Ark Walk Park Fourways: A Midweek Day of Reconciliation Surprise Hike

Boris, who identifies strongly as a "must-be-off-lead canine", Basil and I agreed on nothing far, nothing difficult, and absolutely nothing heroic.

We threw around the usual suspects when Basil suggested "Ark Walk Park" in Fourways.

Ark… what now?

I found it on my list, but seemed very short and mediocre, so without B squared (my increasingly indispensable hiking duo), I would definitely have kept scrolling past this little gem.

Googling Ark Walk Park.

A quick Google search did not exactly inspire confidence.

What popped up seemed to be two vaguely affiliated places and a whole lot of references to "Ark Doggy Resort." Helpful? Not really.

But armed with Google Maps, optimism and the kind of bravado only a midweek Day of Reconciliation outing can justify, we decided to investigate.

First Impressions

As we got closer, Waze informed us we needed to turn left onto a sand road.

Now, everyone, please… deep breath… maybe sit down.

On the right-hand side? A small informal settlement.

Tiny.

Not a scene from a crime documentary.

Just people.... existing.

I could physically feel Basil reconsidering whether hiking with me was worth the emotional labour.

To calm the situation, I pointed out a lone cyclist pedaling up the road.

“See? If he’s alive, we’re fine.”

Crisis downgraded.

Arrival: Neglected but Not Derelict

We eventually reached the entrance, there were a couple of people walking their dogs, which immediately bumped it up several safety points.

The park looked a little neglected - but in a "December, no one’s mowed the lawn yet way," not an "abandoned horror movie set" way.

And then came my most pressing question on arrival at any trail.

“I wonder if they have toilets?”

Because I could already see me having to squat behind a bush.

Honesty Boxes, Proper Toilets, and Unexpected Charm

We walked past an honesty box (South Africa, there will always be some of us who still believe in you), and suddenly found ourselves in the cutest little park.

There were:

Small play areas for kids

Dog play sections

Clearly marked trails

Water bowls thoughtfully placed for dogs

And then… the toilets.

Not just toilets. Good toilets. With actual toilet paper.

The Trails: Choose Your Own Adventure

There were actual trails. We’d be walking one path, blink, and suddenly a new trail appeared.

There’s a small dam where dogs can swim, arrows pointing the way and just general quirkiness.

We ended up clocking 3.6 km, despite the official walk being around 2.5 km - proof that curiosity adds distance.

Boris was in absolute doggy heaven - prancing around like a Lipizzaner, convinced this outing had been organised entirely in his honour....okay, I just heard myself.

A Hidden Gem That Deserves Better

As we walked, I couldn’t stop thinking what a pity it was that this place isn’t run the way it clearly once was.

Someone is still caring for it - you can feel that - but it feels like a hidden gem waiting for a revival.

I was so taken by the energy that I reached out to the owner, Tracey, to find out more.

This amazing human explained that, for various reasons, they closed the restaurant and thereafter wound down most of the other operations.

But because Tracey is clearly passionate about the space, she continues to keep the dog park open for the regulars.

The doggy resort, however, is still very much alive and kicking.

She mentioned they’re in the process of opening a small farm stall - which honestly feels exactly right for this place.

Enclosed Dog Areas

There are two enclosed areas, ideal for:

Dog training

Unsociable dogs

Dogs with recall issues

Deaf or blind dogs

There are also braai facilities, because South Africa.

Booking is required at R 100 per hour

Tracey also mentioned that local residents sometimes book these areas for kids’ parties, which somehow makes perfect sense.

Walk Park Details

COST :

R 20 per adult

R 10 for pensioners and children

Final Thoughts

Ark Walk Park isn’t polished, curated, or perfect - and that’s exactly why I liked it.

It’s quirky, honest, a little rough around the edges, and full of unexpected charm.

There’s so much potential, and, not much needs to be done.

One day, when I'm grown .....and rich......and unsupervised, I’ll call Tracey.

Also, I’ll also need a business partner… and possibly a life coach.

But in the meantime… whether you want an off-lead dog walk, a dog-free stroll, or even a kids’ party venue (because why not), this quirky little Fourways gem is totally worth checking out.

(TO) SOLO OR (NO) SOLO

(NO) SOLO for me.

Take a friend. Preferably one with two legs