The walk in the ‘jewel of the south’ will explore various highlights in the reserve, including flora and fauna, history and archaeology.
The reserve is situated 10km from the centre of Joburg, and at 680 hectares, is the largest proclaimed nature reserve in the Johannesburg metropolitan area.
Game including zebra, red hartebeest and black wildebeest are found in the reserve, as are more than 215 species of bird.
The foundation’s Eira Bond said, “Artefacts relating to Stone Age man have been found, and the Sotho-speaking Tswana lived and farmed in the area from 1400 [until 1750]. A Voortrekker farmer named Sarel Marais occupied the land in 1850, and the ruins of the Vierfontein dam are still evident at Silent Pool.”
The stream that fed the dam may have been an important water source for early Johannesburg.
Bond said the area had also seen its share of war, and the remains of a Boer concentration camp cemetery provided a stark reminder of this.
A major part of the 1900 battle for Johannesburg was fought in and around the Klipriviersberg hills.
The walking tour will take place on 22 February at 2pm.
Booking is essential.
Details: 011 482 3349; www.joburgheritage.co.za
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