
at the interface of two great African biomes – the Central Grassland Plateaux and the sub-Saharan savannah’ – with remnants of a third, Afromontane forest.
Utopia Nature Estate is part of the Magaliesberg Biosphere, which is made up of two core zones – the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and the Magaliesberg Protected Environment consisting of nature reserves, conservancies and other areas that demonstrate biodiversity stewardship or have endorsed the biosphere concept.
There are 651 biosphere reserves in 119 countries worldwide with more than 60 of these in Africa alone. The Magaliesberg was formally registered a a worldwide Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in October 2015.
• Rich biodiversity – the Aloe Peglerae (fez aloe) and Frithia pulchra (fairy elephant’s feet) are unique to the reserve
• 46.6% of the total bird species of Southern Africa (443 bird species) are found here
• scenic beauty and unique natural features – dramatic kloofs and quartzite ridges
• high archaeological interest – it includes the Cradle of Humankind
The Magaliesberg Biosphere is one of 8 biosphere reserves in South Africa as follows: Kogelberg, Cape West Coast Extension, Waterberg, Kruger to Canyons, Cape Winelands, Gouritz Cluster, and Vhembe.