Hiking has become one of the “new normal” things of 2020. Along with baking banana bread and making Dalgona coffee these have become favorite pastimes.
The complexity and mystery of hiking appear to have faded, with more people taking up the sport on a weekly basis. While there might be more involved with hiking; people have not only seen the need to go outside in nature but seen that hiking can be easy and fun.
Below is a list of awesome places for amateur hikers to visit for the day.
Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
The lodge has to be the most popular hiking area since the lockdown started. With more activities than just hiking on offer, it’s a great venue for athletes of all kinds, hikers, trail runners, cyclists, open water swimmers, and canoeing enthusiasts. The game ? is expansive with animals like zebras, wildebeest, springbok.
Insta worthy location: Dam wall
Good to know
Hiking fee: R70
Lots of people so there might be queues
The area is expansive so it’s actually not crowded on the trails
Modderfontein Nature Reserve
This reserve is luscious and suitable for cycling enthusiasts like Pat. It is open for all activities including running, cycling, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking & fishing every day from 6 AM to 6 PM including weekends and Public Holidays.
Conservation Fee:
R30 per adult,
R15 per child.
It is also now the home of Fourways Farmer’s market and maybe you can sip a cocktail after a hike.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Located in Roodepoort, with luscious, bushveld, a bird garden and some great views including the Witpoorjie Falls
If lady luck is on your side, you might just catch a glimpse of A breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles whose nest is on the cliffs near the waterfall.
Entrance fees
Adults: R60
Pensioners: R60 (free entrance on Tuesday)
Students with valid student cards: R35
Scholars: R20
Children under 6 years: Free
BOTSOC members: Free
Please note: Entrance fees may differ on events days
Tickets are available online and can be purchased here
Hours
Open 7 days per week, including public holidays
08h00-17h00
Kloofendal Nature Reserve
located in Roodepoort is for trail walking bird watching and general enjoyment of a natural area. Picnic facilities are present,
Open from 6:00 to 18:00 and no charge for groups of 20 and less.
Klipsriviersburg Nature Reserve located 10km south of the City Centre. There are six hiking trails in this Reserve. Some animals to look out for are Zebra, the black wildebeest, and springbok. Entrance is on Peggy Vera and caution must be taken when using your GPS as this may take you to the other entrance.
Entrance into the Reserve is free
Do note: Parking is limited, and you might have to park on the outside. * Area seems to be safe
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve located in Pretoria is a stunning nature reserve with a broad range of native wildlife, plus hiking trails & scenic views.
Groenkloof Nature Reserve located in Pretoria is the oldest nature reserve in Africa. This reserve has Giraffes, zebras Guided horse rides, and pony rides picnic areas, Lapa may be rented for evening get-togethers. 4×4 tracks and game viewing
Entrance fees differ depending on the intended activity,
Recommendations
What to Wear: Comfortable hiking or running shoes, hat or cap, and sunglasses.
What to bring: Water, light snacks, sunscreen
Caution is should be taken when going to public venues. Take care of your belongings.
Prices and rules may have changed due to COVID-19 protocols, please contact the reserves for up to date information.
Have you been hiking lately?