Faerie Glen: Zebras, Steep Climbs, and Surprising Delights

How did this little gem make it onto my hiking list, you ask?

Well, blame Cinnamon - my new hiking bud who, ironically, has barely hiked herself.

Naturally, this made her the perfect person to trust with trail recommendations.

Excellent decision-making all around.

The reason I dragged my son Pepper and myself there was because I already had plans to head to Hartbeespoort later that afternoon for a sleepover before an early, soul-crushing hike the next day.

Look at me. Sounding all adventurous and outdoorsy.

Honestly, who even am I anymore?

A few years ago, “roughing it” meant slow WiFi at a guesthouse.

Now I’m casually planning back-to-back hikes like some middle-aged Bear Grylls with snacks and anxiety.

If I can just figure out how not to spend the entire week before a long-distance hike feeling like my stomach is attempting to escape through my throat, I may officially rename myself “The New Me.”

Stay tuned.

Anyway. I digress.

Why Faerie Glen Nature Reserve Seemed Like a Good Idea

And by “nearby,” I apparently now mean Pretoria.

Excuse me while I process this shocking development in my personality.

Plus, since Cinnamon survived the trail, I assumed it would be flat, short, easy, and generally appropriate for people who enjoy oxygen.

At under 5 km, it sounded perfect.

And honestly?

I was mostly right.

It was short, yes. But the longer route came with a little surprise: unexpected inclines.

A pleasant surprise? Absolutely!

The Zebras

Right from the start, Pepper and I were greeted by a whole posse of stunning zebras.

Just standing there.

Looking majestic.

Not fleeing in terror at the sight of humans.

Already, Faerie Glen was outperforming most hikes.

Frankly, the hike could’ve ended right there and I’d have been thrilled.

But no - because about 14 seconds after admiring the zebras, the incline arrived and smacked us directly in the lungs.

Suddenly the zebras’ calm behaviour made sense - they knew.

Those stripey little demons knew exactly what was waiting for us.

The incline is paved. No rocks to step over, no sneaking for gasps of air while scrambling - just straight-up and for those of us with breathing difficulties (and by “us,” I mean “me”), it can be a lung buster.

Totally manageable, though, and short-lived.

You have options here - flat, scenic trails to reconnect with friends, or the “Kiepersol” route for those in need of a mild challenge.

We took the Kiepersol trail, and it didn’t disappoint.

The path down is rocky yet entirely doable.

The shady trees, making most of the hike feel pleasantly cool, even on warmer days.

Toward the end, the shade gives way to open terrain, but by then, you’re almost done.

For us, it really was not awful, as we had fairly cool weather to what we had been having, and it was still early.

The path down is rocky yet entirely doable.

The shady trees, making most of the hike feel pleasantly cool, even on warmer days.

Toward the end, the shade gives way to open terrain, but by then, you’re almost done.

For us, it really was not awful, as we had fairly cool weather to what we had been having, and it was still early.

The Views at the Top

For those feeling less fit (hi, again), the climb might be a challenge but totally worth it for the sweeping views of Pretoria East at the top.

For anyone feeling less fit - hello again, my people - the climb may feel challenging, but the sweeping views over Pretoria East at the top genuinely make it worthwhile.

It’s one of those spots where you stop dramatically, clutch your chest, finally regain the ability to breathe, and then pretend the climb “wasn’t that bad.”

Classic hiker behaviour.

There are also benches scattered along the route, and there are picnic areas.

But consider yourself warned - there are ants.

Lots of BIG ants.

Would I recommend Faerie Glen? Absolutely.

It’s a short, fairly shaded, and unexpectedly delightful trail, even if the paved incline at the start takes you by surprise.

The trail was fairly busy, but really remained peaceful despite that.

RATING

AREA - Pretoria

COST

R 21 per adult (very reasonable, though Google has some differing prices).

Oh, and no cash.

DIFFICULTY

Depends on your trail choice. It’s great for beginners or anyone feeling… uh, less fit (hello, me again).

The climb is definitely a challenge but isn’t going to make my “brutal inclines” list anytime soon.

As proof that it’s manageable, we saw someone jogging it- both ways.

Yes, we silently judged him.

LENGTH 

2.5 km (you can choose steep or easy) or 4.1 km

TIME - 1 1/2 hours

ELEVATION -  159 m

MARKERS - excellent!

HIGHLIGHTS 

The Zebras

ABLUTIONS - Good

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES 

None that I could see.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Such a pretty trail with lots of shade and an unexpected sense of peace - especially considering you’re smack in the middle of Pretoria.

Bonus points for the abundance of dustbins along the trail and for allowing dogs (on leashes).