Friends of Suikerbosrand

Friends of Suikerbosrand The Friends of Suikerbosrand involves members of the public in protecting and publicizing the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve in partnership with GDARD.

I believe this snake is a common egg-eater. I saw a distinct "V" before it moved off, but the V was on the neck, not the...
27/11/2025

I believe this snake is a common egg-eater. I saw a distinct "V" before it moved off, but the V was on the neck, not the head as in the similar looking (and venomous) night adder. It is also more slender than the night adder.

Friends of Suikerbosrand found this little tortoise in the road between the old gate and the present gate. I moved him o...
20/11/2025

Friends of Suikerbosrand found this little tortoise in the road between the old gate and the present gate. I moved him out of harm's way.

24/10/2025

WARNING: EARLIER WEEKEND CUT-OFF FOR ENTRY.
Note they are not letting visitors in after 12:00 on weekends. The exit time is still 18:00 and entry is from 6:00.

Reminder about the ban on bringing firewood into Suikerbosrand.Also to be very careful about fire safety. This time of y...
23/09/2025

Reminder about the ban on bringing firewood into Suikerbosrand.
Also to be very careful about fire safety. This time of year is high risk for runaway fires.

EMERGENCY NUMBERSIf you see fire or smoke in or near the reserve, contact management on 0637961131 or dial 112 and ask f...
16/09/2025

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
If you see fire or smoke in or near the reserve, contact management on 0637961131 or dial 112 and ask for Midvaal Fire and Rescue.

EXTREME FIRE DANGERNote that the Fire Danger Index may go above 75 today, making it very dangerous to:- Smoke in the vel...
16/09/2025

EXTREME FIRE DANGER
Note that the Fire Danger Index may go above 75 today, making it very dangerous to:
- Smoke in the veld or near dry vegetation.
- braai outdoors
- park on dry grass with a hot exhaust.
We remember the six women who died in a grass fire at Suikerbosrand in 2016 while cutting thatch. This activity was approved by the reserve. THIS TIME OF YEAR IS HIGH RISK FOR VELD FIRES UNTIL THE RAINS COME.

THERE BE DRAGONS in the hills of Suikerbosrand, specifically this species of dragon lizard or Agamid. Agamids are a type...
06/09/2025

THERE BE DRAGONS in the hills of Suikerbosrand, specifically this species of dragon lizard or Agamid. Agamids are a type of lizard with overlapping scales (giving a bearded appearance), non-retractable fore-tongues and teeth fixed to the jawbone.
The orange Agamids of Suikerbosrand are well-camoflaged and tend to hide in the rocks when approached.

HERALD OF SPRING prominent on the Bokmakierie extra loop (and in woodland from from Ethiopia to KZN) is the wild pear/dr...
05/09/2025

HERALD OF SPRING prominent on the Bokmakierie extra loop (and in woodland from from Ethiopia to KZN) is the wild pear/drolpeer/mohlabaphala/Dombeya rotundifolia. When not in blossom the roundish leathery leaves are distinctive. It has medicinal uses, is good browse for game and attracts bees. With its non-aggressive root system it is an excellent garden or street tree.

TOILETS + OCT OPENING TIMEThe toilets have been refurbished, and feature hot air blowers.Note the 6:00 Summer opening ti...
30/08/2025

TOILETS + OCT OPENING TIME
The toilets have been refurbished, and feature hot air blowers.
Note the 6:00 Summer opening time will commence on 1st October.

FRIENDS GUIDED HIKE We tried our first guided hike for members and prospective members/supporters on the 9,5km "Eireikam...
30/08/2025

FRIENDS GUIDED HIKE
We tried our first guided hike for members and prospective members/supporters on the 9,5km "Eireikamob" route. The distance was perfect as we finished before it got too hot. We looked at some of the animals, plants, history, culture, and ecology of Suikerbosrand. We saw blesbok and hartebees in the distance on the green flush of the burnt firebreak. The spring flowers are also emerging in the veld.
Next guided hike Sat 27/9. 12km "Cheetahmakierie". Limited to 10 participants. RSVP [email protected]

GUIDED HIKE Sat 30/8We will be doing a guided hike of the Bokmakierie Trail for members and prospective members. Max 10 ...
24/08/2025

GUIDED HIKE Sat 30/8
We will be doing a guided hike of the Bokmakierie Trail for members and prospective members. Max 10 participants.
RSVP [email protected]

Revitalization of Friends of Suikerbosrand, notice of AGM 6/9/25The Friends of Suikerbosrand, affiliated to WESSA (Wildl...
17/08/2025

Revitalization of Friends of Suikerbosrand, notice of AGM 6/9/25

The Friends of Suikerbosrand, affiliated to WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has tried to assist the reserve since 1995. However since COVID we have not had meetings or stargazing
and the original membership cohort is ageing out. Our ongoing contribution is to operate a website and answer queries, as many people have difficulty making contact with the reserve or obtaining information.

We plan to start regular meetings and events again and invite new members. The reserve is not in a good state and we would like to assist where possible, as well as host events for fun, learning and
awareness.

Joining the mailing list is free, membership is R230 per year. We do require funding to maintain the website
https://www.friendsofsuikerbosrand.co.za/.

If you would like to make a contribution then join us on Sat 6/9 for our AGM &/or Sat 30/8 at the reserve (guided hike). We also hike regularly on a Thursday.

Contact
[email protected].

Address

Turn South Off R550, 13. 5km West Of The N3
Heidelberg

Opening Hours

Monday 07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 07:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 07:00 - 18:00
Thursday 07:00 - 18:00
Friday 07:00 - 18:00
Saturday 07:00 - 18:00
Sunday 07:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+27637961131

Website

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