Willem Pretorius Game Reserve

Description

The Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, situated north of Bloemfontein, is centred on the Allemanskraal Dam in the Free State. It is the largest game reserve in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality of South Africa, and boasts a wide variety of bird and wildlife.

Although the reserves is spread over 12,000 hectares, it is too small to support large predators. The largest predators you will find are caracal and black-backed jackal. More than 220 species of birds have been identified in the reserve.

The 2,500 hectare Allemanskraal Dam lies at the heart of the reserve and is fed by the Sand River, separating the contrasting regions of the northern and southern sections. The south is comprised of grassland supporting herds of plains game, while the north consists of plains, koppies, and ridges of the Doringberg and Bakkersberg, supporting baboon, mountain reedbuck, red hartebeest, kudu, and duiker. Other wildlife in the reserve includes white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, gemsbok, impala, eland, and buffalo.

Ruins of stone buildings dating back to prehistoric Sotho occupation are found in the northern section of the reserve. One of these settlements, situated on the Bakkersberg, has been restored and proclaimed a national monument. Activities include boating, fishing, and game watching. There are also tennis courts, an education centre, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.