Hike: a long walk especially for pleasure or exercise. (Merriam-Webster)
I never really bothered much with hiking in Johannesburg until we were locked down in our own province. We started looking for parks and nature reserves in Johannesburg and were thrilled to discover that there were many green lungs in the city. I guess that this shouldn’t be a surprise as Johannesburg does lay claim to one of the largest man-made forests in the world. Now we try to visit a new place to hike in almost every weekend.
View from the top
It’s great exercise, it doesn’t cost much, and it’s guaranteed to get your heart rate up. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen,and take enough water with to stay hydrated.
Here are our favourite nature walks and hikes in Johannesburg and Pretoria (that we’ve done thus far). Most of these also have easy trails that are suitable for younger children, older people and those like me who aren't fit enough for gruelling hikes. I will update the list as we go along.
“Remember to turn everything off once a week, including your brain and walk somewhere quiet” Anonymous .
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Johannesburg. It also has a historical background. Stone-age artifacts have been found here indicating that the reserve was used as a hunting area. Other settlements in the reserve date back to the 1400s. There are several hiking trails, with different difficulty levels, that lead one into the surrounding hills. They include the Dassie Trail (green) which runs from the Mondeor entrance partly along the river, while the Sunbird Trail (red) will give you more of an uphill workout, taking you to the Lookout point along the way. The reserve also has wildlife. We saw a few zebras, several dassies and yellow mongooses when we were there.
Entrance fees – Free
"The human spirit needs places where nature has not been re-arranged by the hand of man." Unknown
Melville Koppies
Melville Koppies is a nature reserve and city heritage site in Johannesburg. The East and West sections are open to everyone and dogs are allowed too. The Central section is kept locked because of its archeological sites and unique indigenous vegetation except on Sunday mornings (between 08:00 and 11:30) when open days are currently held. Dogs are not allowed though.
The reserve is a reminder of what the city was like before gold was discovered in 1886 and its geology dates back three billion years. Stone tools were found here which show that Early Stone Age man stayed here around 500 000 years ago. There is an Iron age furnace too. The surrounding landscape changes constantly and the views of the city from the various viewpoints at the top are amazing.
Pre-booking is essential because numbers are limited. To book, email Wendy on [email protected]
Entrance fees: R80 for adults , R40 for scholars
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." Albert Einstein.
Modderfontein Nature Reserve
This is a peaceful reserve on the outskirts of Edenvale in the East Rand. The hiking is relatively flat. There’s an 8km hiking trail, shorter walks as well as mountain biking trails. The reserve has natural springs, dams, grassland and hills, which you will pass through on your hike. It is also home to a number of animals like antelopes and jackals. If you have older people with you, they can relax on the benches at the waterside without having to hike.
Entrance fees: R30 per adult and R15 per child
"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." Henry David Thoreau.
Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
This is one of the most scenic hikes in Johannesburg. The hiking trails take you around a beautiful lake and culminate in a "waterfall". We did the 10km trail. It is mostly easy except for one very narrow pathway around the edge of a hill where one could easily slip and tumble down. Once you’re done hiking, you can relax in the gardens or on the artificial beach, or even go on a leisurely boat ride. You may encounter wildlife on the trail. We saw impalas, springboks and wildebeest. There are cycling trails here too.
Entrance fees – R50 per person
"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." John Burroughs
Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden
One of South Africa’s ten National Botanical Gardens, the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to get back to nature in Johannesburg. Spanning almost 300 hectares, the gardens have over 600 plant species, 220 bird species and some small mammals. It boasts a waterfall and a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles. There are several walking trails winding through the gardens. The longest one is 3.5 km long and will take you to the summit of the waterfall!
Entrance fees: Adults - R60 and scholars -R20
"Not all classrooms have four walls."
Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Kloofendal Nature Reserve is a 110-hectare municipal reserve in Roodepoort, on the West Rand, and a historic site. The first payable gold on the Witwatersrand was found and mined in a reef which is inside the Reserve, and a national monument. Near the entrance, you will find a stamp mill which was used to crush gold-bearing rock. Guided mine tours are available on certain days. The reserve has a dam, bird hide, and several hiking trails where you can walk on your own. We did the longest trail which was 4.8km according to our phones. It was strenuous at times but the views and workout were rewarding.
Entrance Fees: Free
“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” Gary Snyder
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
This 81 hectare Botanical Garden was established in 1969 and overlooks the 7,5-hectare Emmarentia Dam. The grassy open spaces are scattered with trees and there are some special gardens like the Shakespeare Garden and the Rose Garden, although these were dry when we visited in winter. The gardens are popular with picnickers, joggers, canoeists and dog walkers.
Entrance fees: Free
"Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson
ZZoo Lake
Although Zoo Lake would not normally be considered a hiking destination, if you can take a vigorous walk (in nature) there, that will increase your heart rate - then it qualifies in my books. This popular picnic and recreation area near the Johannesburg Zoo was first opened to the public in 1908. It surrounds a manmade lake where you can row boats and feed the ducks. The walk around the lake is gentle and pleasant. The lawns are great for picnics and there are play areas for children.
Interesting fact – The Johannesburg Zoo and Zoo Lake were donated to the city in 1904 with the stipulation that the park should be “a Park for the People and remain open to people of all races. Even though this was before apartheid, different races in South Africa were living separate lives at the time.
Entrance fees: Free
"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." John Muir
Hennops Hiking Trail Suspension bridge
Hennops Hiking Trails in Pretoria is one of the most popular hiking trails in Gauteng. It consists of an expansive nature reserve with several hiking, mountain biking and off-roading trails, as well as a historical background. The Hennops river flows through a valley flanked by mountain ranges and the hiking trails start by crossing a meandering river by a swing bridge or an old-fashioned cable car.
Entrance fees: R100 -adults R50 - scholars
“You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” Dr Seuss
Pretoria Botanical Gardens
This 76 hectare urban oasis in Pretoria is another one of South Africa's ten National Botanical Gardens. It is divided into two sections by a 50 metre high quartzite outcrop, one facing south and the other north. The mostly indigenous gardens include a cycad garden, medicinal garden, useful plants garden, wetlands and a small waterfall. It is also popular with birding enthusiasts and over 220 bird species have been seen here. You can walk in the level gardens or on the hills if you want more of a workout.
Entrance fees: Adults – R40 , Scholars – R15
What are your favourite hikes in Johannesburg and surrounds ? Where should we go next?
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South African Hikes
South African Travel Blogger
These are some really interesting options for hikes in Johannesburg. I especially love the botanical gardens--always a favorite for me!
I love to go on hikes and these trails look really nice!
Cradle Moon looks stunning! I can't wait til I can finally visit South Africa. I will be taking your guides with me!!
Thanks Katy. It was a really beautiful place to hike in and the views were amazing.
Wow there are some nice places around- that zoo lake looks like it could be in the uk! Also I love how everyone is discovering places on their own backyard 🙂
Haha, you're right Sam. Zoo Lake does look like it could be in the UK 🙂 And it's great to discover new places in your own backyard.
Those are a lot of beautiful places to hike in Johannesburg, I didn't know it was that green.
Not many people out of South Africa know that Johannesburg has one of the biggest man-made forests in the world so we're lucky to have so many green spaces.
Wow! That's awesome Sara. Thanks for sharing. These are hidden jewels and so close by. Time to pull out our hiking boots and shed those extra kilos put on during lockdown!
Thanks Haseena. I had no idea that Johannesburg had so many beautiful places to hike in myself!