Day visitors can visit the suikerbosrand nature reserve again

NATURE lovers will be delighted to know that the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is opening again, after six months.

The reserve, which boasts a number of bird and animal species and draws hikers to its scenic trails, was closed to the public on January 26, after management said it could not guarantee the safety and health of visitors.

A generator and pump station needed to be installed to supply the reserve with water, after it became clear that the southern water line was deteriorating and creating problems.

The water is needed for the Kareekloof area, a section of the reserve designated for recreation and braai facilities.

The reserve’s only source of water is from a borehole, but it is difficult to distribute it to all the points of the property. The upgrade of this system has been in the pipeline for many years and, after many difficulties, the public can look forward to using this lovely nature reserve again.

At this stage, only day visitors are able to make use of the facilities, as not all the pipes have been restored.

A spokesperson from the Kliprivier Suikerboschrand Conservancy, Roxy du Toit, is delighted at the news but she is still alarmed at the decline of wildlife in the area.

The Cheetah- and Bokmakierie hiking trails, museum and Diepkloof picnic areas will be open as of June 16.

Cycling trails will only be opened at a later stage.