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Perched high above the historic town of Mashishing (Lydenburg) in the scenic Mpumalanga Province, Mount Anderson Water Reserve offers one of South Africa’s most exclusive and inspiring nature escapes. Surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges and endless vistas, this private reserve is a sanctuary for families, small groups, and nature lovers seeking serenity, immersion, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Far removed from the stress of urban life, Mount Anderson invites you to unwind amid pristine wilderness, rich biodiversity, and untouched beauty. Whether you’re walking through ancient mountain paths, admiring the vibrant wildflowers, or simply soaking in the peace of your surroundings, this is where luxury meets true wilderness.
Mount Anderson is more than just a beautiful retreat – it is a pioneering conservation success story. Acquired by respected conservationist Michael Rattray in the 1980s, the reserve was meticulously restored after years of overgrazing and environmental degradation. In 1990, it was officially proclaimed South Africa’s first private water catchment reserve, safeguarding essential watersheds that feed the lifeblood of the Kruger National Park and surrounding communities.
The reserve plays a vital role in protecting headwater streams and river systems that are crucial for sustaining downstream ecosystems and agriculture. Today, Mount Anderson stands as a shining example of ecological restoration, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
This high-altitude reserve is home to a remarkable variety of rare and endemic species, including some of South Africa’s most unique flora and endangered fauna. The botanical diversity alone is astonishing — from Protea species like the Common Sugarbush and Transvaal Silverleaf, to delicate wild orchids, Cape holly, red fuchsia, St. John’s wort, gladioli, pineapple flowers, and hard ferns.
Interspersed among these blooms are ancient woodlands of indigenous trees, including Oudehout, various Rhus species, parsley trees, and buddleja. Wildlife sightings may include rare antelope, birds of prey, and other mountain-dwelling species — making it a paradise for botanists, conservationists, and photographers alike.
Owned and personally managed by the Rattray family following the historic sale of MalaMala Game Reserve, Mount Anderson is now their sole conservation focus. The reserve reflects their decades-long commitment to protecting South Africa’s wilderness — offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience a truly private nature reserve that combines raw beauty with meaningful purpose.
Here, every sunrise over the mountains and every whisper of wind through the fynbos tells a story of rebirth, preservation, and peace.
Discover the untouched beauty of high-altitude grasslands at Mount Anderson Water Reserve — a paradise for birdwatchers, botanists, and nature photographers. These pristine, rolling slopes, dominated by the highly palatable Rooigras (Themeda triandra), offer one of South Africa’s most rewarding walking experiences through undisturbed montane grassland.
As you explore the upper reaches of the reserve, keep your binoculars handy. These open plains are alive with game: spot herds of grey rhebok darting through the hills, observe mountain reedbuck, black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, zebra, and listen for the distant call of black-backed jackals. The sweeping views and rich biodiversity offer a truly immersive wilderness experience.
During the summer months, the grasslands bloom into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, attracting a wide variety of bird species, from larks and pipits to raptors soaring on thermals overhead. The highland setting and minimal human disturbance make this one of the best places in Mpumalanga for scenic walks and wildlife encounters in an unspoiled natural environment.
One of the hidden gems of Mount Anderson Water Reserve lies in its high-altitude wetland ecosystems, where fresh spring water seeps through ancient rock fissures and natural mountain sponges. These marshy enclaves support a rare and delicate habitat unlike any other in South Africa. Look closely and you’ll discover how nature has adapted to this constant moisture — with resilient sedges and wetland grasses forming a verdant tapestry, crowned by tall, elegant seed heads swaying in the breeze.
These alpine wetlands are teeming with life. On warm days, you’re likely to spot shimmering dragonflies and damselflies flitting over the water’s surface. Frogs and toads, well-camouflaged among the reeds, add their distinct calls to the mountain soundtrack. Insectivorous mammals such as shrews and golden moles also frequent these areas, thriving in the nutrient-rich, soft soil.
For nature photographers, botany enthusiasts, and anyone with a passion for biodiversity, this ecosystem offers a rare opportunity to observe highland wetland species in their natural, undisturbed state. Don’t forget your macro lens and binoculars — there’s a world of detail hidden in these quiet, sponge-fed valleys.
