South Africa Attractions

Venue: Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve    When: Daily

Opened in 1985 as Kiepersol, the privately owned Rhine & Lion Nature Reserve has, over two decades, rapidly grown from its initial small beginnings (two rhino and some antelope) to over 600 head from an impressive list of 25 species. In addition to a number of indigenous species that the Reserve has reintroduced to the area, including white lions and the endangered Cape wild dog, the Reserve also boasts more exotic alien species, such as the Bengal tiger.

The area was, in 1999, named as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, and is known as the "Cradle of Mankind" as fossils of the earliest hominids have been discovered there.

With successes such as the birth of 11 white rhino calves in the Reserve's short history let alone the birth of white lion cub in 1999, the breeding programme has become a major emphasis for the project. Other species, newly reintroduced include the Cape wild dog, and the warthog, returning to Gauteng's highveld for the fist time in many years. Vultures have been another success story with a special feeding platform - the Vulture Restaurant - being popular with the birds and visitors alike, with local farmers and butchers donating carcasses on which the birds (sometimes up to 200 at a time) gorge. An offshoot has been static and flying displays by raptors, organised by the South African National Bird of Prey Centre.

Visitors can admire the animals in the near-wild from the safety of their car, or take a guided Game Tour round the reserve. Overnight accommodation in the 1600-hectare Reserve is available in thatched Lapa huts, a tent complex or a bungalow. There is also the Crocodile Pub where, drink in hand, visitors can watch crocodiles at close quarters.

Not surprisingly - given the Reserve's top five place in Johannesburg's tourist destinations - accommodation and tours should be booked well in advance.