Groenkloof Nature Reserve - Gauteng - South Africa

Situated in the Fountains Valley, Groenkloof is a stone’s throw from Pretoria, just 5km south of the city. Paul Kruger established the area as a reserve back in 1895 to protect it from hunters and in so doing, established South Africa’s first nature sanctuary. Groenkloof is one of the game reserves in Gauteng that offers an ideal getaway from busy city life with a number of mountain bike, horse, 4X4 and hiking trails that attract sporting enthusiasts, as well as ample opportunity to admire the local wildlife.

The reserve is a particularly popular destination for mountain biking events, with each trail offering varying degrees of difficulty. Groenkloof’s hiking trails are well marked and cater for people of all endurance levels, ranging from casual hikers to those who prefer more gruelling trails. The 4km White Trail, 3.5km Red Trail and 10.5km Yellow Trail snake around the grassy slopes of the reserve and through the indigenous woodlands. For those rising early for a morning hike or cycle there are basic overnight facilities (these must be booked well in advance) which can sleep up to 12 people and there is also a youth camp located within the reserve. Groenkloof is a wonderful asset to tourism South Africa, attracting visitors throughout the year. Guided tours of the park’s trails must be arranged with the park well in advance.

Bring along your binoculars when you visit Groenkloof as there are lots of interesting game to look out for including impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, ostrich, zebra, giraffe and red hartebeest, as well as a great array of local birdlife.

Although there are no cafes or restaurants within the reserve there are numerous picnic and braai areas as well as resorts in Pretoria for day visits where people are welcome to spend the day having a long and relaxing family meal with friends.