Johannesburg may be a bustling city, but there are plenty of opportunities to escape into nature and explore the beautiful landscape that surrounds it. From winding trails through lush forests to rugged mountain climbs with panoramic views, there's something for hikers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time hiker, get ready to lace up your hiking boots and discover the best hiking spots around Johannesburg. In this guide, we'll take you through some of the most scenic and exhilarating hikes in the area, complete with breathtaking views and fascinating history. So grab your gear and let's hit the trails!
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve: Located in the south of Johannesburg, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve offers various hiking trails that range from easy to moderate. The trails range from 3km to 10km in length and offer stunning views of the city and the reserve's diverse wildlife.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden: The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, located in Roodepoort, offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The trails range from 1km to 10km and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.
Melville Koppies Nature Reserve: This nature reserve offers a number of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate. The trails range from 2km to 9km in length and offer panoramic views of Johannesburg and the surrounding area.
Magaliesberg: Located just outside of Johannesburg, the Magaliesberg mountains offer a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The trails range from 2km to 20km in length and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge - This lodge is located an hour outside of Johannesburg and offers a 7km hiking trail around the Sterkfontein Caves. The trail offers beautiful views of the caves and the surrounding areas, as well
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve: This nature reserve, located southeast of Johannesburg, offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The trails range from 2km to 17km in length and offer stunning views of the reserve's diverse wildlife and landscape.
Bronkhorstspruit Hiking Trail: This hiking trail is located on the eastern outskirts of Johannesburg and offers a variety of easy to moderate hiking trails. The trails range from 2km to 8km in length and offer beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Hennops Hiking Trail: Located in the Hennops River Valley, this hiking trail offers several easy to moderate hiking trails ranging from 3km to 11km in length. The trail offers beautiful views of the valley and the surrounding hills.
Rustig Hiking Trails: This hiking trail is located in the Magaliesberg Mountains and offers several easy to moderate hiking trails ranging from 3km to 18km in length. The trails offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy: This nature conservancy offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The trails range from 3km to 18km in length and offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Modderfontein Reserve: This nature reserve, located in the eastern suburbs of Johannesburg, offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate. The trails range from 2km to 11km in length and offer beautiful views of the reserve's diverse wildlife and landscape.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden: This botanical garden offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate. The trails range from 1km to 6km in length and offer beautiful views of the garden's diverse plant life.
Diepvalle Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary, located just outside of Johannesburg, offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate. The trails range from 2km to 15km in length and offer beautiful views of the reserve's diverse wildlife and landscape.
Groenkloof Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is located in Pretoria, just north of Johannesburg. It offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The trails range from 3km to 10km in length and offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a 3,800-hectare reserve located about 18 km south of Pretoria. The reserve boasts over 1,600 animals including white rhino, cheetah, and buffalo, and over 2,000 plant species. There are several hiking trails within the reserve, ranging from short and easy to longer and more challenging hikes, with distances of up to 12 km. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the reserve's wetlands, grasslands, and savannas. It is a perfect place for birdwatching, with over 250 bird species recorded. Visitors can also enjoy picnics and braais at designated areas in the reserve. The reserve is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Westcliff Stairs Hike: This trail starts at the Westcliff Hotel and follows a path of steep stairs to the top of the Westcliff Ridge. The hike provides panoramic views of Johannesburg and takes around 30 minutes to complete.
The Wilds: The Wilds is a park in the heart of Johannesburg that features a network of paths and trails for hiking. The park also has various art installations and sculptures to admire during the hike.
Braamfontein Spruit Trail: This is a 35km hiking trail that runs along the Braamfontein Spruit river. The trail starts in Sandton and winds its way through several suburbs before ending in Emmarentia. It is a great trail for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Zwartkop Hiking Trail: Located in the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, the Zwartkop Hiking Trail is a 3.5km circular trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail takes around 2 hours to complete and is suitable for all fitness levels.
Innesfree Park: Innesfree Park is a 42-hectare park in Sandton that offers various hiking trails for visitors. The park also has several picnic areas, a lake, and a waterfall.
Koppies Hiking Trail: Located in the south of Johannesburg, the Koppies Hiking Trail offers stunning views of the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. The trail is 7km long and takes around 3 hours to complete.
Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve - This reserve is located just outside of Johannesburg and offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The shortest trail is 2km and the longest is 12km. The trails offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the opportunity to spot wildlife.
Marievale Bird Sanctuary - This sanctuary is located just outside of Johannesburg and offers a 5km hiking trail around the wetlands. The trail offers great opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
Unfortunately it is important to be aware of security in South Africa, here are some security tips for hikers to make your hike more safe.
Always hike with a group, and never alone.
Stick to well-known and well-travelled hiking trails. Learn what you can about the safety of the location before you go.
Check the weather forecast before you go, and avoid hiking in bad weather.
Bring a fully charged cellphone with you, and let someone know your route and expected return time.
Carry plenty of water and snacks, as well as a first-aid kit and a map.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and keep an eye out for any suspicious people or activity.
Avoid hiking at night or in remote areas where there is no cellphone signal or emergency services available.
Keep your valuables out of sight, and do not leave any belongings unattended.
Respect the local wildlife, and do not disturb or feed any animals.
If you encounter any problems or emergencies, contact the local authorities immediately.
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