The best hikes near Johannesburg and Pretoria

Gauteng is not famous for mountains, but there is a surprising amount of good hiking within an hour of Johannesburg and Pretoria: urban nature reserves, ridges in the Magaliesberg, river gorges and private farm trails. Bundu lists 34 trails in Gauteng; these are the ones we recommend first.

Best hikes in Johannesburg

Klipriviersberg nature reserve

A large grassland reserve in Joburg South with about ten marked routes, from short loops to half-day hikes, and game such as zebra and wildebeest. Free entry, which makes it the best-value hike in the city.

Walter Sisulu BG

Gardens, a waterfall and short trails up the ridge in Roodepoort, with a resident pair of Verreaux's eagles nesting on the cliffs. An easy outing for families; entry fee applies.

Kloofendal Nature Reserve

A free ridge-top reserve in Roodepoort with rocky paths and views over the West Rand.

Delta Park and the Braamfontein Spruit Trail

Easy, free walks in the northern suburbs, and the best places in Joburg to walk with a dog. The Braamfontein Spruit allows dogs off lead.

Modderfontein Reserve

A 275 ha reserve with dams and wetlands, popular for walking, trail running and mountain biking.

Best hikes in Pretoria

Hennops Hiking and MTB Trails

The Hennops River trails are some of the most popular in Gauteng, with routes from the 1.5 km River Trail to the 10 km Krokodilberg Trail and the well-known cable crossing over the river. Mountain biking too.

Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Often described as the oldest game reserve in Africa, Groenkloof sits right next to the city, with zebra, giraffe and antelope along its trails. Entry fee applies.

Wonderboom Nature Reserve

A ridge walk to the ruins of Fort Wonderboom, past a wild fig tree said to be more than 1,000 years old.

Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve Trail and Faerie Glen Nature Reserve

Easy reserves in Pretoria East for a quick morning walk. Faerie Glen allows dogs with the reserve's dog permit.

Day trips: the Magaliesberg and Cullinan

• Rustig (Magalies): routes from 3 km to 18 km, with a pool and restaurant afterwards.
• Sable Ranch Hiking Trails (Magaliesburg): 8 to 12 km routes, and dogs allowed on a lead.
• De Wildt Adventure Trails: harder routes up to about 14 km in the Magaliesberg.
• Muningi Gorge (Cullinan): a 6.4 km gorge hike.
• Kings Kloof (Krugersdorp): six routes on a private reserve, with MTB trails.

Best for mountain biking

For riding, try Northern Farm near Lanseria, Taroko Trail Park in Modderfontein, Hennops Hiking and MTB Trails and Rustig. Use the MTB filter on the Gauteng trails page to see them all.

Tips for hiking in Gauteng

• Summer storms: Highveld thunderstorms build most afternoons from November to March. Start early and be off exposed ridges by lunchtime.
• Heat and sun: many trails have little shade. Carry more water than you think you need.
• Winter (May to August) is dry and cool, and the best season for longer hikes.
• Safety: hike in a group on quieter urban trails, and leave valuables out of sight in the car.
• Fees change: most private trails charge entry. Bundu lists the fees for each trail; check with the venue if you are unsure.