Gauteng - Hiking

Hiking Adventures in Gauteng – Trails Through Time and Nature

Gauteng, South Africa’s smallest province, surprises many with its abundance of hiking opportunities. While best known for its urban centres like Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng also boasts an impressive network of nature reserves, ridges, and scenic trails that offer hikers a refreshing escape from the city buzz.

From easy day walks to more challenging full-day hikes, Gauteng has something for every level of adventurer. Trails wind through diverse landscapes: grasslands rich in birdlife, rocky ridges with panoramic views, wooded gorges, and river valleys that reveal the quieter, wilder side of the province.

The Magaliesberg Mountains, just a short drive from Johannesburg, are a hiking haven. This ancient mountain range, one of the oldest on Earth, is dotted with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and caves, providing spectacular hiking routes and a chance to connect with South Africa’s natural heritage. Other top spots include Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Klipriviersberg in the south of Joburg, and Groenkloof in Pretoria.

Hiking in Gauteng isn’t just about nature—it’s also a walk through history. Some trails pass by Iron Age ruins, ancient rock engravings, or through the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where our human story began.

Well-marked trails, picnic areas, and occasional guided hikes make the province ideal for solo hikers, families, and groups. So lace up your boots and explore Gauteng on foot—you’ll be amazed by what’s waiting just beyond the city limits.