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 120km from 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 within easy day-tripping distance.
For more on exploring the province, read our ultimate guide to what to see and do in Gauteng.
Over the years we've made it our mission to get out and hike Gauteng, and we always have our eyes and ears open for new trails to try. Here's our comprehensive, tried-and-tested guide to some of the best hiking trails in (or, in the case of a few exceptions) near Gauteng. For even more hikes in the province and beyond, Tanya Pembroke's Hiking Logbook is an excellent resource.
Permit-holder-only hiking areas
Adventure Zone Cullinan
A 13km drive east of Cullinan in the scenic Muningi Gorge, Adventure Zone Cullinan offers high-octane ziplining and abseiling activities, and also has three interesting hiking routes that plot their way up and down through the wooded gorge. There are three hikes to tackle: a 2km, 4.5km, and 8km, each of which involves some moderate scrambling up and down over boulders as you make your way along the riverbed. The 8km route should take three to four hours to complete, with some moderate uphills as you climb up a pass in the gorge before looping back around the top. For post-hike refreshments, there's a small deck overlooking the dam at the top of the gorge serving drinks and snacks.All activities, including hiking, should be booked online in advance at azcullinan.co.za; open Mon – Sat from 08:00 – 17:00, Sun from 08:00 – 15:00; 103 Oak Avenue, Cullinan.
Bekker Trails
Situated in the Magaliesberg mountain range, Bekker Trails offers 3km, 6km, 8km, and 15km trail options along natural forests on the bank of the Magalies River. The shorter trails are mostly flat and shaded, but the more adventurous can take on 'Wendy's Heartbreak Hill' on the slope of the mountain. In the vicinity is also Bekker's Plaaswinkel, where you'll find delectable eats and treats such as cakes, biltong, boerie rolls, and preserves. Best of all, the trail is pet friendly.Bookings can be made on their website, or you can call them on +27 72 454 2933 or email hiking@bekkerhs.co.za. Entrance is R80 per person, R50 for children younger than 12, and R30 per fur baby. Open from 07:00 – 16:00. Located on Hoërskool Bekker Farm in Zeekoeihoek, Magaliesburg.
Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
Just half an hour's drive from Sandton Central , this expansive lodge in the middle of a 160-ha conservancy in the Cradle of Humankind is popular with mountain bikers, trail runners, and open-water swimmers. Head to the activities centre next to the car park to pick up maps and pay for activities. For mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers looking for a gentle walk, there are over 30km of trails crisscrossing the game reserve spread over three well-marked routes. For hikers, the best route is the easygoing 10km route which traces a path around the Cradle Moon Dam. There is abundant game to look out for, including zebras, giraffes, and springbok. The dam is also a short walk from the Cradle Moon reception area, and it's a popular destination for open-water swimmers – albeit very cold in winter! Swimmers can follow the buoys to plot a 1km swimming route around the circumference of the dam. No pets or music, and no food, drinks, cooler boxes, or alcohol are allowed to be brought on to the premises. But not to worry, there are two restaurants on-site.No need to book in advance to enjoy Cradle Moon's cycling, running, hiking, and swimming activities. There is an entrance (conservation) fee, plus an additional fee depending on the activities you want to do. Pay for all activities at the activities centre on arrival (show proof of payment to exit afterwards). Find opening hours here; Plot 59, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift.
De Wildt Adventure Trails
Bordering Hartbeespoort Dam , about a 30-minute drive from Pretoria, this hilly hiking reserve that hugs the rocky foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains has an array of trails to suit all ages and fitness levels. Families will enjoy the 5km or 7.5km Kiepersol trail, while a more difficult hike can be had on the 12.5km Ktatu and Dinaneni trails. The 21km Euphorbia trail is challenging but worth it, and there is also the multi-day Wilde Sering hike to tackle. All trails are pet friendly.The trails are open strictly by prior appointment. Hikers and trail runners must book and pay for their visit in advance by emailing reservations@dewildttrails.co.za or calling +27 82 777 9326; closed Mon. Find opening hours here; R513 Yellow board no. 78E, Farm Schietfontein Portion 19, Schietfontein, De Wildt.
Dome Pools
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 Pools property 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 with some 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.
