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Amazing Hiking Trails In Gauteng

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Time to get a little fresh air! With Winter on the horizon, it’s time to get ready to go on plenty of outdoor adventures, including doing some scenic hiking trails through the province. If you have a deep love for the nature and walking for miles, why not lace up and head to one of these hiking trails in Gauteng?

Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Nestled in the heart of Pretoria’s bustling Wonderboom area, lies a tranquil oasis: the Wonderboom Nature Reserve. Step inside its borders and be transported to a world of serenity, leaving the city noise behind.

This 200-hectare reserve boasts a unique claim to fame: the magnificent “Wonderboom,” a giant wild fig tree (Ficus salicifolia) that stands proudly near the entrance. But the wonder doesn’t stop there – explore the reserve’s trails, discover diverse plant and animal life, and find your own peaceful escape.

Cost: R45pp.*

Details:  012 358 1792 | Email: wonderboom@tshwane.gov.za.

Image: My Hiking Logbook

Majakeng Trails

Merely an hour’s drive from Randburg, discover an absolutely enchanting trail that is unquestionably worth the journey. This community-run and owned trail form an integral part of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve. Experience unparalleled views from the mountain’s summit, surrounded by lush, breathtaking vegetation. The sounds of birdlife within the gorge add a harmonious touch to this nature-rich haven.

Cost: R100pp, R40 conservation fee per car (Price subject to change at owner’s discretion).*

Details: https://majakaneng-hiking-trails.business.site/  | 071 069 1044 | Email:
majakanenghikingtrails@gmail.com | Majakaneng, 0359.

Image: My Hiking Logbook.

Rustig Hiking Trails

Out in Hekpoort, Rustig Farm offers hiking trails that are perfect for all experience and fitness levels. There are three different hiking trails available on the property – the Olivenhout Hiking Trail (3km, easy route ideal for beginners, takes about an hour to complete); the Witstinkhout Hiking Trail (5km, medium difficulty, takes about three hours to complete); and the Karee Hiking Trail (13km, challenging route, and takes five to six hours to complete). Please book your space ahead of time.

Cost: R70 per person for the 3km and 5km trails. Kids under 12 are R30-R40 per child. R70- R90 per person for the longer trails.*

Details: https://www.rustig.co.za/ | 079 490 2690 | Email: info@rustig.co.za | Magalies, Portian 91 Plaas Hartebeesfontein Hekpoort.

Image: SNP Tours

Taroko Trail Park

Taroko Trail Park in Modderfontein is just the place if you’re looking to stretch those legs and enjoy nature. The reserve boasts amazing birdlife around its three large dams, perfect for bird watching. Pick between the trail park’s trail running 5km and 11km route, that can also be enjoyed by hikers. Or try one of the shorter walks, (all shorter than 5kms). There’s also a 10km, 20km, 30km and 40km mountain-biking route for those keen on taking their bikes out for a spin. Buy your picnic and fishing permits here. The reserve is open daily from 06:00 to 18:00. No bookings are required.

Cost: For hiking and running: R40 per person, R30 per child. Cycling: R70 per person, R45 per child. *

Details: https://tarokotrails.co.za/ | 081 351 1223 | Email: info@tarokotrails.co.za | Taroko Trail Park, Norfolk Lane, Klipfontein 12-Ir, Johannesburg.

The Hennops Hiking Trails

The Hennops Trails, 30km from Pretoria and Fourways, offers nature lovers and hikers four different trails setting out from Hadeda Camp – the 1.5km River Trail, 2.5km Dassie Trail, 5km Zebra Trail and 10km Krokodilberg Trail. No bookings are required. There are also some exciting en-route features along the way, such as the two suspension bridges, old dolomite mines and a cable car running across a river. On weekends, hiking starts at 07:00. All trails must start before 14:00. On weekdays, hiking starts at 08:00 and all trails must start before 13:00. All trails close at 17:00. Their trails are suitable for active and fit children older than 5.

Cost: Entrance is R100 per person and R50 per child.*

Details: https://www.hennopstrails.co.za/ | 082 825 9205 | Email: info@hennops.co.za | R511 between Diepsloot and Hartbeespoort dam.

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge Trails

Spend the day at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge in Muldersdrift. Located on the 1 500-hectare Cradle Moon Conservancy, the game lodge offers visitors over 50km of mountain biking and running trails. Don’t have a bike of your own? Not a problem, they also offer bike hire! Click here to take a look at their various trails. The trails are open to the public everyday of the week, from 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 17:00 over the weekend. No bookings are required for a day hike. And you’re looking for a bite the lodge’s restaurant is open for pizza and burger takeaways.

Cost: Activity rates are R80 per person for hikers and cyclists. For bike hire, cost is R200 per bike.*

Details: cradlemoon.co.za | 011 919 5000 | Email: 
info@cradlemoon.co.za | Plot 59 Beyers Naude drive, Muldersdrift.

Sable Ranch Hiking Trails

Gather family and friends, take a short road trip close to Hekpoort in Magaliesburg and spend the afternoon trekking the Sable Ranch trails. Hikers have a choice between the 8km, 10km and 12km trails, which will take you through farmlands and rocky paths, until you reach the plateau which offers stunning views. Last hikers to start at 14:00, the trail is pet friendly and there are braai facilities available. Just a tip: call the ranch ahead to check if hunting will be taking place on the day you want to visit. As a safety precaution, trails are shortened on hunting days. View their accommodation packages here.

Cost: Tariff is R70 per adult and R30 per child.*

Details: https://www.sablemagalies.co.za/ | 064 528 9339 | Email: 
info@sablemagalies.co.za | R96, Magaliesburg.

Image: Fagala Voet.

Ground The Venue

A stone’s throw away from Joburg, Ground the Venue, a Muldersdrift venue, welcomes visitors to their marked trails to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The trails vary between 3-9km. There is a child and pram (Thule) friendly route. Bookings are essential for anyone who would like to hike between Wednesday and Friday. You can Pre-book your hike or combo for Saturdays and Sundays by sending them an email. For more information on the hike, click here. Check in at the hiking station is open from 07:00 on a Saturday and Sunday and 08:00 between Wednesday and Friday.

Cost: Tariff is R60 per person for walking trail option one. Walking trail option two is R130 per person and includes a takeaway gourmet breakfast roll.*

Details: https://groundthevenue.com/ | 063 296 2274 | Email: 
events@projectground.co.za | 19 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift.

Image: My Hiking Logbook.

Smuts House

If you’re a beginner hiker or wanting to introduce your kids to the lovely world of hiking, then this hike in Pretoria is a good way to start! The Oubaas Trail is only 2.3km and the trail ends at the top of Smuts Koppie where there is an obelisk in memory of the Smuts family. After you have enjoyed your outdoor activity, be sure to stop at Ouma Isie’s for an amazing breakfast or lunch. Let’s not forget about the tour that is on offer at the Smuts House, the historical home of statesman and philosopher, General Jan Smuts.

Cost: Tariff is R15 per person and R10 for vehicle levy’s over the weekend and public holidays, payable at the entrance gate.*

Details: http://www.smutshouse.co.za/ | 079 393 3282 | Email: info@smutshouse.co.za | Jan Smuts Avenue, Centurion.

Van Gaalen Trails

Take a trip to the Hartebeespoort for this glorious hike! The Van Gaalen trails cross over 30 private farms with over 80km of single-track throughout the Skeerpoort Valley. The routes are well maintained and there are 11 different trails that you can try, view them here. Day permits and mandatory indemnity forms are available at the Farm Shop. Bookings are only required if you group is larger than 20 people.

Cost: The hiking and trail running fee is R50 per person and MTB costs R60 per person. Children under 12 may enter for free.*

Details: https://www.vangaalen.co.za/ | 083 226 7834 | Email: info@vangaalen.co.za |
R560 Provincial road, Skeerpoort, Hartbeespoort.

Image: My Hiking Logbook- Gauteng

Dome Pools Hike

The Dome Pools Hiking Trail in Magaliesberg spans a distance of between 4 and 8 kilometers. It’s important to note that this trail is on private land, so you must secure a permit from the MCSA ahead of time. A special conservation rule is in place: the number of hikers allowed per day is restricted to 20 to ensure the area’s protection and respect.

Cost: The cost for participation is R80 per individual. R60 parking fee per car.

Details: https://magaliesberg.mcsa.org.za/ | 083 845 1573 | Email: admin@mag.mcsa.org.za.

Image: Zanthea Picota.

De Wildt Adventure Trails

De Wildt Adventure Trails, located on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg between Pretoria North, Hartbeespoort, and Brits, offers a unique outdoor experience. The trail distances vary from 2km to 20km routes.

Cost: The cost for participation is R100 per individual.

Details: dewildt4x4.co.za| Email: info@dewildt4x4.co.za | R513 Yellow board no. 78E Farm Schietfontein Portion 19 JQ437 Schietfontein.

Castle Gorge

For those looking for a challenging hike, Castle Gorge offers a 10km trek through stunning scenery. Please note that you need to a apply for a permit in advance from the MCSA. this hike is limited to 20 visitors a day to protect and respect the area.

Cost: The cost for participation is R120 per individual from 1 January 2024.

Details: https://www.jhbhiking.co.za/ | 078 885 6505

Image: Jorina Vos.

Things To Take With You

When planning your hiking adventure anywhere in Gauteng, be sure to prepare and pack these essentials into a backpack to take along with you. Rather be over prepared than under prepared!

  • The necessary precautions: hand sanitiser/wipes and face masks (just in case)
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  • Plenty of water
  • Snacks/food to replenish your energy
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (a jacket just in case)
  • Comfortable shoes with soles that have grip
  • First-aid kit
  • Knife or multi-tool
  • Navigation tools
  • Lots of energy!

Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.

*The entry fees were correct at the time of publication (May 2024) It is recommended that you view the hiking trail’s website for updated prices.

Loved out list of hiking trails? Why not check out these getaway spots within driving distance from Joburg?

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