Rules & Regulations

The Conservation vision for the Modderfontein Reserve is to protect, conserve and control the ecological integrity and sustainability of the area while simultaneously providing a setting for human recreational use and benefit.

To ensure a safe and joyful visit to the Reserve, kindly adhere to the following rules and regulations. Transgression of these rules and regulations, as summarized below, may result in prosecution and or penalties.

Click On A Link Below For Downloadable File

Fishing Rules

Rules & Regulations

MCS Trail Map

CONSERVATION FEES: Daily conservation fees are payable by each visitor.

THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT: Please take careful note of the speed limits applicable in the various areas of the reserve. Note that not all roads are accessible to caravans and/ or vehicles exceeding a certain mass, type or size.

DRIVE SAFELY: General rules of the road apply within the reserve. It is an offence to drive on South African roads without a recognized driver’s license or under the influence of alcohol. Driving or operating any vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner or in a deliberate disregard for the safety of a person, animal or property is a serious offence and can result in a summons being issued Driving a vehicle in a manner that constitutes a nuisance, disturbance, inconvenience or danger to any other person may also be subject to a summons being issued.

ADHERE TO GATE TIMES: Gate times must be strictly adhered to. After-hours driving is not allowed and could result in a summons being issued.

DRIVING AREAS: Vehicles must remain on the designated roads at all times and off-road driving or driving on closed or no-entry roads is a serious offence.

WALKING AREAS: Walking trails are provided throughout the reserve and must be adhered to at all times so as to avoid disruption of vegetation and animal communities

FEEDING OF WILDLIFE IS PROHIBITED: The feeding or intentional disturbance of wildlife is a serious offence. By feeding any wildlife you are potentially SIGNING THEIR DEATH WARRANT, AS THEY MAY BECOME DEPENDENT ON HUMANS and can BECOME AGGRESSIVE AND DANGEROUS, and thus HAVE TO BE EXTERMINATED. This includes all bird species.

FLORA & FAUNA: No plant, animal, wildlife, or any natural or cultural items may be removed from the park without permission. To cut, damage, destroy, or be in possession of any plant or part thereof, including dry wood or firewood is a serious offence. Importing of any specimen of an alien or listed invasive species into the reserve is prohibited

PETS: No pets (dogs, cats, birds, or any other) may be brought into the reserve. Transgressors will be dealt with firmly and issued with a summons. Guide dogs for visually impaired guests are one exception, but only in consultation with reserve management and if the owner has obtained the necessary inoculations and permits as ordained by the state veterinary department

LITTER-FREE ZONE: Littering is prohibited. Depositing or leaving any litter except in receptacles provided for that purpose will result in a fine

DECLARE FIREARMS AT GATE: All firearms/dangerous weapons of any sort, any explosive, trap, or poison must be declared upon entry and may be held for the duration of the visit.

NO KILLING OF ANIMALS: Poaching, killing, injuring, and persecution or disturbance of animals is strictly prohibited.

FIRE HAZARD: Starting or causing of any fire, whether it be intentional or unintentional, other than with prior consent from reserve management and in a fireplace or container purposely made available, is strictly prohibited and will result in a summons being issued.

SMOKING: Please take note of the smoking regulations applicable in the reserve. Smoking may only take place in DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS and cigarette butts must be disposed of in dustbins distributed throughout the reserve.

BEHAVIOUR: Behaving in an offensive, improper, indecent, or disorderly manner including the playing of any radio, compact disc player, music system, musical system, or instrument, or in any way cause of any noise in any manner likely to disturb any species or specimen or other person is strictly prohibited and will be fined if not adhered to. The hindering, intimidating, or obstructing of an authorized official in the execution of his/her duties or the performance of his/her functions will not be tolerated and is subject to a penalty. Violation, refusal, or failure to obey or comply with any prohibition, request, or instruction imposed by these regulations or by the management authority or authorized official will result in prosecution

BICYCLES: Please enlighten yourself with the rules and regulations applicable to the use of roller skates, skateboards, bicycles, and motorbikes for the reserve. These activities are limited to certain areas and times.

VANDALISM: Buildings and sites of historical and cultural value exist within the reserve and these must be treated with respect at all times. Vandalism of any buildings or infrastructure is strictly prohibited and transgression will result in a summons being issued.

FISHING: Fishing in any of the dams or bodies of water within the reserve is strictly prohibited unless an arrangement has been made with Reserve Management. Strictly catch and release. Please refer to the signage regarding this.

SWIMMING: Swimming or wading in any of the dams or bodies of water within the reserve is strictly prohibited unless doing so is necessary to fulfill a prescribed management objective.

BOATS: The use of boats of any kind in any of the dams or bodies of water within the reserve is strictly prohibited unless doing so is necessary to fulfill a prescribed management objective or an agreement has been made with reserve management.

WASHING: Washing of clothes, dishes, or any item (This includes one’s body), in any of the dams or bodies of water within the reserve, is strictly prohibited.

ALCOHOL: The onsite consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the Reserve.

Please note that the braai area at the picnic and fishing area will now be available for use and gas braais are also allowed

No onsite consumption of alcohol will be allowed in the Reserve

Please contact the gate on 0813511223 to enquire if space is available prior to arriving. No entry into the picnic and fishing area will be allowed without a valid ticket.  Combo tickets for cyclists, hikers, and runners who would also like to picnic are available and prices can be obtained from the gate.