Stuck in Johannesburg for Christmas? Explore these stunning local trails

Johannesburg is known for its expansive urban forests, but also offers trails in beautiful green spaces on the outskirts of the city.

The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is another option for well-maintained trails that lead to a waterfall. Image: Supplied

With many Johannesburg residents destined for the coast this festive season, there will always be those who don’t have the luxury of getting out of town.

The good news is that Johannesburg has a beautiful selection of nature escapes right on its doorstep.

Here are four must-visit trails near the city that promise hikers (or trail runners) natural beauty, fresh air, and a touch of wildlife.

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge

Open daily, entrance fee R80 for hikers

Located within a 160-hectare conservancy in the Cradle of Humankind, Cradle Moon offers one of Johannesburg’s most picturesque hiking experiences. The 10km trail winds around a scenic dam, complete with a cascading reservoir wall.

There are options too for those seeking shorter hikes or mountain biking trails. Wildlife encounters are common, and visitors can even opt for a leisurely boat ride on the dam—home to hippos and various water birds.

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve

Open daily, no entrance fee

The largest nature reserve in Johannesburg, Klipriviersberg contains a generous network of 12 trails. These hikes cater to all skill levels and lead into the reserve’s lush hills.

Hikers can challenge themselves on the red Sunbird Trail, or enjoy a more leisurely stroll along the river on the blue Bloubos Trail. Visitors should keep an eye out for zebras, antelopes, dassies, and eagles.

The reserve is also historically significant, with the discovery of Stone Age artifacts and the remnants of a 19th-century Voortrekker farm.

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. Image: @DazMSmith/ X

Kings Kloof trails

Open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, entrance fee R40

Set on a picturesque farm in Muldersdrift, Kings Kloof has several different trails that range from 6 km to 27 km, and from easy to technical.

Regardless of fitness levels, visitors won’t be disappointed with the natural beauty on offer. The routes lead hikers through fields, over hills, across rivers and past scenic waterfalls.

The longer, more challenging trails reward hikers with breathtaking views from rocky outcrops.

Modderfontein Nature Reserve

Open daily, entrance fee R40 per adult, R25 per child.

This 275-hectare reserve near Edenvale offers a tranquil setting for beginner-friendly hikes. With six flat trails, the longest being 4km, it’s perfect for a relaxed day out enjoying nature.

The reserve features dams, natural springs, and open grasslands, where visitors might spot antelopes and jackals.

New hiking trail opens in Johannesburg

Outdoor enthusiasts have an exciting new hiking trail to explore even closer to the city, at a famous local nature reserve and City Heritage site.

Hikers and trail runners can look forward to trodding a new path at Melville Koppies, adding to the appeal of this iconic nature reserve.

Created by the Melville Koppies conservation team, the newly unveiled path traverses a rugged rocky ridge that was previously inaccessible to the public.

This section not only offers a unique route but also treats hikers to great views towards the west. The trail is open to the public every Sunday from 08:00 to 11:30.

With options for self-guided hikes, visitors to the Reserve can also opt for the 5km nature trail or 3km heritage trail. Read more on that story here.