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Article updated on 27 August 2018

What hikes are there near Johannesburg

Being South African, we have the bush bug in our blood, we just love the outdoors. The problem is that we don't have much time for recreation and exercise. Fortunately there are some wonderful hikes near Johannesburg that are convenient to get to.

There are a number of hiking trails to choose from, some far and some near. Melville Koppies is a real gem because of its proximity and variety of terrain.

Hikes near Joburg:

The Johannesburg Hiking Club, www.jhbhiking.co.za, also has information on hikes near Johannesburg. The hiking club also organises ocasional hikes. Contact Angela Raine Telephone Number: 078 885 6505

Security on hiking trails in Johannesburg

Security is an issue on hiking trails in Johannesburg as it is very difficult for the police to respond to "the robbers are near the big stream near the bluegum trees". Basic safety precautions:

  • When hiking in a group, split up the group and keep 50 to 100m between the two groups. If one group gets robbed, then the second group will be able to call for assistance.
  • Always carry a cheap cellphone to call for help
  • Know who to call. Have the hike organisers cellphone number as well as the police (10111)
  • Avoid wearing jewellery
  • Carry a licenced firearm and know how to use it.

Hennops Trail North of Johannesburg

Distance from Johannesburg: 48 km
Time from Johannesburg: 53 minutes
Google Maps: Directions to Hennops Hiking Trail
Cost: R60 adult, R30 child. No need to book, just arrive. 082 825 9205, www.hennops.co.za
Duration of hike: Short Hike: 2km, 1 hour
Medium Hike: 6km, 2 hours
Long Hike: 11.5km, 4hours

 

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve South of Johannesburg

Distance from Johannesburg: 70 km
Time from Johannesburg: 50 minutes
Google Maps: Suikerbosrand directions
Cost: various costs. 011 439 6300, more info
Duration of hike: 0 to 24 Hours, 66 km network of trails

 

Melville Koppies Hike, near Johannesburg CBD

Distance from Johannesburg: 0 km
Time from Johannesburg: 0 minutes, it is in Johannesburg
Google Maps:
Cost: R0. Melville Koppies East and West is open to the public. Melville Koppies Nature reserve requires a donation, usually R20 or more.
Duration of hike: 0 Hours to 4 Hours, 1km to 20km- there are many interconnected paths


Above: the Melville Koppies West Hiking Trail

 

Bergheim Holiday Resort

Distance from Johannesburg: 135 km
Time from Johannesburg: 114 minutes
Google Maps: directions to Bergheim Holiday resort
Cost: for more information Tel 014 537 2363, www.placesforafrica.com/bergheim
Duration of hike: 3 Hours,8 km

 

Klipriviersberg Hiking Trail

Distance from Johannesburg: 10 km South of Joburg CBD
Time from Johannesburg: 15 minutes
Google Maps: Klipriviersberg Hiking trail
Cost: R0
Website: www.klipriviersberg.org.za
Map: map of Klipriviersberg or this link
Duration of hike: 0 to 8 Hours, 8 to 20km

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens West of Johannesburg

Distance from Johannesburg: 20 km
Time from Johannesburg: 32 minutes
Google Maps: Directions to Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort
Cost: R60 adult, R30 child. No need to book, just arrive.
Duration of hike: various

Castle Gorge, Magaliesburg Mountains

  • 20m waterfall
  • 12km moderate difficulty
  • hour’s drive from the north of Johannesburg

magaliesberg hike
Photos courtesy Steve from Meetup.com

castle gorge

castle gorge hike

 

Shelter Rock Hike North of Johannesburg (near Magaliesberg)

Distance from Johannesburg: 65 km
Time from Johannesburg: 1hr 10 minutes
Google Maps:

Directions to Shelter Rock

Gates open at:

  • 7h00to 17h00 1 September to 30 April.
  • 7h30 to 17h00 1 May to 30 August.
  • Gates close at 17h00 sharp
Cost: R80 adult, R35 child. No need to book, just arrive.
Website: www.shelterrock.co.za/hiking.html
Duration of hike:

3 to 5 hours. 8km, 400m elevation

After the hike, try out the Black Horse Restaurant. At the registration office you will receive a very detailed booklet on the history of the area.

Shelter Rock hike
The view from the top of Sheter Rock Hike


The stiles are probably the scariest part of the Shelter Rock Hike


Shelter Rock hike is VERY well marked out with red Pteradactyl droppings.


Locals getting amorous in public

Shelter Rock
The actual Shelter Rock


Toilet facilities are hygenic at the start of Shelter Rock hike


Registration "office" for the hike

Shelter Rock Hike view on a clear day

Klipkraal hiking Trail (near Vaal)

Distance from Johannesburg: 80km
Time from Johannesburg: 1hr
Google Maps:

Directions to Klipkraal Hiking Trail

-26.7947635 28.2267977
Cost: Bookings: Maurice and Celeste Leonard +27 16 372 1432 or 083 412 5272
Website: http://www.footprint.co.za/klipkraal.htm

Phaladingwe Day Hike (near Pelindaba)

Distance from Johannesburg: 54km
Time from Johannesburg: 46min
Google Maps:

Directions to Phaladingwe Day Hike

-25.7990331,27.9067324
Cost: R50 (2018)

 

Uitkyk Trail, near Hartebeespoort Dam

Distance from Johannesburg: 61 km
Time from Johannesburg: 65 minutes
Google Maps:

Uitkyk Hiking Trail

S25 42.333 E27 50.714
From Johannesburg Take the R 511 towards Hartbeespoort dam At the fourway stops after the damwall, turn right on the R 513. After you have crossing the bridge over the Crocodile river, turn left into Rissik Estate Look out for a sign saying “Uitkyk”. Follow the dirt road and signs until you reach the fenced parking area

Cost:

R60 per person, minimum 6 people per group. R51 booking fee. Call 0861 522 262

(update: in august 2018 we could not get in touch of the booking agency)

http://www.footprint.co.za/uitkyk.htm
Duration of hike: 4 Hours, 7.5 km