Hiking in and around Joburg – Gauteng's best hiking trails (2024)

Joburg is amongst the world’s most treed cities, and within city limits,there is no shortage of scenic green spaces to take a stroll. We're also fortunate to be surrounded by the magnificent Magaliesberg mountains. Stretching 120kmfrom Pretoria to Rustenburg, it's one of the oldest ranges on the planet. Gauteng's biomes are grassland and savanna, and the province is richly biodiverse. Outside of the city and into the surrounding countryside you'll find private nature reserves crisscrossed by hiking trails that promise plenty of interesting fauna and flora and wonderful views, all withineasy day-tripping distance.

For more on exploring the province, read our ultimate guide to what to see and do in Gauteng.

In 2020, the Adventure Zone company wasinvited by the Voortrekker Monument and Museum to develop new attractions in the reserve that would broadenthe monument's appeal and make better use of the expansive nature reserve that surrounds it. The new hiking trails offer a choice of3km, 5km or 8km routes.The trails scale the hillon which theVoortrekker Monument stands, before tracing a winding path through the grasslands below and heading up again to the steeper slope on the adjacent hill, up to the Schanskop Fort. Here,you'll find some of the best views ofPretoriaand may even spot small game roaming the grasslandsalongside you.

The hike should be booked in advance by phone so the team can know to expect you; call+27 72 274 8259 to arrange your visit. You can pay the hiking fees (R80 p.p.) when you arrive.Open Mon – Sat from 08:00 – 17:00, Sun from 08:00 – 15:00;Voortrekker Monument, Eeufees Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria

This wilderness hiking venue falls under the purview of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) but is open to non-members with valid permits, and is well worth visiting. The Dome Poolsproperty is home to some of the deepest rock pools in the Magaliesberg, making it especially fantastic for the summer months–or winter if ice baths are your thing. The hike to the pools and back is approximately 8km withsome fairly steep ascents and descents along the way.The path is unmarked, so this hike is only recommended if you're comfortable following the route on the map provided.

Non-MCSA members mayvisit the Dome Pools, but a limited number of permits are issued per day to limit the number of people accessing the property for conservation reasons. Permits can be obtained fromadmin@mag.mcsa.org.za(note that office hours are Mon– Fri from 08:00– 10:00).Mon – Sun from 07:00–19:00;Wilkinson Avenue, Lonrho Drive,Mooinooi.

Bordering the suburb ofFaerie Glen in the east ofPretoria,Faerie Glen Nature Reserveis a pristine respite from its built-up surrounds.With impressive wildlife (look out for larger game like impala and zebra, and smaller mammals including mongooses, hares, and porcupines) and scenic views out over the city, this reserve makes for excellent urban hiking.Once a private farm, the land has been managed by the City Council of Pretoria since 1973 as a public open space, though it only gained reservation status in 2014.The valley comprises two vegetation types:Gold Reef Mountain bushveldand Marikana thornveld. There are three trails to choose from, which ascend in difficulty. The 2.3 km Hadedatrail is great for beginner hikers, while the Acacia trail is 3.2 kmand the Kiepersoltrail (rated most challenging) is 4.2 km.

Groups of more than 20 people must book in advance. Otherwise, entrance fees can be paid at reception on arrival. Dogs on leashes are allowed with a valid permit (obtained by completing the application form at the cashier.).Mon –Sun from 06:00 –18:00;January Masilela Drive, Faerie Glen, Pretoria.

A 40-minutedrive from Joburg, and a few kilometres outside of Krugersdorp, lies Kings Kloof Trails, a picturesque farm with a range of trails meandering across the hills. The trails gently wind around the hillsbefore swooping down to follow a river througha wooded valley towards a waterfall atthe foot of the kloof.There are six well-marked and maintained trails to choose from. The most popular is the 7kmYellow route which should take you around 75 minutes to complete. Note that these trails aredesigned with trail running in mind, so they featurea lot of loops that you might find quite annoying. Unless you are on a mission to clock up your steps you might want to consider 'chicken running' some of the more boring loops.

No prior booking is required although it can get busy, so arrive as early as you can. Kids Grade R and under enter for free. Waterand energy drinks/snacks are allowed on trails but no other food or beverage is allowed – these are available from the restaurant and take-awaysection. No private picnics allowed (picnic spots can be pre-arranged and baskets paid for upfront). No pets allowed. Sat, Sunand public holidays from 06:00– 15:00; entrance along the N14 (extension of Hendrik Potgieter, Muldersdrift).

Mountain Sanctuary Park is wonderful for a day hike or an overnight stay. You don't have to work too hard before arriving at the pristine, cascading rock pools, and if you hike no further these can easily keep you occupied for the day. This private nature reserveis unique in that there's no set path, so it's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of hike with1,000 haof veld to explore using a map provided at reception. Good news for semi-experienced hikers or those who do well with orienteering, but guided hikes are offered (approx 3 – 4.5 hours) if you'd prefer.The property hasbeautiful rock formations and a wide variety of animals and birds indigenous to the Magaliesberg, as well as sites for rock climbing and abseiling (own gear is required).

Day visitors can pay for their passes at the reception of Mountain Sanctuary Park. Note there is also a vehicle entrance fee of R100.To book a guided hike, contact +27 82 707 5538;Mon– Sun from 08:00– 17:30; find directions here.

One of our favourite Gauteng hikers, the seasonedTanya Pembroke, says Ndofaya Trail in Sowetowas one of the best walking/cultural experiences she's had. Explore the golden dunes of the Main Reef mines in thismoderate, family-friendly guidedhike. The 6.5km route starts in Meadowlands, Soweto, winding down to the FleurhofDam and up into the old gold mine dumps,covering aportion of Roodepoort before you make your way back to a local shebeen for a bite to eat.

Masike Lebele and his team lead this educational group hike that costsR200 p.p. Call +27 82 717 4816 to reserve your spot.Weekend hikes start at07:00, with sundowners at16:30. Follow them on Facebookfor regular updates;44B Ordendaal Road, Johannesburg.

Rustig Hiking Trails is ahistoric family farm that sits right below the craggy foothills of the Magaliesberg. It'spopular with day visitors who come to hike the Rustig trails which climb their way up the crags to offer spectacular views across northern Gauteng. There's a choice of easier trails ranging from 3kmto 5km,and a morechallenging full-day 13kmtrailwhich will take you right up to the top of the mountain. The trails pass through various terrain taking in grasslands, cave entrances, and rocky outcropswith rewarding views down into the valley below.

Advanced booking is required to ensure a safe number of hikers on the trails. Youmustbook your hike beforehand online viathe Rustig website.No petsallowed. Cashless venue.Closed Mon, open Tue–Thu from 07:30–16:30, Fri from 08:00–17:00, Sat from 07:00–17:00, Sun from 07:00– 16:00.Portian 91, Plaas Hartebeesfontein, Hekpoort.

Spread across the lower slopes of the foothills of the Magaliesberg, Sable Ranch is alarge game farmthat also offers 4x4 trails. Thefull 12km hike is occasionally closed in hunting season (if it is closedyou will only manage a 6km loop).The trail starts by meandering through farmland (look out for the albino wildebeest) before making a steepincline up a winding, rocky path quickly revealing sweeping views. At the top, there is a small dam (dubbed 'Camp's Bay') with a rope swing if you fancy a dip in summer. This is one of the few hiking trails that allows you to bring dogs (they must be on a lead) and there are braai facilities, plus a tuckshop on site.

There is no need to book in advance. It is worth calling ahead to check ifhunting will be taking place on the day you plan to visit. R70 for adults, R30 for children. Hiking is cash only.Mon–Sun from07:00 –17:00;Sable Ranch, on the R96 just before Hekpoort.

On the southern border of Gauteng, Suikerbosrand is a vast, 19,000-hanature reserve that's also an important area of archaeological research with the remnants of an ancient, pre-colonial Tswana citydiscovered in the areain 2018.Named after the sugarbush(suikerbos), the reserve hosts meandering hiking trails that snake over the Suikerbosrand mountain rangeas well as a 60km tarred self-drive/cycling route that traverses the rolling hills, taking in several dams and birdhides. Day hikers can choose from the 11.5km Bokmakiere trail, the easy 3.7km Cheetah trail, or the visually impaired/wheelchair-accessible 700mToktokkie trail. The reserve is also popular for its overnight and multiple-day hiking trails which make use of remote hikers' cottages scattered throughout the reserve.

Overnight trails should be tackled in a group (maximum 10hikers) and will need to be arranged in advance with the reserve. No cash accepted. R45 p.p entrance fee (R35 for pensioners and kids between three and 11), additional R35 per car (increases depending on size of vehicle).Mon– Sun from 07:00–16:00.Heidelberg Road, R550 off the N3, Nigel.