Whether you recharge your batteries with a hike, trail runor a camping stint in the wild, we’ve rounded up some of the top spots within Gauteng (and a little further afield)to get off the grid and unwind.
Dinokeng Game Reserve
The only Big Five game reserve within Gauteng’s borders, you’ll find Dinokeng north of Pretoria in Hammanskraal. There are several bush camp options such as Koedoesrus and Lefokeng, which offer rustic bushveld experiences – the two sites have ablutions and a pool, although Lefokeng doesn’t have electrical points at its campsites. The beauty of Dinokeng is that you don’t have to travel far to spend your weekend in the wild –plus there are guided game drives, bush walks and picnic sites if you just want to do a day trip.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Under an hour’s drive from Joburg, Suikerbosrand is a protected area close to Heidelberg that’s a great spot for hiking, birdwatching, cycling and picnicking. Hiking trails give you a chance to take in this beautiful wilderness and its flora and fauna on foot, and range from a 700m trail, accessible in wheelchairs, to a short half-day route and a 6-day hike, with accommodation provided by basic huts. The 60km tarred road through the reserve is suitable for cyclists and keep your eye on the road for the numbers painted on the surface which point out items of interest. For day trippers, the circular drive also takes in the secluded picnic site at Holhoek –great for a relaxing day in nature.
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Head south of Joburg for this fabulous reserve, where you’ll feel far away from the city. Klipriviersberg is the largest proclaimed nature reserve in Johannesburg (over 700 hectares) and offers several hiking trails through the grasslands and rocky ridges of the reserve. There’s no entrance fee, and hikers can take in the rich birdlife of the reserve (over 230 bird species have been identified) and spot larger mammals such as zebra and red hartebeest on their walk. There are plenty of trails to choose from, some of which will take you past historical items of interest such as the ruins of a Voortrekker farmstead.
Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Did you know that this Pretoria reserve was the first nature reserve on the continent? Fountains Valley (which the reserve falls near to) was proclaimed a game sanctuary in 1895 by Paul Kruger. Today, it offers a variety of hiking, mountain biking and horsetrails through the hills and valleys of the reserve with stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.There are three hiking trail options, from the quicker to the longer routes, and game within the reserve includes impala, kudu, blue wildebeest and giraffe. There are even overnight facilities available for hikers, mountain bikers and 4×4-ers.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Not only is this botanical garden in Roodepoort a lovely place for a picnic, but it also offers a number of walking trails, including the popular waterfall trail which takes hikers past the impressive Witpoortjie Waterfall. Naturally, the garden and reserve is rich in wildlife, with 240 bird species recorded on site and a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles nesting on the cliffs near the waterfall. Camera traps have even picked up a surprising number of mammal specieswithin the reserve! After your walk, you can purchase a plant or two at the on-site nursery or visit the restaurant.
Mabalingwe Nature Reserve
A beautiful 12 500 hectare reserve in Bela Bela, Mabalingwe has three bush camps that can only be reached with high clearance vehicles – perfect for the nature lover who wants to spend time in untouched bushveld. Two of the camps offer fixed accommodation, but the 4×4 bush camp provides a rugged, rustic stay for rustic campers. Braai and ablution facilities are provided on each stand, but there is no electricity within the site. Within the greater reserve, you can take a game or bird watching drive, enjoy family friendly fun at the main pool area or head to the Kalahari Oasis Bush Pub for a pint
Mountain Sanctuary Park
This private nature reserve offers one of the few opportunities in Gauteng to swim in natural rock pools! Nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains, there’s camping available if you want to make a weekend of it –which is highly recommended thanks to the numerous trails there are to explore within the reserve. Hiking trails vary from 15 minutes to 8 hours, but it’s recommended that you follow the map provided as the routes aren’t marked because of the sensitive nature of the terrain. All the trails take you to the crystal-clear mountain pools, so make sure you bring your cossie.
Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
Set within the 1 500 hectare Cradle Moon Conservancy, the Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge is just a stone’s throw from Johannesburg, in Muldersdrift. With over 50km of mountain biking and running trails, with varied terrain from forests to mountains, the area is also home to 20 species of wild animals – even a family of hippos can be found in the pristine lake. There’s also game drives and boat cruises to enjoy once you’ve finished your walk, and once you’re ready to relax you can head to the restaurant and bar for a sundowner with a view of the dam and Crocodile River.
Melville Koppies
Get a feel for what Johannesburg’s ridges would have looked like before the discovery of gold in 1886 in this inner-city nature reserve. Melville Koppies East and West are open daily for walks (although caution is advised as these sections are public open spaces) and the Central section is only open on Sundays for walks between 8am and 11:30am. Within Melville Koppies Central, you can explore the trails by yourself, with a map, or join a 90-minute guided tour that starts at 8am. There’s plenty to see as the trails take in Johannesburg’s geological history, its indigenous highveld vegetation and remnants of the people who’ve called this site home thousands of years ago.
Hennops Hiking Trail
There are three hiking trails to choose from in this reserve, ideally located on the doorsteps of both Johannesburg and Pretoria. At the beginning and end of the trails, you’ll follow the Hennops River before branching off into the surrounding mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights are the two suspension bridges and cable car for fun river crossings, as well as the interesting historical sites along the trails. Once you’re finished your hike you can settle down for lunch at the shady poolside picnic spot.
The Wilds
This beautiful inner-city park and nature reserve (which you can read more about in our interview with artist James Delanay) is located in the suburb of Houghton. The park consists of 16 hectares of indigenous vegetation on the sides of two rocky koppies as well as immaculately kept lawns that are perfect for picnicking or a session of yoga.There are plenty of stone cut paths for walkers and joggers that wind through the park, and along the routes you’ll find sculptures, benches and gorgeous view points that take in the views of the city and suburbs.
Klipdraai Caravan Park
This family-friendly campsite is located on the banks of the Klip River in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg. With a range of caravanning and camping sites (300 in total) and riverside camping stands that are private and shaded, it’s a perennial favourite amongst families. This is no doubt thanks to its grassed and shaded stands, great security and family-friendly facilities such as hot and cold water pools, mini golf and jungle gym. Pets are even allowed on leash, and day visitors can pull through for a picnic.
