Rietfontein Nature Reserve: Proof That Suburbia Can Actually Hike

Second Hike of the Day

Let’s clear this up immediately: Boris (Basil's floof ball) was not on this hike either.

Please don’t mention it.

Not casually.

Not accidentally.

Not ever.

This trail is also not dog-friendly, so yes - we betrayed Boris (twice in one day).

Technically Basil betrayed him.

I’m simply here as an accessory after the fact and will take no responsibility.

After being completely blown away by Lonehill Koppies earlier that morning, I honestly thought the day had peaked.

I was wrong.

Again.

This is yet another suburban gem, beautifully maintained by Joburg City Parks, who, I must say, are absolutely showing off at this point.

The trails are cared for, the space is loved, and it shows.

"Dear City of Ekurhuleni

Please observe.

Please learn.

Please apply.

Yours Sincerely

Every hiker who would like to walk their neighbourhood park without battling chaos, overgrown grass, or waist-high regret."

First Impressions

When you arrive you’re greeted by a very friendly security guard who signs you in.

Beyond that? A huge open space dotted with beautiful trees and, brace yourself, freshly mowed grass.

In mid-January.

I mean… Ekurhuleni… again… this is what “maintained” looks like.

Take a moment.

Reflect.

The Trail

The official trail is about 2 km, but if you walk it there and back - because ambition - it becomes 4 km .

And somehow, walking back felt like an entirely different trail.

The route includes gentle inclines that build gradually.

Nothing intense, but also nothing you’d describe as “effortless.”

Scattered along the way are quirky signs offering small bits of wisdom, which somehow makes the entire hike feel more intentional.

At the top, you’re rewarded with a lovely view of the Northern Suburbs - the kind that makes you pause and forget, briefly, that you’re standing in the middle of suburban Joburg.

Is This a Beginner Trail?

Basil and I had a discussion.

A debate, really.

She insists this is a beginner-friendly hike. I agree - with qualifications.

A younger beginner is simply a fit, capable person pretending not to be athletic, while effortlessly ruining the self-esteem of older hikers.

Older beginners, on the other hand, arrive with less balance, fewer reflexes, and a very volatile relationship with gravity.

For an older beginner, hiking should be treated like fine wine: slow, steady, and completely flat.

My official “Older Beginner Trail Starter Pack” includes:

Flat

Flatter

Still flat

Muhammad and Hag

No inclines, scrambles. or “it’s just a little uphill” lies.

Skills, confidence, and a touch of wisdom come later - preferably after having walked many a trail.

Surprise at the Summit

Just when I thought the day was done surprising me, a voice called from behind.

It was Muhammad, whom I’d met through my Discord hiking channel - essentially a superhero in hiking shoes who leads community hikes for fun and fitness.

(See his link in the comments below).

He said he recognized me from behind because he can tell people apart by the way they walk.

What I heard: "Elegant, graceful, effortlessly chic."

What he meant: "Wobbling, awkward, and deeply committed to not falling."

To add insult to injury, Muhammad agreed with Basil that yes - this is a beginner hike.

Under-60s, please exit my orbit.

I’m still working on my legs, balance, and dignity, thank you.

Rietfontein Nature Reserve is a gem: well-maintained, scenic, and varied enough to be genuinely enjoyable.

Whether you’re a sprightly beginner or an “experienced older goat” (hi, it’s me), this place is absolutely worth a visit (or a few).

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Sandton

COST

Free

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Easy… but not exactly “flat-as-my-mood-on-Monday.”

TRAIL LENGTH

As long as you want.

TRAIL MARKERS

Great

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

A beautiful hike hiding in plain suburban sight

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Good cover

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Open picnic areas

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Apparently, we saw none

NOTE TO SELF

Stop pretending you’re “elegant and agile” - Muhammad knows the truth.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

No.

ON A FINAL NOTE

I mean really - it’s free, clean, and beautiful. What more could you possibly want?

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(TO)SOLO