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Best hiking places in Gauteng

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.

Source: unplash

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

Source: Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden Facebook page

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?

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