Phophonyane Nature Reserve

Phophonyane is a private nature reserve in an area of widely beautiful mountainous middleveld and is sutated about 12kms north of Piggs peak. Phophonyane is mainly geared towards relaxation through the enjoyment of nature plus the comforts of home. Walking trails, rock pools and scenic drives provide the main activities. Tennis , squash, horse riding , sauna , gym and a casino are available at the Orion Pigg's Peak Hotel, 3km from Phophonyane. The reserve itself is situated in an ecotone where the elements of highveld, middleveld and lowveld mingle and therefore creates a diverse range of habitats rich in birdlife, flora. Accommodation at Phophonyane takes the form of thatched cottages all with fully equipped kitchens. There is a fully licensed a-la-carte restaurant, which offers a wide variety of dishes plus a good selection of South African wines. Should guests wish to be served in the privacy of their own cottages this can also be arranged at no extra expense. The area is quite different from Malotoltja Reserve, still mountainous but the lower elevation means that the area has a much more diverse plantlife which provides habitat for a larger range of bird species. Beautiful streams and water falls flow through the reserve making it ideal for day visits and picnicking. The streams are bilharzia free and you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the river pools or just cool off under a waterfall after a day's hiking in the summer’s heat. It is one of the few places where you can see middleveld riverine forests. The dense forest riverine forest is home to many species of small game such as bushbuck, the rare red duiker and the clawless otter. Phophonyane also offers one of the best opportunities of seeing the spectacular but elusive forest bird, the narina trogon.