The reserve is named for the prominent Klapperkop, a hill (or kopje) vegetated with klapper trees (Strychnos pungens) on its northern slopes.

[2] Criminals posing as joggers robbed visitors during the day, and occupants of cars were attacked at view sites.

It is situated near the Voortrekker Monument and Groenkloof Nature Reserves at the southern entrance to Pretoria.

It is situated on a spur running west to east, and can be explored from Johann Rissik drive which connects Nelson Mandela Drive in the west to Waterkloof Ridge residential area in the east.

[1] At the same time the extensive plantations of black wattle were removed, allowing the grassland vegetation to recover.