Game Viewing in Potchefstroom
- Yolandi Botes
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Potchefstroom is better known for its university and history than safaris, yet the surrounding North West bushveld offers surprising wildlife experiences. Within a short drive of town you’ll find private game reserves and nature parks where visitors can spot antelope, zebra, giraffe, lions and hundreds of bird species. The region’s terrain (rivers, dams and grasslands) creates varied habitats for game viewing by car, foot or even horseback. This guide covers the top local safari and birding spots in and around Potchefstroom, helping residents and tourists discover activities off the beaten path.
Lekwena Wildlife Estate (11 km from Potchefstroom)
Lekwena Wildlife Estate is a 3,000+ hectare private game reserve just 11 km from town. It hosts over 2,000 animals, including dozens of antelope species (kudu, eland, springbok, kudu and more) and 160+ bird species. Well-maintained gravel roads (about 37 km worth) and 15 stocked dams make Lekwena ideal for self-drive safaris or guided tours.
Visitors often see giraffe, zebra, kudu, nyala and even rhino roaming freely across the open bushveld. The reserve also features picnic spots and bird hides. In short, Lekwena offers a true safari feel just outside Potchefstroom, with abundant wildlife on display along its game-viewing routes.
Wildlife: ~20 antelope species, plus zebra, giraffe, and many bird species.
Activities: Self-drive game routes (37 km), guided game drives, bird hides and picnic areas.
Note: A favorite local spot for sunrise/afternoon drives; bring binoculars and camera for the herds of zebra and giraffe that often come near the roads.
Boskop Dam Nature Reserve (20 km north of Potchefstroom)
Boskop Dam Nature Reserve spans about 3,000 hectares of rolling grassland along the Mooi River, only 20 km from town. It is well known for its prolific wildlife and recreation. On the dam’s shores and nearby trails, visitors can see black wildebeest, springbok, zebra, red hartebeest, eland and blesbok grazing (the Boskop plains hold all these species).
A flock of ostrich and herds of giraffe are also often spotted. Over 250 bird species inhabit Boskop (from ducks and herons to fish eagles), making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Hiking and mountain biking trails weave through the reserve, while the dam itself offers canoeing and fishing. In short, Boskop combines classic African savannah views with a large diversity of wildlife.
Wildlife: Herds of zebra, wildebeest, kudu, eland, giraffe and more. Over 250 bird species (fish eagle, heron, flamingos in season).
Activities: Hiking/biking trails, canoeing on the dam, picnic sites, and game drives on dirt roads.
Unique flora: Home to rare plants like the stone-like succulent Lithops and the bright orange Crinum lilies along the river.
Kohra Lion Farm
For a very different safari, Kohra Lion Park, only 15 km west of Potchefstroom, lets visitors see lions up close. This small private sanctuary is home to adult lions and cubs, and it offers guided visits where guests can feed or even play with tame lion cubs under supervision.
The park emphasizes animal welfare and provides engaging lion encounters, one review notes you can “witness the lions up close” and even see “lionesses exhibiting remarkable agility” during feeding. Admission is very affordable (around R100 per person) and makes Khora a popular outing for families.
Nearby private game farms also offer bush experiences. For example, Lekkerkry Game Farm (about 40 km away near Fochville) provides self-catering lodging in bushveld where tame wildlife graze past the villa. Guests at Lekkerkry often see antelope and zebra right outside their door.
Khora Lion Farm: Up-close lion encounters (including cubs) for R100; ideal for kids and big-cat fans.
Game Farms (e.g. Lekkerkry): Self-drive or guided bush safaris on working game farms. Lekkerkry, 40 km from Potch, hosts free-roaming antelope and zebra around its accommodation.
Whether you’re a local or visitor, these nearby game-viewing spots make Potchefstroom surprisingly wild. Most reserves are best visited early or late to catch animals when they’re most active. Always carry water, sun protection and a camera/binoculars. A 4×4 vehicle is not essential on maintained roads, but a sedan can handle most sites (weather permitting).
These local parks and reserves aren’t as famous as Kruger, but they offer fresh, accessible experiences right in the heart of the North West. They help raise awareness of regional biodiversity and give Potchefstroom both locals and visitors a chance to connect with South Africa’s wildlife.
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