Rating the Trails with my Jimny and Boys: Groenkloof Winter morning hike

Rating the Trails with my Jimny and Boys: Groenkloof Winter morning hike - 17 May 2015

Situated 5km from the centre of Pretoria, Groenkloof Nature Reserve has a history that goes back more than 100 years to 1895 when Paul kruger proclaimed the areas as a game sanctuary. the first in Africa. in 1994 it became under the authority of the nature conservation department of the Tshwane municipality.

the early morning hike brought about is dramatic fog above the water

small game has been introduced and depending on what time of the day you hike the game is revealed. A programme to eradicate alien plants is underway.

cars are parked under the huge trees which is also a really great braai area. Ablution blocks are clean and a small kiosk is available. There is a 20km mountain bike trail and this trail is very popular. The trail itself is a network of 3 day trails: the Red trail (4.7km), the White Trail (4km) and the Yellow Trail (10.5km) which all start near the stables.

The trails are easy to moderate. in the summer when its hot the yellow trail can present a challenge for unfit hikers. remember to take enough water with you.

There is a lot of animal and birdlife here. We spotted zebra, blue wildebeest a beautiful sable, ostrich and blesbok.

There are stunning wild flowers and butterflies.

In our winter hike we are able to spot less flowers and more of the dramatic rock formations.

There are horse trails as well as great 4x4 trails with an overnight hiking hut.

The yellow trail is great and is the most difficult of the three. The trail starts at the side of the overnight huts. You ascend quite steeply along a rugged path then find yourself walking fairly close to the main road. If you look up towards the hill above the highway you will spot the Voortrekker Monument. This stretch lasts about 2km.

We continue our climb until we reach the top where stunning panoramic views abound. the walk becomes much easier now as we cross over grassy plains and spot the animal life, provided you don't make too much noise and chase them away.