Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Rietvlei Nature Reserve, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Rietvlei Nature Reserve
  2. Important essentials for Rietvlei Nature Reserve
  3. Activities for Rietvlei Nature Reserve
  4. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Rietvlei Nature Reserve in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa

Based on the climate and weather in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa by month

January

Traveling to Rietvlei Nature Reserve in January, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

February

Traveling to Rietvlei Nature Reserve in February, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to choose the necessary type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you go to Rietvlei Nature Reserve in March, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to pick the right kind. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

May

May in Rietvlei Nature Reserve is balmy and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

June

If you vacation in Rietvlei Nature Reserve during June, you may see that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

July

If you go to Rietvlei Nature Reserve in July, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Check that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you go to Rietvlei Nature Reserve in August, you will notice that it is mild and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

September

If you are traveling to Rietvlei Nature Reserve in September, you will notice that it is warm and very dry. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Check that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you go to Rietvlei Nature Reserve in October, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in Rietvlei Nature Reserve is warm and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

December

If you vacation in Rietvlei Nature Reserve during December, you might notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rietvlei Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

What to do in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa

Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a magnificent gem in Gauteng Province, South Africa's capital Pretoria. The reserve, which covers over 4,000 hectares, provides a beautiful natural home to free-roaming wildlife, game drives, picnics, walking trails, fishing spots, among other tourist attractions.

Here is a list of the top tourist attractions that make Rietvlei Nature Reserve a must-visit destination when in Pretoria:

1. Game Drives

Rietvlei Nature Reserve boasts of an array of wild animals such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceros, and buffalos free-roaming in their natural habitat. Game drives are available for visitors where experienced guides take guests on an early morning or late afternoon drive- giving you an excellent opportunity to see these majestic creatures.

2. Picnic Spots

Rietvlei Nature Reserve provides ample picnic spots for visitors who want to relax while taking in the scenic views of the preserve. The three main picnic sites include Rietvlei Dam picnic site, Uitkyk picnic site, and Marais Dam Picnic site; all offer stunning views of the dam and the reserve's grasslands. You can also choose to have a braai/barbecue at the picnic areas as there are braai facilities available for visitors.

3. Bird Watching

Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a bird-watching paradise as it is home to over 200 bird species, including the rare African marsh-harrier and African grass-owl. The reserve’s wetland and savannah habitats harbor abundant birdlife, making it an ideal spot for bird-watching enthusiasts.

4. Fishing Spots

Fishing enthusiasts can indulge in angling at Rietvlei Dam, which is stocked with various fish species such as bass, carp, and tilapia. Visitors must bring their own fishing gear as there are no rental facilities at the reserve.

5. Walking Trails

Rietvlei Nature Reserve has several walking trails that visitors can follow while enjoying the scenic views of the reserve. The walks vary in distance and difficulty, and the most popular include the Latiefontein Walk, Geelbeentjie Trail, and Kiepersol Trail.

6. Game Viewing Hides

The reserve has several game viewing hides built strategically to optimize animal sightings by visitors. The hides are ideal for visitors who desire a quiet and undisturbed view of wildlife.

7. Camping

Rietvlei Nature Reserve has a camping site for visitors who want an overnight stay at the reserve. With stunning views of the dam, the camping area can accommodate up to 400 people and has well-maintained ablution facilities.

In conclusion, Rietvlei Nature Reserve has a wealth of tourist attractions that make it an ideal destination when in Pretoria. The reserve provides a tranquil environment for tourists to enjoy while watching the wildlife or enjoy a picnic with family and friends. A visit to Rietvlei Nature Reserve promises to be a memorable experience for tourists.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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