15 best hikes in Johannesburg (and Pretoria)

The place to go for one of the best hikes in Johannesburg and Pretoria

Hike: an extended stroll particularly for pleasure or train. (Merriam-Webster)

I by no means actually bothered a lot with mountain climbing in Johannesburg till we have been locked down in our personal province. We began on the lookout for parks and nature reserves in Johannesburg and have been thrilled to find that there have been many inexperienced lungs within the metropolis. I suppose that this shouldn’t be a shock as Johannesburg does lay declare to one of many largest man-made forests on the planet. Now, we attempt to go to a brand new place to hike in virtually each weekend.

It’s nice train, it doesn’t value a lot, it’s assured to get your coronary heart price up and you do not want a passport to do it. Simply bear in mind to put on comfy footwear and sunscreen, and take sufficient water with to remain hydrated.

So in case you’re on the lookout for a terrific newbie’s mountain climbing path in Johannesburg or Pretoria, and even in case you’re an skilled hiker, you are positive to discover a mountain climbing path close to you.

Listed here are our favorite mountain climbing trails in Johannesburg and Pretoria (that we’ve accomplished to this point) in addition to some nature walks. Most of those even have simple trails which can be appropriate for youthful kids, older individuals and people like me who aren’t match sufficient for gruelling hikes. I’ll replace the listing as we go alongside.

Our greatest hikes in Johannesburg (and Pretoria)

1. Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve

“Keep in mind to show all the things off as soon as every week, together with your mind and stroll someplace quiet” Nameless .

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is the biggest nature reserve in Johannesburg. It additionally has a historic background. Stone-age artifacts have been discovered right here indicating that the reserve was used as a looking space. Different settlements within the reserve date again to the 1400s.

There are a number of mountain climbing trails, with completely different problem ranges, that lead one into the encompassing hills. They embody the Dassie Path (inexperienced) which runs from the Mondeor entrance partly alongside the river, whereas the Sunbird Path (purple) will provide you with extra of an uphill exercise, taking you to the Lookout level alongside the way in which. The reserve additionally has wildlife. We noticed just a few zebras, wildebeest, springboks, a number of dassies and yellow mongooses throughout our hikes there.

Entrance charges – Free

Canine allowed – No

2. Melville Koppies Nature Reserve (Central)

“The human spirit wants locations the place nature has not been re-arranged by the hand of man.” Unknown

Melville Koppies is a nature reserve and metropolis heritage website in Johannesburg. The East and West sections are open to everybody and canine are allowed too. The Central part is stored locked due to its archeological websites and distinctive indigenous vegetation besides on Sunday mornings (between 08:00 and 11:30) when open days are at present held. Canine are usually not allowed although.

The reserve is a reminder of what the town was like earlier than gold was found in 1886 and its geology dates again three billion years. Stone instruments have been discovered right here which present that Early Stone Age man stayed right here round 500 000 years in the past. There’s an Iron age furnace too. The encompassing panorama modifications always and the views of the town from the varied viewpoints on the prime are wonderful.

Pre-booking is crucial as a result of numbers are restricted. To guide, e-mail Wendy on wendavid@mweb.co.za

Entrance charges: R80 for adults , R40 for students

Canine allowed – No

3. Modderfontein Reserve

“Look deep into nature, after which you’ll perceive all the things higher.” Albert Einstein.

It is a peaceable reserve on the outskirts of Edenvale within the East Rand. The mountain climbing is comparatively flat. There are 6 mountain climbing trails. The longest one is 4 km.  Mountain biking trails are additionally out there. The reserve has pure springs, dams, grassland and hills, which you’ll cross by means of in your hike. Additionally it is residence to quite a lot of animals like antelopes and jackals. When you’ve got older individuals with you, they’ll loosen up on the benches on the waterside with out having to hike.

Entrance charges: R30 per grownup and R15 per little one

Canine allowed – No

4. Cradle Moon Lakeside Sport Lodge

“I took a stroll within the woods and got here out taller than the timber.” Henry David Thoreau.

This is likely one of the most scenic hikes in Johannesburg. The mountain climbing trails take you round an attractive lake and culminate in an Insta-worthy “waterfall”.  We did the 10km path. It’s principally simple apart from one very slender pathway across the fringe of a hill the place one may simply slip and tumble down. When you’re accomplished mountain climbing, you may loosen up within the gardens or on the unreal seashore, and even go on a leisurely boat trip. You might encounter wildlife on the path. We noticed impalas, springboks and wildebeest.  There are biking trails right here too.

Entrance charges – R70 per individual

Canine allowed – No

5. Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

“I’m going to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put so as.” John Burroughs

Considered one of South Africa’s ten Nationwide Botanical Gardens, the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is a surprising place to get again to nature. And in case you’re on the lookout for mountain climbing trails with waterfalls in Johannesburg, then that is essentially the most stunning one, for my part.

Spanning virtually 300 hectares, the gardens have over 600 plant species, 220 chook species and a few small mammals.  Nesting close to the waterfall is a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles. There are a number of strolling trails winding by means of the gardens and a 3.5 km lengthy hike. Beginning subsequent to the waterfall, it would take you to the summit of the waterfall and  across the reserve. Be warned although, it entails some steep ascents.

Entrance charges: Adults – R60 and students -R20

Canine allowed – No

6. Kloofendal Nature Reserve

“Not all lecture rooms have 4 partitions.”

Kloofendal Nature Reserve is a 110-hectare municipal reserve in Roodepoort, on the West Rand, and a historic website. The primary payable gold on the Witwatersrand was discovered and mined in a reef which is contained in the Reserve, and a nationwide monument. Close to the doorway, you can find a stamp mill which was used to crush gold-bearing rock. Guided nature walks are provided with a variety of subjects, supported by a pure historical past museum.

Entrance Charges: Free

Canine allowed – No

7.  Kings Kloof Trails

“I escape into the good open air; the place freedom’s soul ceaselessly roars.” Angie Weiland-Crosby

Kings Kloof is located on the Laurentia Farm within the Krugersdorp / Muldersdrift space, fairly near Cradlestone Mall. It’s a scenic space with mountain climbing, mountain biking and path operating routes. The well-marked trails vary from 6 km to 27 km, and from very simple to very technical. The longer trails provide increased elevation by going up the rocky outcrops the place you may get nice views. Trails might be mixed too and there are “Escape routes” marked in purple on most of them.

As this can be a farm, you’ll stroll by means of areas the place there are big herds of cows grazing. Though you get very near them – inside touching distance – they’re fairly used to individuals and never aggressive. Additionally, you will undergo wooded valleys and forests, throughout rivers and previous a dam. The waterfalls are a spotlight right here, and other than the inexperienced route, the opposite trails all go previous them.

We did the 12 km Blue Route. It was principally flat with mild inclines besides close to the waterfalls. Alongside the way in which, we handed a shedded snake pores and skin though we didn’t see any precise snakes. Some areas of the paths do go in circles, though our greatest situation was with the river and stream crossings, which didn’t really feel very protected from a grid perspective (not when it comes to safety). Apart from that, we loved the hike.

Entrance Payment: R40 for adults , R20 for students, Grade R and underneath are free.

Open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Canine allowed – No

8. Hennops Mountain climbing Trails

“Of all of the paths you absorb life, be sure that just a few of them are filth.” John Muir

Hennops Mountain climbing Trails in Pretoria is likely one of the hottest mountain climbing trails in Gauteng. It consists of an expansive nature reserve with a number of mountain climbing, mountain biking and off-roading trails, in addition to a historic background. The Hennops river flows by means of a valley flanked by mountain ranges and the mountain climbing trails begin by crossing a meandering river by a swing bridge or an old style cable automotive.

Entrance charges: R100 -adults R50 – students

Canine allowed – No

9. Journey Zone Cullinan

“The mountains whisper for me to wander; my soul hikes to the decision.” Angie Weiland-Crosby

13 km away from the quaint city of Cullinan, you can find Muningi Gorge, a surprising pure gorge providing a myriad of journey alternatives which might be booked by means of Journey Zone Cullinan. There are 3 mountain climbing trails right here: 2 km, 4.5 km and eight km, which all start by crossing the riverbed.

We did the latter and it was one of the crucial difficult hikes in Gauteng we’ve accomplished to date, though the gorgeous surroundings was sufficiently rewarding. We walked by means of the gorge for some time crisscrossing the river over the rocks earlier than climbing up a steep cross the place we needed to clamber up rocks and hoist ourselves over boulders. It was daunting at first, however we did it and left feeling exhilarated that we’d conquered a brand new stage of mountain climbing.

Journey Zone Cullinan additionally affords zip-lining, abseiling, clay pigeon taking pictures, goal and tag archery, fire-making, drumming and Wonderful Race experiences.

Mountain climbing charges: R100

Canine allowed – No

10. Journey Zone Voortrekker Monument

“I escape into the good open air; the place freedom’s soul ceaselessly roars.” Angie Weiland-Crosby

The Voortrekker Monument is surrounded by a 340 ha nature reserve, which is residence to zebras and different species of plains sport. Journey Zone affords three mountain climbing trails that are 3km, 5km and 8km lengthy, though the longest route is just out there as a guided hike on sure days. We did the 5 km path which begins on the hill the place the Voortrekker Monument stands then descends to the grasslands under earlier than heading up once more to Fort Schanskop from the place there are panoramic views of Pretoria. You may as well do archery, quad-biking, fire-making, drumming and Wonderful Race experiences right here.

Mountain climbing charges: R80

Canine allowed – No

11. Pretoria Botanical Gardens

“You’re off to nice locations, in the present day is your day. Your mountain is ready, so get in your means.” Dr Seuss

This 76 hectare city oasis in Pretoria is one other one in every of South Africa’s ten Nationwide Botanical Gardens. It’s divided into two sections by a 50 metre excessive quartzite outcrop, one dealing with south and the opposite north. The principally indigenous gardens embody a cycad backyard, medicinal backyard, helpful crops backyard, wetlands and a small waterfall. Additionally it is widespread with birding fans and over 220 chook species have been seen right here. You’ll be able to stroll within the stage gardens or on the hills if you would like extra of a exercise.

Entrance charges: Adults – R40 , Students – R15

Canine allowed – No

12. The Wilds

“If we save our wild locations, we’ll in the end save ourselves.” Steve Irwin

The Wilds is an attractive 16 ha nature reserve between Killarney and Houghton dotted with water options, winding stone paths, fairly benches and vibrant laser-cut wildlife buildings by artist James Delaney.  A pedestrian bridge over Houghton Drive connects the 2 sides of The Wilds and there are nice views of Joburg from the best factors of the reserve.

Entrance charges: Free

Canine allowed – Sure

13. Groenkloof Nature Reserve

“All actually nice ideas are conceived whereas strolling.” Friedrich Nietzsche

The oldest nature reserve in Africa, Groenkloof Nature Reserve was proclaimed as a sport sanctuary by former president Paul Kruger in 1895. Actions within the reserve embody mountain climbing, mountain-biking, horse using, 4×4 trails and sport drives. Additionally it is a preferred picnic venue. The reserve is residence to a number of species of sport and a big number of chook life. There are 3 trails: yellow (10.5 km ), purple (5 km) and white (3.7 km). We did the yellow path. The primary and final 2 km consisted principally of steep rocky inclines whereas the remainder of the terrain was primarily flat. We noticed zebras and ostriches alongside the way in which.

Entrance charges: R49 for mountain climbing

Canine allowed – No

14. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, however ourselves.” – Unknown

Suikerbosrand is a nature reserve within the Heidelberg space. There are 2 fundamental mountain climbing trails, the 4 km Cheetah path and the longer Bokmakerie path, which splits after some time into 10km and 11.5 km trails. We did the ten km Bokmakerie path. It is a strenuous path which works up and down steep hills, and will certainly offer you a superb exercise.

The reserve is residence to a number of species of wildlife and birdlife. There’s a 66 km self-drive route which takes about 2-3 hours to finish. We did not have time to do it however we noticed some zebras and antelopes on the way in which out.

On one other word, the reserve has some attention-grabbing historical past together with some stone buildings from a 15 th century Tswana settlement and one of many oldest homes in Gauteng – which was constructed round 1850! These type a part of the museum advanced.

Entrance Charges: R45 pp + R35 per automotive

Canine allowed: No

15. Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

“Mountain climbing is the reply.  Who cares what the query is.”

Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve is an attractive nature reserve in Pretoria with 3 trails starting from 1.5 to three.6 km that take you alongside rocky paths carved out of the cliff by means of seemingly enchanted woods, throughout bridges and streams. The reserve has sport together with springbok, blesbok, impala and zebra in addition to an abundance of chook life and a chook conceal from the place you may see lots of them.

Entrance Charges: Free

Canine allowed: No

Nature Walks in Johannesburg

Should you’re on the lookout for a neater, extra enjoyable stroll in nature, listed below are the preferred nature walks and picnic areas in Johannesburg.

1. Zoo Lake

“Undertake the tempo of nature. Her secret is persistence.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

This widespread picnic and recreation space close to the Johannesburg Zoo was first opened to the general public in 1908. It surrounds a artifical lake the place you may row boats and feed the geese. The stroll across the lake is mild and nice. The lawns are nice for picnics and there are play areas for youngsters.

Fascinating truth – The Johannesburg Zoo and Zoo Lake have been donated to the town in 1904 with the stipulation that the park needs to be “a Park for the Individuals and stay open to individuals of all races. Despite the fact that this was earlier than apartheid, completely different races in South Africa have been residing separate lives on the time.

Entrance charges: Free

Canine allowed – No

2. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

“Nature shouldn’t be a spot to go to. It’s residence.” Gary Snyder

Like Zoo Lake, this 81 hectare botanical backyard is a beautiful place for nature walks. Established in 1969 it overlooks the 7,5-hectare Emmarentia Dam. The grassy open areas are scattered with timber and there are some particular gardens just like the Shakespeare Backyard and the Rose Backyard, though these have been dry after we visited in winter. The gardens are widespread with picnickers, joggers, canoeists and canine walkers.

Entrance charges: Free

Canine allowed – Sure

Mountain climbing trails with waterfalls in Johannesburg and Pretoria

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
Kings Kloof
Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge
Pretoria Botanical Gardens

Mountain climbing Necessities (for day hikes)

Good mountain climbing shoesGood mountain climbing footwear are of important significance when mountain climbing due to the unpredictability of out of doors trails. They supply essential assist, grip, and safety in opposition to quite a lot of terrains, from clean slopes to rugged landscapes, and shield your ft from sharp objects, water, and probably dangerous creatures, in addition to blisters, accidents and different discomforts.  I alternate between Adidas and Hello-Tec path footwear and am pleased with each.
Acceptable ClothingDress in layers to adapt to altering climate and temperatures. Do not forget a water-proof jacket in case of rain and a hat for solar safety.
A health trackerA health tracker is invaluable when mountain climbing, as a result of it screens important statistics like coronary heart price, steps, distance coated, and energy burned, permitting hikers to raised perceive their bodily exertion and efficiency. Seeing progress in actual time can increase motivation and assist set achievable health objectives, making each mountain climbing journey not simply an journey, however a measurable step in the direction of improved well being. My model of selection has at all times been Fitbit, and I’ve not too long ago began utilizing a Fitbit Encourage 3.
Meals and WaterBring sufficient throughout your hike and additional in case you are out longer than anticipated.

What are your favorite nature walks and hikes in Johannesburg and surrounds ? The place ought to we go subsequent?

Observe me on Instagram for extra stunning locations to go to in Johannesburg.

Checklist of dog-friendly hikes in Johannesburg , Pretoria and surrounds

Africaland (Hartbeespoort )
Ark Animal Centre (Fourways)
Avianto (Muldersdrift)
Berg en Rivier Nation Property (Bronkhorstspruit)
Bishop Hen Park (Centurion)
B’sorah Camp (Hartbeespoort )
Buffelsdrift Path Park (Pretoria)
Danielsrust Sport Farm (Krugersdorp)
Delta Park (Randburg)
De Wildt Journey Trails (Hartbeespoort )
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve (Pretoria) (Allow required)
Golden Harvest Park (Randburg)
Floor The Venue (Muldersdrift)
Hazeldean Valley Trails (Pretoria)
Hedianga Farm (Pretoria)
Pastime Park (Kugersdorp)
Hornbill Lodge (Magaliesburg)
Huddle Park (Linksfield)
Kloof Rus Canine Park (Krugersdorp)
Leeuwenkloof (Cradle of Humankind)
Made on Earth Mountain climbing Trails (Centurion)
Majakaneng Mountain climbing Trails (Modderspruit)
Monte de Dios (Pretoria)
Piesangkloof Trails (Hartbeespoort)
Rietvlei Zoo Farm (Alberton)
River Paradise (Cullinan)
Rosemary Hill (Pretoria)
Sable Ranch (Magaliesburg)
Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge (Krugersdorp)
Stone Hill (Magaliesburg)
The Massive Crimson Barn (Irene)
Tierpoort Journey Farm (Pretoria)
Tuin Van Eden (Heidelberg)
Vergenoeg (Hartbeespoort)
Walkhaven Canine Park (Muldersdrift)
The Wilds Nature Reserve (Houghton/Killarney)
Wolwespruit Mountain Bike and Trails Park (Pretoria)

Checklist of pram-friendly hikes in Johannesburg , Pretoria and surrounds

Off-road prams or joggers are beneficial. A number of the venues require bookings, so  it is a good suggestion to contact the venue first earlier than going by means of.

B’sorah Camp (Hartbeespoort )
Buffelsdrift Path Park (Pretoria)
Cradle Moon Lakeside Sport Lodge – some trails (Muldersdrift)
Danielsrust Sport Farm (Krugersdorp)
Floor The Venue (Muldersdrift)
Hazeldean Valley Trails (Pretoria)
Huddle Park (Linksfield)
Hunters Relaxation (Rustenburg)
Koedoeslaagte Path Park (Parys)
Leeuwenkloof (Cradle of Humankind)
Leopard Lodge (Hartbeespoort)
Modderfontein (East Rand)
Moreleta Kloof (Pretoria)
Northern Farm (Diepsloot)
Rosemary Hill Toddler Path (Pretoria)
Saamrus Visitor Farm (1 km path)
Sable Ranch (Magaliesburg)
The Massive Crimson Barn (Irene)

Do you might have any extra pet-friendly hikes or pram-friendly-hikes so as to add to those lists?

See extra issues to do in Johannesburg.

Discover lodging in Johannesburg.