Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve (Horse Riding North West)

About Us

The Malaria-free Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve offers you the opportunity to experience the bushveld at only 45 minutes from Johannesburg and Pretoria in the Hartbeespoort Dam area.

It is the perfect location for both day and overnight visitors, including overseas airline crew. We have become a popular stopover for international tourists, who wish to spend some relaxing days not far from OR Tambo Johannesburg Airport!

This privately owned 300 ha rough bushveld lies on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Silkaatsnek is named after King Mzilikazi (also referred to as Moselekatse or Zilikaats), one of the most impressive leaders Southern Africa has ever known.

Nearly 200 years ago he ruled over this area with an iron fist.

Nowadays Silkaatsnek offers Game Drives, Horseback Safaris, Bush Walks and Hiking Trails that give you the chance to meet some of Africa’s magnificent wildlife up close and personal. Silkaatsnek is home to giraffe, zebra, kudu, nyala, red hartebeest and many more buck and a great variety of colourful birds and butterflies.

National and international Conservation, Ecology and Wildlife students are welcome to do their internship or practical training at Silkaatsnek.

There is also the opportunity for regular volunteers from all over the world who wish to get some hands-on experience with for example bush clearing, removal of invasive plant species, animal counts, fence patrolling, creating fire breaks or fighting and preventing erosion.

We at Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve are looking forward to welcoming you for some true European hospitality in the African bushveld, whether it’s for a few hours, days or even weeks!

What to bring:

• Good Walking Shoes
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• BInoculars
• Bird books