My name is Tanya Pembroke and I am a hiking enthusiast, who spends her weekends exploring different trails in and around Gauteng. I try visit a different venue every week and document it on my Facebook page, My Hiking Logbook – Gauteng.
My Hiking Logbook: Gauteng and surrounds
The My Hiking Logbook – Gauteng page forms the basis of my published book of the same name, which contains 119 different walking/hiking trails in and around Gauteng. Details on how to order a copy of my book can be found on my page.
The book contains extensive useful information - that I have personally verified - and answers to all your FAQs, such as whether or not the venue is pet friendly, what the trail distances are, whether a booking is required and more. I have also left space for you to fill in your own accounts of what you experienced on the trail. Such as weather conditions, wildlife spotted and who your hiking buddies were. But enough about that, let’s talk about our featured hiking area, Faerie Glen Nature Reserve in Pretoria.
Hiking at Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
Know-before-you-go
All reserves in My Hiking Logbook include a synopsis like this.
Contact details | 0123581510 or natashaz@tshwane.gov.za |
Area | Pretoria |
Booking required | No |
Price | R17 per person (price subject to change at venue’s discretion) |
Cash/Card/EFT | Card only |
Trail distances | 2.3 km / 3.2 km / 4.2 km |
Pet friendly | Yes (permit required) |
Well marked | Yes |
Restaurant | No |
Braai/Picnic area | Picnic only |
Ablutions | Yes |
Secure Parking | Yes |
I visited Faerie Glen Nature Reserve back in January and was highly impressed by how well-managed and maintained the venue was. It’s a stunning little urban hike with a pretty decent climb up the koppie. Most urban trails do not offer much in the way of a steep climb due to area constraints, but Faerie Glen definitely does.
Where their trails lack in distance, they make up for it in intensity.
They offer three different short trails, which you can combine and customise for a 10 km hike. I was also pleasantly surprised by how many bins I saw along the trails. I think this is absolutely wonderful, as it will hopefully encourage more people to bin their trash instead of littering. There are also plenty of wooden benches located along the trails for you to stop, have a rest, and take in the spectacular views of the city.
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve Hiking Trails Map
Special moments
If you are an avid ornithologist / bird watcher / bird photographer, then I highly recommend bringing your binoculars and camera gear with you. I was treated to such a wide variety of birdlife on this hike, the highlight being an African Harrier Hawk. Faerie Glen has two beautiful wooden bird hides located next to the river along the Acacia and Hadeda trails. These hides are worth stopping at, to sit and listen to all the birds.
All in all this is a great little reserve, and definitely worth a visit with the kids. I'd also suggest packing a picnic to enjoy after your hike.
Until the next post, I wish you all many happy and safe hikes.
