Wonderboom Nature Reserve
Gauteng
Wonderboom Nature Reserve is situated in the north of Pretoria, around the Magaliesberg Mountains. Its major attraction is the massive fig tree, known as the 'Miracle Tree', or Wonderboom, which is said to be over 1 000 years old.
What makes the tree so special is the 13 individual trunks which rooted themselves when the parent tree's branches touched the ground, and sprung into a new daughter tree. Legend has it that this 23 m high Ficus Salicifolia tree has grown so big because the chief of an indigenous tribe was buried under the tree.
The reserve is also home to small antelope, guinea fowl, dassies, monkeys and a variety of birds. There are several interesting hiking trails, the Wonderboom Interpretive Trail, Fort Trail, Joos Becker Guided trail, and two trails which lead to Fort Wonderboomport, a man-made waterfall and cave. Picnic facilities are also available.
Other interesting things to look out for are the ripple marks on some of the prehistoric rocks along the trails, indicating an ancient sea, as well as the Stone Age and Iron Age site.
The reserve is open from 7 am until 6 pm. Please contact the reserve for more information on tariff prices, as they are subject to change and vary depending on whether you would like to visit for the day, do a guided tour, an environmentally educational tour for children, or purchase an annual ticket.
Wonderboom Nature Reserve Management: 012 567 4296.