Rules and 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.
CONSERVATION FEES
Daily conservation fees are payable by each visitor.
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.
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
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
NO KILLING OF ANIMALS
Poaching, killing, injuring, and persecution or disturbance of animals is strictly prohibited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LITTER-FREE ZONE
Littering is prohibited. Depositing or leaving any litter except in receptacles provided for that purpose will result in a fine
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VALID TICKETS ONLY
No entry into the picnic and fishing area will be allowed without a valid ticket.
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.
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
ALCOHOL
The onsite consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the Reserve.
Gas braai
Please note that the braai area at the picnic and fishing area will now be available for use and gas braais are also allowed
Please contact the gate on 081 351 1223 to enquire if space is available prior to arriving. Combo tickets for cyclists, hikers, and runners who would also like to picnic are available and prices can be obtained from the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions at Modderfontein Reserve
Explore our FAQ section to find answers to common questions about visiting and enjoying Modderfontein Reserve.
What are the gate opening times?
The gates to Modderfontein Reserve open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. Please ensure you exit the reserve before closing time to avoid penalties.
Are there any specific rules for fishing in the reserve?
Fishing is allowed under catch and release rules only. Please ensure you have a valid permit and adhere to all signage and guidelines.
Can I bring my pet to the reserve?
Pets are not allowed within Modderfontein Reserve to protect our wildlife and natural habitats. Guide dogs for visually impaired guests are an exception, with prior consultation and necessary permits.
What activities can I enjoy at the reserve?
Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and cycling on designated trails and areas within the reserve.
Is alcohol permitted in the reserve?
Consumption of alcohol is not permitted within the reserve to ensure a safe and family-friendly environment.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
In case of an emergency, contact reserve management immediately at the provided emergency contact numbers available at the gate and on our website.
Are there any facilities for overnight stays?
Currently, Modderfontein Reserve does not offer overnight accommodation facilities. All visits are limited to day use only.
Can I use drones within the reserve?
The use of drones is prohibited in the reserve to prevent disturbances to wildlife and for the privacy of other guests.
How do I report rule violations?
If you witness any violations of reserve rules, please report them to the nearest staff member or contact our management directly through the contact details provided on our website.