Prime View Adventure & Leisure: Midrand’s Dog-Friendly, Off-Leash Escape

Midweek Holidays, Dusty Paws & Prime View Adventures

Heritage Day, with thundershowers lurking in the forecast… what better way to celebrate than by ticking another trail off my list with a short, dog-friendly hike? Hi, it’s me — you already knew the answer was never going to be “not to hike.”

And who better to drag along than my son Salt’s fluffball, Benson. It was finally time to introduce him to two foreign concepts: the trail life and a leash.

So off we went — Pepper (my other son) and me — ready for a midweek adventure that promised either wholesome bonding or absolute chaos.

Now, if you’ve ever driven 30 minutes with a dog who has no idea where he’s going — or why he’s stuck in the car with the wrong humans — you’ll understand my level of anxiety.

Pepper and I were not sure what to expect. But Benson? The floof in question? He handled it like an absolute champ.

If you’ve got dogs, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Prime View Adventure & Leisure. But if not, allow me to educate you.

Tucked right in the heart of Midrand, this gem is off-lead dog friendly.

There’s a tranquil dam for water sports that makes you forget Joburg traffic even exists. And there are cows. Yes, lots of cows. Just hanging around, grazing and chilling. Not even Benson’s “vicious demeanor” made them flinch. (Apparently, Midrand cows have nerves of steel.)

Easy Dog-Friendly Hike in Midrand: Benson’s Catwalk Debut

Calling it a “hike” might be overselling it — it’s more of a leisurely nature walk with flat trails and peaceful scenery. Perfect if you’re just testing how your dog handles the Great Outdoors. Also, if you’re after peace and quiet, far from the chaos of an overcrowded dog park.

And Benson? Well he had very mixed feelings about being intermittently leashed — the betrayal was written all over his floofy little face. Still, he strutted along like a pint-sized trailblazer, pausing only to glare at me for daring to cramp his style.

By the time we reached the coffee shop, he settled in

like an old pro, as if he’d spent his whole life frequenting establishments and pondering the deeper meaning of life… or, more realistically, patiently waiting to get back to the car so he could nap the entire way home.

Final Thoughts

For a midweek public holiday that could’ve been totally rained out, this little adventure turned into the perfect reset button.

Whether you’ve got a dog, a kid, or just your own frazzled self in desperate need of a break from City chaos, Prime View Adventure & Leisure in Midrand is an easy win — low effort, high reward.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Midrand

COST

A ridiculous R 20 each

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Let’s just say… hypothetically, if someone (definitely not me) showed up in full hiking boots, backpack, and a hydration pack, they’d look hilariously overdressed.

TRAIL LENGTH

You get to choose between the 3 km or 5 km hiking trails. We went with the 3 km — because, Benson’s first official hike needed baby steps, not a marathon.

TRAIL MARKERS

None… but honestly, if Pepper and I didn’t get lost, trust me — you won’t either.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Wide open space, fresh air— basically, nature’s Ctrl+Alt+Del for city life.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Open skies all the way — but since it’s not strenuous, you won’t melt if it’s a little warm.

ABLUTIONS

Fabulous

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Walking, Bike & Running trails. Aqua Park. 2 Speed slides & Pool. Deli. Restaurant, Party, & Corporate Function Venue.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Cows… just vibing.

Birds… being birds.

And of course, Benson, doing his majestic floof thing.

NOTE TO SELF

Never underestimate the short ones - effortless, scenic, peaceful and Benson-approved.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Absolutely. Bring the crew.

PET FRIENDLY

Of course — Benson has spoken.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Perfect for beginner hikers (or professional strollers).

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(TO)SOLO