Oelofse
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
The Wonderboom Nature Reserve is a fantastic destination for a traditional South African outdoor experience, with a strong emphasis on self-catering braai (barbeque) facilities.
Here is a closer look at all the major attractions:
Braai and Picnic Facilities (Self-Catering)
Designated Braai Spots: The reserve has a dedicated picnic area with plenty of braai spots available for visitors, conveniently located near the entrance and parking.
Ideal for Outings: The combination of large open lawns, shady trees, and the ability to cook your own meal makes it a popular spot for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and weekend social events.
What to Bring: If you plan on having a braai, you must bring your own grid, wood or charcoal, firelighters, and all food/utensils, as these are not provided by the reserve.
Lapa Hire: For larger groups or events, you can hire a Lapa (a shaded structure), which often includes its own dedicated braai and seating. It is highly recommended to book the Lapa in advance through the City of Tshwane.
Amenities: The picnic area is equipped with ablution facilities (restrooms) for visitor convenience.
Tip for Weekends: The braai and picnic spots are very popular, especially on weekends and public holidays. It is highly recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Additional Attractions
Beyond the braai spots, the reserve offers a rich mix of natural and historical wonders:
The Wonderboom Fig Tree: The namesake of the reserve, this magnificent 1,000-year-old Ficus salicifolia (wild fig tree) is a must-see. Its branches have rooted themselves to form "daughter trees," creating a vast, circular shaded canopy. A wooden boardwalk surrounds the tree for easy viewing.
Fort Wonderboompoort Ruins: A popular hiking destination, the ruins of this 19th-century fort sit on the crest of the Magaliesberg mountain. The climb offers breathtaking, panoramic views of Pretoria and the surrounding landscape.
Archaeological Sites: The reserve is home to highly significant archaeological finds, including one of the best Stone Age sites in the area (which produced the largest single collection of stone artifacts ever found in Africa) and a nearby Iron Age site.
Wildlife and Birdwatching: Visitors can enjoy spotting smaller game that roam the reserve, such as zebra, impala, monkeys, and a large number of dassies (rock hyrax). It's also home to a breeding pair of Verreaux's (Black) Eagles that often circle above the Magaliesberg ridge, making it a great spot for bird enthusiasts (over 200 species recorded).
Hiking Trails: Several well-marked trails cater to various fitness levels, leading to the Fort, a cave, and a small, man-made waterfall, allowing visitors to fully explore the 200-hectare landscape.
Location
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