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SS Skhosana Nature Reserve
The SS Skhosana Nature Reserve is located in the Mpumalanga Province, approximately 70 km north of Bronkorstspruit.
The reserve covered approximately 1800 ha. The mountains and the plains are covered with savanna vegetation
and game, which creates an exciting bushveld atmosphere.
Situated north of Bronkhorstspruit, in the former KwaNdebele, this fascinating reserve is within easy reach of
Johannesburg or Pretoria to the south-west, and Middelburg or Witbank to the south-east. Among the large antelope
which have been reintroduced, the Blue Wildebeest are most abundant and, since they favour open habitats, the most
often seen. Territorial bulls often establish 'latrines'along tracks and roads, stomping the dust with their hooves
and scraping the soil with their horns. Burchell's Zebra are often to be found in the company of the Blue Wildebeest
or Eland, but Kudu, Bushbuck and Grey Duiker prefer denser woodland around hills and along streams. The Leopard is the
large predator at Skhosana but, like the Brown Hyena and Caracal, they are nocaturnal, shy, and rarely seen. This is not
the case with the troops of noisy and demonstrative Chacma Baboons which rule over the rocky outcrops, bellowing out their
alarm bark at the first sight of trouble. A variety of other creatures, including the elusive Aardvark, prowl the reserve
after dark, often leaving their tell-tale footprints on the sand tracks.
Birds are abundant with most typical bushveld species being present. A pair of African Hawk Eagle are often seen close to
the entrance gate. Mocking Chat and Rock Bunting live amongst the rocky outcrops. The call of the Freckled Nightjar
and Spotted Eagle Owl often punctuates the still night air.
Activities
The three-day Tjhetjhisa Hiking Trail can accommodate two groups of up to eight people, traveling in opposite directions.
Beginning from the northern corner, the trail traverses 17 kilometres with basic overnight facilities at two overnight huts.
More detailed information on the trail and facilities is available on request.
Accommodation
The C.N. Mahlangu Lodger, with 16 two-bed rondavels, is set at the base of a outcrop of balancing rocks and surrounded by
tall indigenous woodland.
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