Riverside Reserve
About the RIVERSIDE RESERVE
The Riverside Reserve forms the heart and soul of the Greater Riverside Biodiversity Initiative (GRBI). This remarkable natural area is already demonstrating its potential as a vibrant urban park that serves both the environment and the community.
Located just north of the Riverside precinct, the Riverside Reserve is a contiguous area of more than 50 hectares that includes sections of the Nels River and a landscape rich in natural biodiversity and scenic beauty. Together with the Lowveld National Botanical Garden to the east, the Reserve anchors the broader GRBI vision — connecting important natural areas while providing accessible spaces for residents and visitors.
Today, the Reserve already offers:
Walking and cycling trails through natural landscapes
Open green spaces for picnics, relaxation, and outdoor recreation
Weekly 5 km Parkrun events every Saturday for community fitness and fun
Park benches along the river and at lookout points for reading, relaxing, or enjoying nature
Opportunities for birdwatching: More than 100 bird species have already been recorded in the Reserve, and our annual Birding Day encourages enthusiasts to observe and record the incredible variety of local birds
Looking ahead, the long-term vision for the Riverside Reserve includes additional community, environmental, and cultural facilities:
Small restaurant or coffee shop facilities for visitors
Environmental and educational facilities focused on biodiversity and conservation
An arts and culture centre celebrating local creativity and heritage
Visitor services including ticketing offices and ablution facilities
By combining established recreational areas with new environmental, educational, and cultural offerings, the Riverside Reserve is set to become a landmark urban park that strengthens the connection between people, nature, and community in Mbombela.
