Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve, Nature reserve between Caledon and Orange Rivers, Free State, South Africa
Tussen-die-Riviere is a nature reserve covering about 22,000 hectares in Free State, positioned between the Caledon and Orange Rivers. The landscape supports large populations of springbok, zebra, wildebeest, mountain reedbuck, and white rhinos in various terrain types.
The area was originally used as a traditional hunting ground and later developed into a protected nature reserve. Today it maintains a balance between conservation efforts and carefully managed seasonal hunting activities.
The name Tussen-die-Riviere comes from Afrikaans and translates to 'Between the Rivers', reflecting its position between two major waterways that have shaped the region. This naming heritage connects visitors to the local identity and geographical understanding of the place.
The reserve has three marked hiking trails of varying lengths: Middelpunt is about 7 km, Klipstapel is about 12 km, and Orange River is about 16 km. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, particularly for the longer routes.
The Klipstapel trail passes eroded dolerite pillars that rise unexpectedly from the landscape like natural stone sculptures. These geological formations stand out as a distinctive feature rarely seen elsewhere in the Free State region.
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