Do you know about the great hiking trails in Johannesburg and surrounds that can be found within a short driving distance from the city? Joburg-based hikers can find everything from easy trail walks perfect for beginners and kids to rugged, challenging hikes that take you through peaks and troughs for a proper workout.
Each trail offers something unique with gorgeous views of some of the city’s most epic attractions.
The Wilds Nature Reserve
The Wilds Nature Reserve offers beautiful vegetation and spectacular art pieces by the talented James Delaney. What started in 2013 to 2018 as a pastime of trimming trees and cleaning in the park, James and fellow volunteers revitalised the park and brought the glorious green gem in the urban heart of Joburg back to its former glory.
Bring a book and blanket if you prefer to take it easy, with plenty of picnic spots to relax and enjoy the tranquil fountains or city skyline backdrop.
Cost: Free entry
When: Daily from 6am to 6pm
Where: Houghton Dr, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Taroko Trail
Modderfontein Reserve has a biodiverse setting riddled with amazing blooms and natural vegetation that is a breath of fresh air for botanical lovers. Situated very close to Sandton, the Nature Reserve is just a quick commute away.
One of the best locations within an urban environment that flourishes with flora, Modderfontein Reserve is a sanctuary perfect for a trail adventure and spotting some of the most beautiful natural attractions along the trails.
Other activities include fishing, birdwatching, picnicking, and cycling.
Cost: R45pp (adult hiker) | R30pp (hikers u/12) | Other activity rates apply. Enquire online
When: Daily from 6am to 6pm
Where: Modderfontein Reserve, Norfolk Lane, Modderfontein, Johannesburg
Rustig Hiking Trails
A top hiking area in the region, Rustig Hiking Trails has vast mountains to explore. There are various grades available for casual hiking and for the all-out adventurers.
Rustig is one of Gauteng’s best trails that runs along the Magaliesburg Mountains. Scenic spots and towering viewpoints offer incredible views. It’s a local favourite for any hiker who simply loves exploring the outdoors.
There are various hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Starting a bit easier are the 3km and 5km hikes, where the kids can also participate. Then there are the 9km, 13km or 18km trails that the children are prohibited from. Those interested in those hikes must begin their journey no later than 9am.
Cost: R70pp to R95pp (adult) | R30pp to R40pp (children u/13) | Book online
When: Autumn and Winter seasons: Friday and Saturday from 8am to 5pm, Sunday from 8am to 4pm | Spring and Summer seasons: Friday from 8am to 5pm, Saturday from 7am to 5pm, Sunday from 7am to 4pm | Midweek public and school holidays: 7/8am to 5pm
Where: Magalies, Portian 91 Plaas Hartebeesfontein Hekpoort, Hekpoort
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Hailed as one of the best trail and hiking experiences in Gauteng, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is a hiker’s dream.
The Nature Reserve is a vast and dense wilderness, situated just 10km beyond the city, with 11 trails. Each route displays its own special quality, and the environment maps out historical and natural wonders around every path.
One of the trails is surrounded by archaeological sites, and be sure to find a lookout point along the Sunbird Trail to spot some great green pastures near the Bloubos Trail.
Cost: Free entry
When: Daily from 6am to 6pm
Where: 129 Peggy Vera Rd, Kibler Park, Johannesburg South
Little Falls Ridge Nature Reserve
This spot is simply great for tagging along with friends. It’s one of the best highlights in Roodepoort and offers towering sights overlooking the grand views.
Hikers have come across waterfall attractions at this summer spot nestled in the reserve. It’s an amazing sightseeing trail with vantage points for pictures and just taking the open-air vibes. This location has great trails for easy walking and more moderate inclines.
Cost: Various
When: Daily, 6am to 6pm
Where: 145 Galena Ave, Kloofendal, Roodepoort
The Avianto Estate Hiking Trails
The Avianto Estate Hiking Trails offer peaceful and accessible hiking trails for visitors of all ages, with two well-marked routes of approximately 2.5km, 5km, 8km and 10km. These trails provide a delightful escape into nature and feature gentle terrain and modest elevation, making them ideal for families, casual walkers, and dog owners.
Hikers move through carefully maintained and generally quiet paths that meander past open fields, shaded woodland, and along tranquil streams. The location provides a well-organised hiking experience away from the city’s bustle.
Cost: Free entry
When: Daily from 7am to 5pm
Where: Avianto Estate, Plot 69, R114 Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens Waterfall Trail
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden Waterfall trail is an easy-to-moderate hike perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing, nature-filled break from the city.
The 3.9km hike begins at the impressive waterfalls, which are the source of the Crocodile River, and ends back at the main road of the gardens. The rocky trail features beautiful gardens and various shrubbery, as well as stunning sculptures dotted across the lush landscape. The end of the hike offers picnic spots, a restaurant and a play area for the little ones to enjoy.
Cost: R100pp
When: Daily from 8am to 5pm
Where: Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, located near Heidelberg, has hiking trails for both day visitors and multi-day trekkers and potential encounters with herds of eland, blesbok, black wildebeest, and zebra.
The entire trail network spans over 66 kilometres, making it easy for visitors to create their own hiking routes, ranging from short interpretive paths to more strenuous multi-day excursions.
For an easier walk, the Cheetah Trail is just over 4km, and hikers can explore the reserve’s local ecosystem. The Bokmakierie Trail is more intensive and offers two loops measuring 10km and 17km, and providing sweeping views of the surrounding valleys.
The multi-day trails can range from one to six days. The path takes them deep into the reserve’s undisturbed wilderness areas. There are several remote hiking cottages for overnight stays, and hikers need to carry all their own equipment and food.
Cost: R45pp
When: Monday to Friday from 6am to 5pm, Saturday to Sunday from 7am to 1pm
Where: Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, R550, Heidelberg
Cradle Moon Trails
Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge is nestled in the Cradle of Humankind, offering over 50 km of multi-use trails, with diverse indigenous bushveld.
The trails include a gentle 5km trail for casual walkers and families, known as the Pink Route, whereas the Green Route is 10km and features gentle ascents and steady pacing. The more challenging routes include the Blue Trail, which ranges from 10km to 11km with about 379m of elevation gain, and the Zwartkop Summit – a 20km guided hike for advanced hikers that takes about 5 hours.
Regardless of which trail hikers choose, they still enjoy a serene and refreshing escape from the city, witness an enchanting waterfall, and encounter abundant wildlife, including zebras, springboks, impalas, various bird species and, occasionally, giraffes.
Cost: R100pp (includes R50 entry fee for day visitors) | R200pp (Guided Summit Hike – does not include R50 conservation fee and must be booked in advance.)
When: Daily from 6am to 6pm in the summer months, and from 6am to 5pm during the winter months.
Where: Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, Plot 59 Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift
Kings Kloof Trails
The Kings Kloof Trails is just a short drive from the North of Johannesburg, offering an array of multi-use trails perfect for beginners and those looking for something more challenging.
The venue features five colour-coded routes that accommodate all fitness levels and experience, starting with the easy green 6km walk, which is perfect for families. The Yellow path is 7.5km, relatively easy, and, unlike the 6km, it passes by the scenic waterfall. The more challenging walks also pass by the waterfall, with the blue walk being a 12km hike incorporating gentle inclines. The 21km black route and the gruelling 27km red route are for the more experienced hikers, leading them up high onto the surrounding rocky ridges.
Cost: R60pp | R30pp (gr1 – gr12) | Free for grade R and younger
When: Daily from 6am to 3pm
Where: Kings Kloof Trails, Muldersdrift
Shelter Rock
The Shelter Rock hiking trail is an 8km route that features a 400-meter elevation climb, where hikers trek 4km up and 4km down the Magaliesberg mountain range.
The path begins at the Shelter Rock Base Camp before moving past a forested area with indigenous trees, and the ruins of an Iron Age village to Shelter Rock – a colossal sandstone boulder – where the path becomes much rockier.
The climb up the rugged mountainside is quite strenuous, so proper footwear, like high-grip hiking boots, and hiking poles are recommended. The mountain summit features a spectacular view of Sun City, Madibeng, and Hartebeestpoort Dam below. Hikers also get to explore the historic remnants of two Boer War forts on the mountain top.
Cost: R100pp | R50pp (U12) | Free U6
When: Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 4.30pm
Where: Shelter Rock, Hartbeesfontein Road, Hartbeesfontein, Hekpoort
Thaba Trails
The Thaba Trails are tucked inside Thaba Eco Park and offer hikes for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
The 5km trail is a great choice for families and beginners as it follows a gentle, well-cleared terrain, while the 10km trail has a mix of flat grasslands and slight climbs. The more challenging paths are 15 km or as long as 25km, and they involve rocky terrains and substantial elevation.
Cost: R40pp
When: Tuesday to Friday from 7am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 5pm
Where: Thaba Eco Park, 101 Klipriver Road, Mulbarton, Johannesburg
Castle Gorge
Castle Gorge is a strenuous hiking destination nestled within the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve and is one of the most challenging hikes in Gauteng.
The full trail is roughly 10 -13.5km and begins at a secure parking area before becoming a steep climb up the mountainside. The hike is quite difficult and requires a good level of fitness. Despite the challenge, the path does offer sights like the Piranha Pools – crystal-clear natural rock pools – and the majestic waterfall.
Hikers must stay on the marked routes and maps to avoid straying into neighbouring private properties.
As the area is on private property, all non-members of the Mountain Club of South Africa need to request a permit three days in advance from the Johannesburg Hiking Club. The permit will be sent with a map and suggested hike routes.
Cost: R80pp, book online
When: Tuesday to Friday from 7am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 5pm
Where: Thaba Eco Park, 101 Klipriver Road, Mulbarton, Johannesburg
The Magaliesberg Mountain Range
Hiking the Magaliesberg Mountain Range is an incredible experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Just an hour’s drive from Pretoria or Johannesburg, it’s the perfect escape to enjoy beautiful views, fresh air, and some exercise. There are trails for all levels—whether you’re just looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging climb, there’s something for everyone.
Along the way, you’ll get to see impressive cliffs, hidden caves, and amazing wildlife, including baboons and plenty of bird species. One of the best parts is the breathtaking views of the valleys below that make for the perfect photos. And if you’re into history, you can also check out ancient rock art sites. Overall, it’s an awesome way to spend a day outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Cost: R100pp (adults), Children under 6 enter for free
When: Daily from 7am to 5pm
Where: 946 30th Ave, Rietfontein, Pretoria
Rosemary Hill Farm Hiking Trail
The Rosemary Hill Farm hiking trail is located on a 200-hectare estate that provides a peaceful countryside escape from the big city.
Hikers and walkers can choose between a 5km or 11km route, both of which have primarily flat terrain meandering through the farm and feature rich biodiversity, including local birdlife and a variety of vibrant wildflowers.
The easy and flat terrain is perfect for the entire family, including the kids and dogs, as long as they are kept on a leash at all times.
Cost: R50pp | R30pp (concessions) | R780pp (year pass) | R450pp (concessions year pass)
When: Daily from 6am to 6pm in summer and autumn, and 6am to 5pm in winter and spring
Where: Rosemary Hill, R964, Pretoria
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
The Faerie Glen Nature Reserve is a lush oasis that provides three trails and an opportunity to connect with nature.
Each trail offers a different level of difficulty; Hadeda Trail is an easy 2.3 km walk, the Acacia Trail provides a moderate 3.2 km trek, and the Kiepersol Trail is a more challenging 4.2 km walk. Despite the different paths, each hike features narrow wooden bridges, gushing streams, tall trees, and green foliage, and ends with a stunning panorama of Pretoria East, including informal picnic spots.
Dogs on leashes are allowed with a valid permit, which takes about 3 days to issue and may be collected from the cashier.
Cost: R21pp | R10.50pp (concessions) | Free U6 | R136.50pp (dog permit – maximum of two dogs and valid for a year) | R483pp (year pass) | R315pp (concessions year pass)
When: Daily from 6am to 6pm
Where: January Masilela Dr, Faerie Glen, Pretoria
Hennops Hiking Trail
Hennops is a popular outdoor destination located between Centurion, Pretoria and the Hartbeespoort Dam, hosting 3 paths that are perfect for beginners, children, and expert hikers.
The trail starts at the Hadeda Camp, ventures along the Hennops River and veers into the surrounding mountains. The trails feature two unique river crossings – 2 suspension bridges and a cable car, and there are also historical sites along the way, including an underground cave where Pruimpie – an orphan left behind around 1837 when King Mzilikazi fled from the Zulu Impis – allegedly lived.
The three trails include the 2km Dassie Trail, which is the perfect trail for the whole family, especially if parents want to introduce their children to hiking. The Zebra Trail is 5km and, as suggested by its name, boasts a variety of game including zebra, gnu, impala, blesbok, and kudu.
The Krokodilberg trail is the more challenging trail at 10km and is not recommended for children under 12 or unfit adults. Through this path, walkers are exposed to viewpoints, stone mounts, Dolomite mines, and Kalkoond (lime kiln).
Cost: R100pp | R60pp (concessions)
When: Monday to Friday from 7am to 1pm, Saturday to Sunday from 6am (7am between April and September) to 1pm
Where: Hennops River Valley, Road R511 between Diepsloot and Hartbeespoortdam, Pretoria
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Found on the outskirts is the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, which provides a serene escape into the South African wilderness for those looking for a day or overnight hikes.
Depending on their fitness and endurance levels, hikers can undertake guided 8km and 16km day trails where guides provide insights into the reserve’s ecosystem, including background on the flora plants, and how the reserve’s animals interact in the wild.
There are also 10km to 15km paths and a 21km multi-day trail. This hike usually happens from Friday afternoon to Sunday for groups of 6 to 8 people, and it includes basic overnight huts equipped with beds, hot/cold water, and firewood.
Trekkers enjoy an authentic bush experience, and each path exposes them to wildlife, including buffalo, zebra, and black wildebeest.
Cost: R79pp | R46pp (pensioners and children aged 7 to 17) | R16pp (children 2–6)
When: Daily from 05.30am to 7pm during summer and 6am to 6pm during winter.
Where: Hennops River Valley, Road R511 between Diepsloot and Hartbeespoortdam, Pretoria
Groenkloof Nature Reserve
The Groenkloof Nature Reserve was the first game sanctuary in Africa, and it now offers budget-friendly hiking options.
The three primary paths include 1.3km or 3.5km Red Trail, perfect for a quick stroll or young children, as is the 3.7 White Trail. The 10.5 km Yellow Trail is more challenging with a 256m elevation gain. This hike offers the best opportunity to view the reserve’s larger wildlife, such as giraffes, zebras, blue wildebeest, and red hartebeest.
Cost: R58pp | 37pp (concessions) | R89pp (guided hike)
When: Daily from 6am to 7pm
Where: Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Eeufees Rd and Christina De Wit Ave, Groenkloof 358-Jr, Pretoria
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