My name is Tanya Pembroke and I am a hiking enthusiast, who spends her weekends exploring different trails in and around Gauteng. I try to visit different venues 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 and hiking trails in and around Gauteng.
The book contains plenty of helpful 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. Details on how to order a copy of my book can be found on my page. But enough about that, let’s talk about our featured hiking area, Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort.
Hiking at Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Know-before-you-go
All reserves in My Hiking Logbook include a synopsis like this.
Contact details | (011) 760-9143 |
Area | Roodepoort |
Booking required | No |
Price | Free |
Trail distances | Customisable up to 15 km |
Pet friendly | No |
Well marked | Yes |
Restaurant | No |
Braai/Picnic area | Picnic and Braai |
Ablutions | Yes |
Secure Parking | Yes |
Child friendly | Yes |
Other offerings | Guided walks. See Friends of Kloofendal website for more details. |
The reserve is located on Johannesburg's West Rand, near Clearwater Mall. There are four trail options: the Wetland Trail, the Struben Trail, the Dassie Trail, and the Rocky Ridge Trail. The Rocky Ridge Trail, at 4 km, is the longest trail, but you can also combine it with the other trails to make a grand total of 15 km. (Forge tip: cross the road into Little Falls Ridge Nature Reserve to add a few extra kilometres!)
The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, such as the endangered mountain reedbuck, duikers, dassies, the odd jackal and even domesticated hedgehogs that manage to find their way into the reserve. For bird enthusiasts, the reserve has a beautiful wooden bird hide located next to the small dam on the property.
Kloofendal Nature Reserve Hiking Trails Map
Special sites and guided hikes
If you decide on the Rocky Ridge trail, you will walk along the beautiful quartzite outcrops and cliff edges located on this route. This trail also takes you to the top of the reserve, where you will be treated to some absolutely spectacular views of Krugersdorp down below.
For those of you who would like to take the kids on an educational walk, the Friends of Kloofendal offer wonderful guided hikes by their qualified field guides. The walks focus on different topics, such as geology, fauna and flora, as well as insects. Please visit their website to see all of their upcoming events, walks, and talks.
Another interesting site at the reserve is the old stamp mills. The shorter of the two mills is believed to be the one bought by the Struben brothers, Fred and Harry, to crush the ore from their Confidence Reef Mine. I was lucky enough to be there when they had a small working model of the mills. It was an extremely interesting talk and demonstration. There is also a large open field by the amphitheatre with a few thatch-covered tables, perfect for that afternoon picnic after your hike. It’s a great day out for the family and even the more seasoned hiker. I highly recommend this little reserve!
Until my next feature, I wish you many happy and safe hikes!
