Joburg offers a unique blend of urban jungle and scenic wilderness. At any point, you can plan a stunning day trip with your mates to trek along some of the most spectacular hiking trails that Jozi has to offer.
Kloofendal Nature Reserve
A key factor of hiking that draws you in is the ability to connect with nature. More often than not, you’re surrounded by the bush, there’s no noise from car hooters, and the air is crisp and clean. Something to keep in mind while out and about is that, while you might be closer to nature, nature is also closer to you: be aware of your surroundings and where you place your feet!
The Kloofendal Nature Reserve is, as the name implies, a nature reserve. There are some animals that you might spot while hiking the Amber Close or Matrys Street trails, but pay attention to the ground as well to avoid any slithering surprises. Kloofendal is a Joburg hiking spot that has moderate trails, not too challenging, but maybe not one to start off with.
Details: https://www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com/services-facilities/nature-reserves-bird-sanctuary/find-a-reserve/kloofendal-nature-reserve
The Wilds
Set against the outskirts of Houghton, The Wilds offers the quintessential hiking in Joburg experience. Whilst out on these moderate trails, you’ll have views of both the nature reserve and of the city itself. The park exudes vibrant, natural colours from the gardens that bed eye-catching flora.
Make sure that you wear your proper hiking boots rather than your plakkies or tekkies, as these trails are roughly 93% rock, so you had better watch your footing. There will be ample opportunities to snap some pictures as there are waterfalls and fountains within the nature reserve.
Lonehill Koppie
Most hiking trails in Johannesburg are bastions of nature, spots in which nature is standing against urbanisation, and no other trail represents this better than the Lone Hill Koppie. Situated in Lonehill, Fourways, this small hill is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the big city. If you’re looking for a quick getaway and you stay in the area, pay this spot a visit.
There is only one trail present here, and it’s estimated to take between 50 minutes to an hour to complete the 1.1km route. Of course, that doesn’t take into consideration the time spent just breathing in the natural surroundings or dassie spotting. For an easy trek, give this lone hill in Lonehill a try.
Details: https://www.sa-venues.com/game-reserves/lonehill.php
Rietfontein Nature Reserve
The Rietfontein Loop at the nature reserve is hiking in Joburg made easy. The loop takes you around the wilderness enclosure with multiple photo opportunities along the path. Easily accessible and providing stellar views of Sandton down below, if you’re somewhat intimidated by hiking, try to make this one of your first visits.
The route is roughly 1.9km long and should take you just under an hour to complete. Entrance is free, meaning you can come back as many times as you’d like to see if there’s anything new that you can spot while out hiking. One thing to be aware of should you want to take on this trail: while it is a relatively easy hike, you'll encounter quite a few loose rocks and stones.
Hiking offers something for everyone, no matter your level of skill or fitness. For us Joburgers, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop. It’s important to take a step back, breathe, and reset. There’s honestly no better way to reset than to get out into nature and unplug for a few hours.