Hans Merensky Nature Reserve

About Hans Merensky Nature Reserve

Lying on the banks of the Great Letaba River just west of Kruger National Park and close to Tzaneen, the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve is a fabulous place to view wildlife on foot.

You’ll find none of the big hairy scaries here – just various antelope including rare sable, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, hippo and giraffe. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the more elusive leopard, jackal and hyena.

The Great Letaba River flowing on one side of the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve attracts rich and varied bird-life in all seasons. Evenings visitors are usually treated to special sightings of nightjars and owls.

The main attraction of this beautiful reserve is the chance to walk most of it easily on foot. Exciting hiking options include the one km Mopane Interpretive Trail, the Letaba Trail along the river and the Giraffe Trail, a 32 km three-day hike with overnights in luxury huts.

A self-drive route winds through the reserve and you can hope to see a fair amount of wildlife. Make your way to the wonderful lookout point that offers fantastic views – it makes for a great picnic spot.

Guided morning and sunset game drives are available but you’ll need to book a day in advance. Thrill seekers can opt for the mountain bike trail and horse rides.

You could also visit the Eiland Mineral Bath, a bubbling thermal spring long used by locals as a source of salt and medicinal treatments. Today the spring supplies an outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy.