Interest in hiking among South Africans is continuing to boom and across Gauteng lodges have been developing new trails and adding more accommodation options for locals who love nothing more than hitting the trail at the weekend. 
Here's our guide to some great places to book a stay-over in Gauteng where the hiking trail starts from your doorstep.

B'Sorah Luxury Tented Camp

Great for:  Weekend hikers who want the trails all to themselves
 
Luxury tented camp accommodation at B'Sorah

B’Sorah is an historic farm that has been transformed into an eco-friendly retreat (keep an eye out for the impressively proportioned Brahman cattle farmed here), nestled in the valley next to Hartbeespoort Dam. Making a stay extra special is the fact that on weekends the hiking trails are only open for overnight guests, so staying over means that you truly get to make the most of the peace and quiet.

The trails: The B'Sorah trails range in length from 2km strolls to the full 15km meander taking in pristine river banks, forests, grassland, bushveld and rocky outcrops. It is possible (weather depending) to take a dip in the river. There are also 30km of mountain biking trails on the property.

Accommodation: Choose from wild camping or fully equipped en-suite self-catering safari tents. The romantic safari tents sleep two and come with their own kitchenette, and a private deck with a braai area and views of the farm. The 'bush campsites' meanwhile can only be reached by a 4x4 vehicle. Each plot is set at least 500 metres from another and can accommodate a maximum of eight people with a clearing for the vehicle and tent, a pit toilet and a fireplace made of loose rocks. Campers will need to be completely self-sufficient as there is no running water or electricity.  

WHERE: Just off the R400 next to Skeerpoort river. Find out more and book here.

Mountain Sanctuary Park

Great for: Quiet trails leading to beautiful crystal clear mountain rock pools
Rockpools on the Mountain Sanctuary Park trails

Until recently this vast private nature reserve on the border of North West province was a popular destination for hiking daytrippers. However, due to overcrowding and littering by the ever-increasing numbers of visitors, the owners decided to protect the area's tranquility and pristine natural attractions by limiting hiking only to those who are staying over. The good news is, there are plenty of accommodation options, although if you want to visit at a weekend book well in advance.

The trails: Mountain Sanctuary is famous for its beautiful rock pools that are perfect for bathing on a hot summer's day. You can combine a range of shorter and longer paths that lead to the various different rock pools and streams and hike for anything from 30 minutes to several hours. The one thing to bear in mind is that trails are not extensively marked (this is to protect the terrain that the paths pass through), so you should have a confident sense of direction. 

Accommodation: There are a variety of options for staying over ranging from campsites, to the rather basic but very functional 'cosy huts' (bring your own bedding) to the well-equipped and spacious chalets and log cabins that sleep between two and eight people and have full kitchens as well as a braai area. 

WHERE:  The best-recommended route (avoiding extensive dirt routes) is to take the R512 up to Hartbeespoort, cross the dam and join the N4 to Rustenberg at Buffelspoort. From Buffelspoort the entrance to the reserve is about 3km. Find out more and book at  mountain-sanctuary.co.za .

Rustig

The huge swimming pool at Rustig in the Magaliesberg

This historic family farm sits right below the craggy foothills of the Magaliesberg mountain range and is popular for its challenging trails which present plenty of rewarding uphill stretches passing over the top of the mountain (good fitness is required). 

The Trails:  There are two overnight trails that can be booked; the 15-18km Magalieskraans Hiking Trail and the 13km Karee trail. The shortest trails range from 3-5km and meander around the lower sections of the mountains and forest. If you are feeling fit you can tackle the full 13km Karee Trail - the views are spectacular - in one day. 

Accommodation:   Rustig is a good option for larger groups and families with a broad range of accommodation appealing to a variety of budgets. Choose from bed and breakfast accommodation inside the Cape-Dutch-style heritage house or rent one of the self-catering properties which include a large old farmhouse with its own stoep (sleeps up to ten in five bedrooms) or the considerably more 'rustic' Stone House which has a double bed room and a second bedroom packed with four bunk beds. There are also two self-catering tents (sleeping four and six) and basic backpacker dormitory accommodation. The mountain huts offer basic shelter with firewood and water supplied for your arrival, and can only be booked for the exclusive use of one group. Amenities back at the farm include a tea room and a large swimming pool that's perfect for doing laps on a hot day.

WHERE:  Portian 91, Plaas Hartebeesfontein, Hekpoort. Find out more and book here.

Sable Ranch

Great for: A quiet break for couples who want to include a short day hike
 
Trail views next to the guesthouse at Sable Ranch

This large game farm is spread across the lower slopes of the foothills of the Magaliesberg on the road to Hekpoort. In addition to hiking, in season there is also game hunting and if you are a four-wheel driver their off-road 4x4 trails are among the most nerve-wracking you can find.  

The trails: The full 12km Sable Ranch hike starts by meandering through farmland (look out for the albino wildebeest) before quickly making a steep incline up a winding rocky path 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.

Accommodation: Sable Ranch has its own guesthouse with two rooms, located part way up the mountain (around 2km uphill from the trailhead reception area). The rooms come with basic kitchenette facilities (fridge and microwave) and there's space to braai outside on a private terrace, as well as a small swimming pool looking out over the valley. Down the hill at The Noble Village (also part of Sable Ranch) there's a cafe-restaurant serving craft beers from The Noble brewery.

WHERE: R96 (just of the R563), Magaliesburg. Find out more and book here.

Rosemary Hill Farm

Great for: Those who love chic, upmarket and contemporary accommodation 
 
One of the cool 'pods' at Rosemary Hill Farm

This working organic farm and function venue in Mooiplaats just east of Pretoria (about 20 minutes drive from Menlyn) has it all - hiking trails, mountain biking, a great cafe, coffee shop and fantastic overnight options that look like they came straight from a magazine shoot. 

The trails:  For hikers there are two trails (5km and 11km) that snake their way past the farm's aromatic rosemary fields, alongside the dam and through pretty woodlands. There are also 38km of mountain biking / trail running tracks. 

Accommodation:  Choose from bed and breakfast double rooms in the guesthouse, self-catering cottages, studio and loft apartments and the newest addition, Cabinville. Cabinville currently offers four unique 'pods' and cabins set amidst mature trees and constructed from recycled building materials with super-stylish interiors designed by Raw Studio. Each comes with a small basic kitchenette and the most fun feature, a 'chill net' for kicking back and relaxing while you enjoy the view. If aesthetics are your thing, book well ahead for The Zenkaya, a super chic one-bedroom 'capsule' in the forest which offers 270 degree views from its sliding glass walls. For breakfast or lunch choose from the Rosemary Hill restaurant, the Garden Cafe or book one of their picnic hampers in advance.