Walk among the wild in Alverstone
With more than 100 hectares of land and an abundance of fauna and flora, it is the perfect place to get back to nature.
THE Alverstone Wildlife Park is a hidden gem in the upper Highway area that has been teaming with wildlife since it was opened back in 1997.
The gates to the 100 hectares of park, which is directly opposite Roseway Waldorf School, was opened by the former mayor, Dr Meshack Radebe, before the turn of the century on 17 may.
If you are interested in seeing wild animals but the drive to national game parks is too far, the beautifully lush grasslands of Alverstone are dotted with zebra, impala, wildebeest and blesbok. The natural wildlife that can also be spotted throughout the protected area include dassies, duiker, porcupine and wild pig. “There is also abundant wildlife and we have a birding list available, we also have two pairs of fish eagles that return every year,” said Tacy van Niekerk, manager and coordinator at the Wildlife Park.
The park is large enough for cars to travel through, but to take all visitors back to nature, vehicles are not allowed to travel around the area and all of the trails are self-guided walks. “They are all well maintained and clearly marked. We have a mix of them as well from easy trails to a three hour hike,” said Tracy. Maps are also available.
For families wanting to relax and have a great time outdoors, there is a picnic and braai area with ample toilet facilities, but no electricity. “The object is to be quiet within nature,” laughed Tracy.
“We started the reserve to enable us to let other people enjoy and appreciate what we have up here and to create a safe place to hike and be with their families,” said Moya van Niekerk, a shareholder in the park.
If you are an avid hiker, photographer, rambler or bird watcher, this is the perfect place to enjoy what you love without the inconvenience of having to travel outside the Highway area. The cost to enter is R15 per adult and R8 per child under 12 years old. Gate are opened by appointment only. Contact Tracy on 076 852 0362 or alternatively you can contact Moya on 082 902 1743 or Ros on 083 777 1804.
