Medike Nature Reserve
Medike Nature Reserve
The Soutpansberg is one of 18 recognised centres of endemism in southern Africa, with many species that don’t occur anywhere else, including a variety of rare and threatened plant species. The Endangered Wildlife Trust identified the urgent need to protect the Soutpansberg Mountains, their diversity of threatened species and extraordinary variety of habitat types, their crucial role in water production, and their value as a centre of cultural heritage.
The EWT has embarked on a long-term journey to realise our dream of establishing the formally protected Soutpansberg Protected Area (SPA), spanning more than 27,000 hectares. This area includes the EWT’s properties, Medike East and West Nature Reserve (2,733 hectares). The Medike Nature Reserve reserve boasts 58 butterfly species, 15 scorpions, 19 amphibians, 61 reptiles, 59 mammals, 229 birds, and 237 tree species. Among these are the Cape Vulture (Vulnerable), Narina Trogan (Least Concern), Crowned Eagle (Near Threatened), Leopard (Vulnerable), Brown Hyaena (Near Threatened), Natal Red Duiker, and the Endangered Mountain Reedbuck. The Endangered Induna Acreae butterfly (Telchinia induna salmontana) is only found on Mount Lajuma, the highest peak in the Soutpansberg and the Soutpansberg Flat Lizard (Platysaurus relictus) is one of the other species endemic to the Soutpansberg mountains.
2,733
hectares
+60
Species
to spot
6
activities
The Soutpansberg is recognised as
A Priority Conservation Area by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
A Critical Biodiversity Area by the Limpopo provincial conservation authority
A Strategic Groundwater
Source Area
part of South Africa’s National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES)
part of the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve proclaimed in 2009
an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA)
Rates Day visitors:
R100 per person
50 Kids under 12
excludes additional activity costs specified below.
these fees go directly towards the development and maintenance of trails on the reserve, which double up as anti-poaching patrol routes). Prices excl. VAT
Additional Activities include
Birding
229 bird species
to spot
Hiking
Follow the
Old Salt Trail
4X4 Trails
High clearance
vehicle is
required
Ranger Experiences
Spend a day with
a field ranger
Research
Become a
scientist for
the day
Camping
Camping or log
cabin facilities
available
Activities
Birding
The Soutpansberg is a birding paradise, with 229 bird species recorded on Medike Nature Reserve. Birders can see a wide range of birds, such as the majestic Crowned and Verreaux’s eagles soaring over the cliffs, the various storks wading in the river, the Narina Trogon in the forests, and the nearby colony of Cape Vultures. Birders are also welcome to enjoy our birdlife as day visitors on the reserve.
Hiking
Walk in the footsteps of Africa’s ancient tribes,
Follow the paths of the elephants of old,
From the foothills of the secret Soutpansberg,
Climb high above the clouds to the mountain’s mighty peak
Ranger experiences
Spend a day out on patrol with Medike’s experienced field rangers and researchers and experience what it is like to be at the forefront of biodiversity conservation. Learn how to look out for snares and other signs of poaching, service camera traps, and tag images while enjoying a day out in the bush.
Dependent on reserve management schedule and advanced booking is preferable. Only available to overnight visitors.
Rates
R240 per person, excl. VAT (fees go directly towards the conservation of the reserve)
To make a booking please email us
Research experience
Become a scientist for the day by monitoring the biodiversity on the reserve.
Join an EWT researcher on a hike to download pictures from camera traps around the reserve, identify animals captured in the photos, and see if you can find a Leopard!
Dependent on reserve management schedule and advanced booking is preferable. Only available to overnight visitors.
Rates:
R240 per person excl. VAT (fees go directly towards the conservation of the reserve)
To make a booking please email us on the link below
Camping
The recently refurbished campsite makes an excellent base for overnight visitors wanting to explore the mountain. Campers must be self-sufficient. The site can accommodate a maximum of four groups of campers with rustic, basic amenities available:
- Two open-air toilets
- Two open-air showers (gas-heated)
- Running water
- No WiFi or electricity at the campsite
Rates:
- Adults R150 per person, per night + R50 conservation fee.
- Children R75 per person, per night (under 12)
- Children under six stay for free.
- Prices excl. VAT.
To make a booking please email us on the link below
For more information
Please note that some areas of Medike are only accessible by high clearance or 4×4 vehicles, but arrangements can be made to accommodate guests without.