• Experience South Africa with giraffes and other wildlife in stunning nature reserves
    Experience South Africa with giraffes and other wildlife in stunning nature reserves

    The guidebook has a unique collection of wildlife hikes and walks where you may encounter wildlife from the trail

  • Explore the Magaliesberg Mountain Range
    Explore the Magaliesberg Mountain Range

    The guidebook has a large number of trails in the mountains near an impressive lake not far from Pretoria and Johannesburg

  • Support conservation and wildlife sanctuaries
    Support conservation and wildlife sanctuaries

    Several trails described in the guidebook are in nature reserves that actively support conservation efforts

  • South Africa is a paradise for bird lovers
    South Africa is a paradise for bird lovers

    Bird watchers will love a large number of trails described in the guidebook

  • A large number of hiking opportunities
    A large number of hiking opportunities

    Over 120 trails are described in the guidebook ranging from easy strolls to demanding mountain hikes

  • Going back into nature with Hiking in South Africa
    Going back into nature with Hiking in South Africa

    From open grass fields to mountainous terrain, the guidebook provides plenty of opportunity to explore nature

  • Trails for all fitness levels
    Trails for all fitness levels

    The guidebook includes a large number of easy trails that do not require advanced hiking skills

  • Meet the giants on a walking safari
    Meet the giants on a walking safari

    Meet elephants on the trail in a nature reserve in the Magaliesberg Mountain Range

  • The art of wildlife hiking
    The art of wildlife hiking

    The guidebook provides tips on how to spot wildlife from the trail. It is easier than you may think it is

  • Enjoy memorable encounters
    Enjoy memorable encounters

    Experience once in a lifetime encounters with giraffes in nature reserves near Pretoria and Johannesburg

  • A large variety of landscapes
    A large variety of landscapes

    Trails in the guidebook range from short walks in urban nature reserves to large regional parks

  • 837 kilometers (523 miles) of hiking trails
    837 kilometers (523 miles) of hiking trails

    For three years, the authors have recorded hiking trails near Pretoria and Johannesburg

  • Download GPS trails and waypoints
    Download GPS trails and waypoints

    Users of the guidebook have access to a large collection of GPS trails to optimize their time on the trail

  • Walk in the vicinity of white rhinos
    Walk in the vicinity of white rhinos

    Experience the unique opportunity to encounter white rhinos on the hiking trail

  • Explore nature on numerous self-guided hiking trails
    Explore nature on numerous self-guided hiking trails

    Most trails are designed keeping independent travelers in mind

  • Enjoy nature reserves for the price of a cup of coffee
    Enjoy nature reserves for the price of a cup of coffee

    Plan your holiday with the guidebook and save valuable money by visiting very affordable nature reserves

  • Add new destinations to your weekend trips
    Add new destinations to your weekend trips

    For those living in Pretoria and Johannesburg, the guidebook offers a large number of often unknown hiking destinations

  • Escape from daily life's responsibilities and relax
    Escape from daily life's responsibilities and relax

    Relax in the mountains of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range and decompress from daily life's worries

  • The largest collection of hiking destinations in and around Pretoria and Johannesburg ever published
    The largest collection of hiking destinations in and around Pretoria and Johannesburg ever published

    Over 120 trails in 56 hiking areas are described in the hiking guide

Details
Category: Tutorials

We classify the trails in the guidebook either as a wildlife or nature hike/walk. A trail can be easy, moderately difficult or best suited for advanced hikers.

Wildlife Hikes/Walks

The wildlife hikes and walks in the guidebook are in reserves where you may see zebras, antelopes, ostriches, and wildebeests from the hiking trail. Some reserves have giraffes. Although not all reserves have all these species in stock, we classify a trail as a wildlife hike/walk if we know wildlife is in the reserve, although wildlife viewings are not guaranteed.

Nature Walks

A trail described as a nature walk in this guide means you may see small mammals, warthogs, and monkeys on a good day.

Easy

These trails are appropriate for the novice hiker. They are usually short and easy to follow along a track or road with an abundance of trail signs and rest stops. Grades are gentle and relatively few obstacles will be encountered. If you can shop for one to two hours in a shopping mall, you should physically be able to enjoy these trails. Most trails in this guidebook are classified as easy.

Moderate

These trails are appropriate for intermediate through advanced hikers. The terrain is steeper and/or the trail is relatively long with fewer rest stops. You need to be able to walk 6 to 10 kilometers or more to enjoy these trails, even when they are shorter as you may be in steep terrain.

Advanced

These trails are recommended for experienced hikers only. Terrain may be difficult and steep, and routes are not always obvious. You should be able to navigate and must be self-reliant. You need to be in good shape physically and be well-prepared. Going for the first time to the gym a few days prior to the hike after months of being a couch potato, in the hope you can easily hike these trails, may not do the trick. Most advanced trails are in the Magaliesberg Mountain Range. These are often short but on steep and difficult terrain. Combined with serious altitude differences, they are rewarding, but hard work, even for the physically fit.

Remember

It is a sign of courage and wisdom to return to base if the experience of hiking becomes unpleasant and exhausting. Call it a day and return to the car with someone to relax while others finalize the trail. Hiking is not a rat race. Follow your own tempo, enjoy the scenery and nature. There is no reason to hike beyond your capabilities.

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