AskTheCity
Skip to content
Ask Johannesburg

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

7.7Friend Score / 10

#9 of 13 Parks & Outdoors in Johannesburg

$
Known forgame reservewildlifebirdingself-drive
Directions

Rietvlei is a proper wildlife reserve on the southern edge of the greater Johannesburg metro, offering self-drive game viewing with rhino, hippo, buffalo, zebra, and hundreds of bird species around a large dam. It's the closest thing to a genuine bush experience within the city limits and is a favourite among locals who want wildlife without a long drive. The reserve is well-managed and the birding around the dam is world-class. Caveat: it technically sits in the Tshwane metro boundary and requires a car; entrance fees apply and vary for residents vs non-residents.

Key facts

Hours
Hours not verified
Price$
Phone
Website
Nearest transit
Time needed
Best time to go
Last verifiedJuly 14, 2026

Friend Score

7.7/10
  • Value8.0
  • iconic6.0
  • excellence8.5
  • Crowd level4.0
  • Authenticity8.5
  • Accessibility6.0
How the Friend Score works →

Nearby in Ask Johannesburg

Where to stay near Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Friend Score

Find hotels →

Last reviewed July 14, 2026 by AskTheCity Editorial.