Rietvlei Nature Reserve: Adventures of a Reluctant Group Hiker

Solo Hiking? Not My Thing (But Group Hiking Might Be)

So, as I've said before, solo hiking? Nope. But realistically, my two sons, Salt and Pepper, who also double up as hiking partners, are bound to ditch me

for greener pastures soon enough.

And before anyone suggests group hikes… let’s just say I’m not exactly a “team player.” I like to start at the crack of dawn, stop for photos whenever I damn well please, and gasp for air without an audience. Is that too much to ask?

My shopping and traveling designer friends? They’d rather wear the rocks than climb them.

Why I Finally Tried a Group Hike

So, in my grand plan for future companionship (read: when my kids abandon me), I finally decided to dip my toes into the world of group hiking.

Of course, I brought backup—Pepper—to soften the blow of actual human interaction.

The night before felt like the first day of school. Because apparently, I’m a complete mess.

Enter: The Centurion Hiking Club

Who knew there’s this massive hiking community that’s been thriving all along? Apparently, everyone except me.

For two decades, while my glamorous friends were politely hinting that I “get a hobby,” there’s been this bustling community of trail lovers out there. And I missed it? Seriously, where were you all when I was insisting I did not want to join an art class?

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve Experience

So this day, Pepper was my victim. I was slightly concerned since Pepper and early mornings go together like oil and water. Lucky for us, group hikes don’t kick off at the crack of dawn. 

I had joined the Centurion Hiking Club a while back, but had never actually accompanied them for any hikes. So this was the day! A guided hike at Rietvlei Nature Reserve.

The Guide: Bradden, the Zenny Hiking Encyclopedia

I was thrilled to (hopefully) spot more game than I had thus far, and to follow a guide instead of relying on Pepper and I not to get hopelessly lost.

Group hiking is a whole new ball game and there’s definitely camaraderie.

Our guide, Bradden was a delight—knowledgeable, calm, and armed with fun facts about everything from plants to hippos.

The first gem of info was about a plant with miraculous anti-inflammatory powers. Naturally, my inner homeopath thought, “I need to take some home,” but, that would make me look like a total weirdo.

Then came my golden opportunity—Bradden picked up a piece from the ground. I tried to snatch it discreetly, but Pepper—dear, oblivious Pepper—had to ask to smell it and then promptly tossed it back onto the ground.

I wasn’t about to crawl after it (I do have some dignity left), but oh, how I wanted to. Brew it, eat it, maybe smoke it—whatever it took to cure the world’s (read: my) ills.

Maybe next time.

Then came the wattle trees—lush, shady, and... completely invasive. So much for my “wow, what a beautiful forest” moment.

The Hike Itself: Easy, Scenic, and Hippo-Approved

Once we set off, I realized this would be quite different from my usual “get lost and pray for cell signal” adventures.

Thanks for a lovely morning Centurion Hiking Club, Bradden and Rietvlei

Nature Reserve.

AREA

Pretoria

COST

R 64 pp (plus what we paid for the guided hike).

DIFFICULTY

Easy - It's virtually flat all the way.

LENGTH - 9 km

TIME

Could definitely be done in 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

MARKERS

Not marked at all. To hike, you have to have a guide.

HIGHLIGHTS

Animal sightings, but nothing very close. My favourite sighting were the 3 hippos in the water.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES 

A coffee shop where milkshakes seemed to be very much a fan favourite, but we enjoyed a nice breakfast.

There are self drives as well.

So, if you’re up for a leisurely 10 km stroll with a chance of spotting some game, this is the hike for you.

ON A FINAL NOTE

I’ll admit it - group hiking is... kinda fun. There’s real camaraderie, and everything was so well-organized that even I couldn’t mess it up.

Kudos to the Centurion Hiking Club! It’s clear there’s a lot of behind the scenes effort from dedicated people who make sure clueless hikers like me can just show up and enjoy the trail.

The enthusiasm among the members is palpable, and honestly, it’s like being at a well-oiled machine of hiking happiness.

To summarise - It turns out that being part of a well-organized hiking club means you get to reap the benefits of someone else’s hard work. Also...You have zero excuses not to hike—even without your Salt or Pepper.