The Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve is situated on the eastern side of Lydenburg at the start of the scenic Long Tom Pass. The reserve is 2200 hectares and the Klipgatspruit river cuts the mountainous area into a deep valley and the scenery is dramatic with endless vistas.
Wildlife in the reserve includes game such as Bushbuck, Kudu, Impala, Zebra, Eland, Grey Rhebuck and Steenbok. The main habitats feature thornveld and bushveld on the low-lying areas, grassland on hillsides and plateaus, with protea woodland on the higher altitudes. Small isolated pockets of forest are present in the ravines along tributaries of the river.
Hiking: There are various hiking opportunities, but the best maintained route is a 5 km trail. This route hosts a popular Saturday morning Park-run event and visitors are welcome. Registration takes place at the Lydenburg Museum located near the start of the Park-run route and participants are encouraged to arrive from 7h00 for an eight o’clock start. After the run the participants grab a coffee at a local coffee-shop and newcomers are welcome!
Bird watching: Definitely take the binoculars if you enjoy this hobby. 276 birds can be found in this natural setting
Mountain Biking: Due to the degradation of the various tracks the reserve is not ideal for mountain biking.
The Lydenburg Museum is situated at the entrance to the reserve. This small niche museum focuses on the cultural, archaeological and ethnographic history of the area. Featured in the museum are some excellent exhibits of the early human occupation in this area dating back to the Stone Age. Archeological excavations have uncovered some rare pottery finds including the Lydenburg Heads and these terra-cotta heads, one of the first examples of early iron-age artworks, are prominently displayed in the museum. There is also a section dedicated to the display of some fascinating artifacts from the Voortrekker era, giving some insight into the hardships of Voortrekker life.
Location from Stonecutters
Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve is open from 8h00-11h00 on weekends. For guests staying at Stonecutters Lodge the reserve and the museum are just a 20 minute drive. Turn left out of Stonecutters onto the R540. Once in Lydenburg turn right onto the Long Tom Pass route (R37) and the Nature Reserve is about 2 kms out of town just past the Checkers complex.
If you would love a very scenic drive turn left onto the R37 as you exit the Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve and drive over the Long Tom Pass to Sabie (about 52 kms) Drive to Graskop along the R532/R533 . A visit to the Gorge and the Glass lift is a must. The glass lift descends to the forest floor and the wooden circular walkways takes you to waterfall over a suspension pedestrian bridge. If you love heights swing on the Big Swing or try the Zip line for an adrenalin rush. The restaurant provides light lunches and there is also a coffee shop. This is a lovely outing and to finish the drive return along the Long Tom Pass (R37) and see the differing views on the way back to Stonecutters Lodge.