Abstract
M.A.
This paper aims to evaluate the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve as an ecotourist
destination. The tourists visiting the reserve were evaluated by means of questionnaires.
It also evaluates the current recreational activities at the reserve and suggests possible
new activities that can be introduced at the Reserve.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve was found to be very suitable for ecotourism. The Reserve
is very accessible and offers a big variety of recreational activities, wildlife and plants.
Most tourists are married with a very high income per annum. They are mostly well
qualified people coming from the Gauteng area. Most visitors are between forty and sixty
years of age. One of the biggest problems the Reserve faces is the fact that most of its
tourists visit the Reserve infrequently (less than once per year).
Hiking is the most popular of all the activities presented at the reserve. Wildlife viewing
and bird watching as well as picnic are also favourite activities with the visitors. Hunting
in the reserve is a contentious issue with most tourists. Most tourists felt that the Reserve would be greatly improved if more information was
available. Other popular new activities which were suggested were: chalets, a swimming
pool, a restaurant and shop, bird hides and guided tours.
Before any big projects are undertaken by the management of Suikerbosrand, feasibility
studies as well as impact studies should be done. With the proper management and
planning the reserve has the potential to become one of the prime tourist destinations
within Gauteng.