Situated in the Fountains Valley, Groenkloof is a stone’s throw from Pretoria, just 5km south of the city.
Paul Kruger established the area as a reserve back in 1895 to protect it from hunters, and in so doing, established South Africa’s first nature sanctuary. Groenkloof is one of the game reserves in Gauteng that offers a getaway from busy city life with a number of mountain bike, horse, 4X4 and hiking trails that attract sporting enthusiasts, as well as ample opportunity to view the local wildlife.
The reserve is a particularly popular destination for mountain biking events, with each trail offering varying degrees of difficulty. The hiking tails are well marked and cater for people of all endurance levels, ranging from casual hikers to those who prefer more gruelling trails. The 4km White Trail, 3.5km Red Trail and 10.5km Yellow Trail snake around the grassy slopes of the reserve and through the indigenous woodlands.
For those rising early for a morning hike or cycle, there are basic overnight facilities (booked in advance) which can sleep up to 12 people, and there is also a youth camp located within the reserve. Although there are no cafés or restaurants within the reserve there are numerous picnic and braai areas as well as resorts in Pretoria for day visits where people are welcome to spend the day having a long family meal with friends.
Venue: Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Eeufees Rd and Christina De Wit Ave, Pretoria
Time: Sep to Apr 5.30am to 7pm | May to Aug 7am to 6pm
Cost: R10 – R2 020
Tel: 012 440 8316 | 012 341 5204
Email: groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za
Website: www.tshwane.gov.za
Facebook: Groenkloof Nature Reserve
