Roodeplaat Dam: A Family Stroll, Not a Fitness Challenge

So, this day wasn’t exactly about conquering peaks, No. This one was about family.

My niece whose lived in England for a while, was visiting after nearly three years.

Now I work during the week, I hike on the weekend. So, when she asked to see me, the only response that made sense in my brain was:

“Let’s go for a hike.”

Because when someone visits after years of not seeing you, the first thing you should suggest is to abandon their husband with three small kids and come trudge through the bush with you...That’s just how family bonding works. Well… with this aunt, anyway.

Given I had zero idea where her hiking résumé began or ended (or if it even existed), I decided to ease her in.

I went with Roodeplaat Dam—a route that had been on my to-do list for ages. Flat terrain, a body of water, no cliffs to fall off of… it seemed like the responsible choice. Low risk. High potential. Perfect.

Hiking with a Wildlife Spotter

As we started walking, my niece—who, let’s remind ourselves, has been living in England for many years, suddenly unveiled her elite-level wildlife tracking skills. She immediately spotted every living creature within a 20-meter radius. Monkeys? Check. Birds? Naturally. Meerkats? You bet.

At that point, the trail had already won her over, so the pressure was officially off. No need to impress with panoramic views or epic landscapes.

About That “5km Trail”...

Google, in its infinite wisdom, had been deliciously vague about the route’s distance—somewhere between 5 km and 10 km. When we arrived, the sign settled on 5 km. Simple enough. Next to it? Arrows smugly pointing to an “easy route.”

Other route options? Nope. No “moderate,” no “challenging,” not even a “don’t say we didn’t warn you” trail.

Just easy. Which, to be fair, I suppose it was.

Unless we completely missed the actual trail. Because, when I say “trail,” these were the kind of paths that make you wonder if someone just forgot to clear the bushes.

The Scenery? Well...

Classic South African winter: Flat. Brown. Unbothered. Not a single “wow” moment—unless you count the occasional buck peeking at us from behind a tree or the aforementioned wildlife encounters (all spotted exclusively by my niece, who, at this point, had fully morphed into a pair of walking binoculars).

She was living her best life, completely enthralled. Me? I was just happy the “entertain the tourist” box had been ticked so effortlessly.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

If you’re in the area and looking for a peaceful Sunday stroll with a side order of casual wildlife spotting, then sure—why not?

It’s a perfectly pleasant place to stretch your legs, spot some monkeys, and be outdoorsy.

But if you’re considering taking an hour-long drive for this? Maybe… wait for summer. When (hopefully) the scenery transforms.

As for me? This day was never about the trail. It was about family, catching up. And in that regard, the day delivered exactly what mattered.

Trail Information

AREA

Roodeplaat Dam (Approx. 20 km north-east of Pretoria)

COST 

For 2 adults we paid R 85.00

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY - Easy & flat

TRAIL LENGTH

Did we actually walk 5 km? Who knows. We zig-zagged, looped and basically turned the whole outing into a 1.5-hour mobile catch-up session.

TRAIL MARKERS 

Yes… kind of. You can’t really get lost.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS 

The wildlife.

ABLUTIONS

Technically, yes. Functionally? Well… let’s just say bring your own toilet paper. Alternatively, pick a bush. Either way, manage your expectations.

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

What We Didn’t See (But Apparently Exists)

• A shop & takeaway.

• Campsite.

• Rowing & boating activities.

We did see people fishing, though.

An enthusiastic fisherman asked us to take his photo, assuring us that if we posted it, it would go viral. So, here’s hoping he’s now an internet sensation... or at least got a few likes from his mom.

Wildlife & Bird life

Post-hike, I read that Roodeplaat Dam is apparently a bird watcher’s paradise. We did spot a couple of interesting birds—courtesy of my niece’s hawk-eyed vigilance.

NOTE TO SELF

… again… read the reviews FIRST. Maybe then you’d actually know where to aim your camera.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Definitely.....scroll up...Oh, you mean “little family” friendly? Yes, that too.

PET FRIENDLY

Nope... They’ll either scare off the wildlife or  or cause a scene with a bewildered meerkat. Let’s not be that person.

ON A FINAL NOTE

A lovely spot for locals needing a casual walk or bird-watchers on a lazy Sunday. Don't expect a hiking adventure. Do expect unexpected fishermen photoshoots.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO. I didn’t feel unsafe, but personally, I wouldn’t walk it alone.