Somabula Nature Reserve

Break away from the city.

Nestled peacefully in a valley surrounded by pristine bush, Somabula Nature Reserve offers the perfect environment in which to unwind.

Ideally situated for weekend getaways, only one hour from Johannesburg and 40 minutes from Pretoria, the reserve boasts a wide variety of antelope as well as giraffe, zebra and wildebeest and an abundance of birdlife.

Somabula Nature Reserve

Offers self-catering chalets, shaded camp sites and accommodation in beautifully restored ox wagons.

Activities include game viewing, hiking and birdwatching.

Day visitors can make use of the lapa with its braai area for family gatherings or special occasions. There are more than 30kms of roads and trails for walking and hiking.

Nearby, visit the quaint diamond village of Cullinan for a tour in the world famous Premier Diamond Mine and stroll down historic Oak Avenue with its various museums, shops and restaurants

Don't take our Word, take Theirs!

  • Dis lekker om n Boer te wees. Dis hoe Somabula jou laat voel. Dankie Sonja jy is n pot sonskyn! Lekker 4x4 gaan ry. Beslis die moeite werd!

    Annique Avatar Annique
    September 10, 2025

    Our first stay here and so pleasant. Sonja and her team super nice. Spacious personal campsite very well maintained. The private bathroom very nice and clean, and we felt safe. Wildlife spectacular hiking through the reserve. The fire pit and braai facilities perfect. We’ll definitely visit again.

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    Louis Greyling Avatar Louis Greyling
    November 10, 2025

    Wonderful place. Wagon accommodation needs some maintenance especially electrics and tent flaps

    Leon Joffe Avatar Leon Joffe
    December 12, 2025
  • Hidden Gem Alert! Tucked away between Cullinan and Rayton lies Somabula Nature Reserve – a true hidden gem. This may not be for everyone, but if you're looking for a quick getaway close to home, a break from city life, unreliable internet, and the chance to switch off and reconnect with nature, then this is definitely the place for you. We thoroughly enjoyed our peaceful quick getaway, which was only 20 minutes from our home. During the day, we were surrounded by the sounds of birds, and at night we fell asleep to the chorus of crickets, cicadas, and what sounded like several species of frogs from the nearby dam. We stayed in the Pumba unit, which is the closest to the dam, and the setting was incredibly relaxing both day and night. The unit was clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything we needed for our stay. Reception stocks basic essentials such as wood, ice, firelighters, and matches. Just remember to bring cash, as the reserve operates off-grid and card facilities won't be available. For those who enjoy being active, there are three well marked hiking trail options ranging from a short scenic walk to a longer hike. Along the routes, you're likely to spot wildlife including zebras, eland, wildebeest, impala, and blesbok. If you're looking for peace, quiet, nature, and a chance to truly switch off, Somabula Nature Reserve is well worth a visit.

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    Nadia de Vos Avatar Nadia de Vos
    June 1, 2026

    We camped on the Barbet campsite for the weekend. The bathroom was clean and the sites are far from each other. There are lovely hiking routes and we saw lots of animals. I would recommend this place to someone who loves nature and enjoy peace and quiet camping.

    Simoné Loosen Avatar Simoné Loosen
    April 21, 2026

    Our first visit to Somabula was very pleasant. Friendly staff, spacious personal campsite—you almost don’t realize you have campers next door. The private bathroom was clean, and we felt safe at night. It was lovely to wake up to birdsong and end the day with jackal howling. We enjoyed the walks and downloaded the bird, mammal, tree, reptile, and frog lists from the website. The variety was impressive, and ticking them off was great fun. I added a few new pages to my nature journal. The fire pit was perfect for ending the day with a relaxing bushveld fire. We’ll definitely visit again.

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    Anita Faber Avatar Anita Faber
    October 29, 2025
  • What a Gem! 45 minutes from Centurion. Ideal for a quick break away. Stunning little cottages, very clean. Nature all around you with bird sounds, animals and stary nights.

    Lelane Bezuidenhout Avatar Lelane Bezuidenhout
    November 9, 2025

    Lovely place, we enjoyed a beautiful morning walk!

    Zelda Susan Avatar Zelda Susan
    September 20, 2025

    Had a wonderful morning walk .Neat and safe!! Choice of 3, 7, 12km..greeted a beautiful family of Sables along the way..

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    Zelda Susan Avatar Zelda Susan
    September 20, 2025