Klapperkop Nature Reserve

Klapperkop Nature Reserve is a nature reserve of some 460 ha in Pretoria, Gauteng, which was established in 1898. It is managed by the Department of Nature Conservation. Fort Klapperkop, completed in 1897, is situated inside the reserve. The reserve is named for the prominent Klapperkop, a hill (or kopje) vegetated with klapper trees (Strychnos pungens) on its northern slopes.

Klapperkop Nature Reserve
View of western entrance road
LocationTshwane, South Africa
Nearest cityPretoria
Coordinates25°47′01″S 28°13′05″E
Areac. 460 ha
Established1898
Klapperkop NR, City of Tshwane

Activities

It has become popular with cyclists, joggers and sightseers. Self-guided hikes are permitted.[1]

Visiting hours and safety

Despite the recommended daylight visiting hours,[1] the two entrances in Johann Rissik Drive are not currently closed at night. This has however come under review due to repeated crime incidents.[2] Criminals posing as joggers have in the past robbed visitors during the day, and occupants of cars have been attacked at view sites. As of 2018, three gangs were believed to be targeting visitors to the reserve, and 30 muggings were recorded in a fortnight.[2]

Location and habitat

It is situated near the Voortrekker Monument and Groenkloof Nature Reserves at the southern entrance to Pretoria. It is situated on a spur running west to east, and can be explored from Johann Rissik drive which connects Nelson Mandela Drive in the west to Waterkloof Ridge residential area in the east. In aggregate these reserves conserve some 1,400 ha of bankenveld vegetation which is threatened in Gauteng.[3]

Wildlife

The reserve was stocked with various game species since the late 1990s. These include zebra, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest. Small mammals include jackal, mongooses, hedgehogs, hares and porcupines.[1] At the same time the extensive plantations of black wattle were removed, allowing the grassland vegetation to recover.

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References
  1. "Klapperkop Nature Reserve". City of Tshwane. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  2. Ndlazi, Sakhile (20 July 2018). "Fatal shootout at Fort Klapperkop". msn.com. IOL. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  3. George Bredenkamp & Noel van Rooyen. 34. Rocky Highveld Grassland. In: Low, A.B. & Rebelo, A.G. (eds) Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2018.

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