So Salt Said “River Walk Sandton?” — and Who Was I to Say No?

As I walked in from my Wilds trail — already halfway through drafting the blog in my head and mentally shortlisting the pics and videos — my son Salt, casually says: “We’re off to River Walk Sandton. Wanna come?”

He was going with his other half, her pal, and his two step fluff balls, Daisy and Douglas.

I mean... who was I to say no? We hadn’t hiked together in a minute, and besides — that earlier hike? Pure warm-up. A starter course..

Details? Pfft. Those are for the old me. Not for spontaneous, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-hiking-boots me.

First impressions: the parking lot and entrance screamed “your car might not be here when you get back,” but once you actually step into River Walk, it’s like someone flipped a switch — beautiful and tranquil. It's perfect: walk your dog, have a picnic, or just sit and let the river and birds handle your therapy session for free.

Honestly, when we started, I thought this was going to be one of those "just post the pictures, no blog needed" kind of things.

I mean, dammit man, I’m juggling so much content at the moment, I’m scared I'll hemorrhage my millions of followers (give or take a few zeroes) with sheer overwhelm.

But by the end? Blog required.

The path hugs a quiet river and borders private homes — unclear if the residents appreciate the casual parade of hikers, dogs, and strollers, but they’re dealing.

There’s even a cutesy swing installed by the river — the kind of thing that practically begs for a whimsical photo shoot.  

Ducklings puttered by like they own the place — which, honestly, they probably do.

Salt - Hag

The river does get "gifts" from storm water runoff — an assortment of trash — but it looks like the locals make a solid effort to clean it up. (Gold star, humans.)

The whole area feels maintained with love — the kind of place residents are proud of. Rightfully so.

RATINGS

AREA - Woodmead

COST - Free

DIFFICULTY - Easy

HIGHLIGHTS 

Highlights include the huge and dramatic trees— like they’ve seen things, shady spots that whisper “nap here,” and a couple of surprise mini-waterfalls.

ABLUTIONS

None that I noticed. Pee before you park.

FREE PARKING

Not sure how safe it is, but our car was there on our return.

Daisy

AMENITIES 

Braais and picnic spots tucked here and there.

NOTE TO SELF

Never underestimate a random patch of green in the suburbs. It may surprise you.

ON A FINAL NOTE

The whole area feels like it’s maintained with genuine love — you can tell the locals treat it like their collective backyard. And rightfully so.

Which made us riff raff rolling in from the outside traipsing through feel... mildly illegal?

Honestly, it gave strong “this is for residents only, thanks” energy.

Gut feeling? This walk was designed for golden retrievers named Baxter and their yoga-mat-toting humans who live two cul-de-sacs over. But that's just me.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

Jury’s out. Would I do it solo? Maybe.

Would I bring a friend just in case? Definitely.

VERY DOGGY FRIENDLY

Poo bags provided.

Use them. Daisy is watching. And she’s judging — silently.