Bester Birds & Animals Zoo Park (Equestria)
This small little family run zoo is all about community and family and what started as a tiny parrot breeding enterprise in the bush has grown into a proper zoo in the past three decades. Their motto? To keep forging forth into the future with “conservation through conversation”. The zoo is closed on Mondays (except for those falling on public holidays and school holidays) and is open from 9am to 5pm daily. Visitors are encouraged to join the staff for animal feeding times, which happens all over the farmyard during the day. The penguins are fed at 12.30pm.
Entrance fees are:
– Adults R55
– Kids (ages 2-12) R50
– Kids under 2 FREE
– Pensioners R45
For school visits, the cost is R35 per learner.
Moreleta Spruit (Lynwood Ridge)
This tributary of the Hartbees Spruit meanders through the eastern parts of Pretoria and has its origins in the dolomite hills south of the city. The stream flows all year round and got its name from the Sotho word Moretla, which means brandy bush. The area surrounding the spruit is truly a birder’s paradise and there are three hiking trails through this natural habitat, offering beautiful views. What’s more, the Moreleta Spruit flows through two nature reserves – the Moreleta Nature Reserve and the Faerie Glen Nature Reserve. Visitors can also opt for a visit to the Moreleta Kloof, which offers three more (and shorter) hiking trails that include beautiful rocky ridges, wetlands and grasslands. The spruit is maintained and preserved thanks to various dedicated volunteer groups who regularly clear invasive alien vegetation and debris along its banks.
Oulandsloop Park (Die Wilgers)
The Oulandsloop Park might be small, but it packs a punch, and here, various fauna and flora flourish. From a wide range of local butterfly and dragonfly species to some superb bird-watching opportunities, it’s a natural wonder-world and the area boasts various recreational walking routes. There is an active community of concerned residents who regularly discuss the maintenance and management of the park and after every meeting, participants usually band together with plastic bags and gloves and help to pick up rubbish to keep the Oulandsloop Park in mint condition.
