Photo Gallery – Hiking Klipriviersberg Johannesburg

Over the past few years we have hosted over one hundred hikes at Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. What’s so special about these hikes and the Nature Reserve? The beautiful scenery, the socials with some of the most beautiful people in the world, the good workouts (you burn 1000+ calories) and the fact that you are in the great outdoors yet so close to Joburg.

If you live in Johannesburg or you are visiting the City you are most welcome to join us (7am, 1st Sunday of the month) 😎👍👌😊😀😁😎😊🌞🥾🌄🌳🌻.

The JCP Entrance

26°18’13.4″S 28°00’39.4″E

We have been using the new JCP Entrance Precinct in the South of the Reserve for quite a while: -26.303725, 28.010931. 26°18’13.4″S 28°00’39.4″E

As you drive up on Peggy Vera Rd the best is to look for Klipriviersberg Recreation Center (on the right). The entrance to the Nature Reserve is the next one also on the right.

Go through security and park your vehicle – should the parking area be full, you will have to park on the lawn area outside. After parking, walk towards the lappa type area. On the other side of the lappa you will see a patch of grass, a small pond and a small bridge with a big steel gate as well as toilet facilities. The meeting area is between the lappa and the pond.

A sincere thank you to those who have helped organise and host these events, submitted photos and assisted with promotion. They include: Bernd, Britta Camen, Dave Funnell, Dave Rademan, David Goodman, David Kruger, Djamila Grosch, Ella, Fatima, Gena D., Harry Meyer, Hester, Ilona Burski, Jan Whitehead, Kobus van der Walt, Lana Kinley, Mark Mendes, Nicolas Britton, Niren Singh, Nqobile Mahange, Richard Hubsch, Sylvia Vermaak and Werner. My apologies if I left someone out. Nicolas and Lana, do you see what the two of you started?? 👍👍

Last and certainly not least our gratitude to all the participants on our hikes and walks at Klipriviersberg.

The 11K and 15K itinerary include

Lookout Point and Dassie Trail

Silent Pool

Beacon

Lookout point for large mammals (Zebra, Springbok, Blesbok, other)

Remains of Tswana Dwellings

Should you feel uncomfortable at any stage, have a rest and should you still be tired return to the car-park.

Keep in mind: this outing is for you and everyone else in our group to enjoy the great outdoors, the social and a workout.

What to bring

Water (1L to 2L) and something to eat, a hat, sunblock, good shoes – and a camera to record the occasion! A degree of fitness will enable you to enjoy the hike. There is a Coffee Shop/ Restaurant at the entrance should you need to buy a bottle of water/ other (refer below). The Restaurant is not always open by the time we start the hike/ walk.

We will adhere to safety protocols. Please wear a mask and keep social distancing.

Safety – please take the relevant safety precautions:

Turn on the car alarm; close the windows and lock your vehicle’s doors; don’t leave valuables inside your vehicle. Should there be issues pls report them to me or to one of the other Organisers.

The Nature Reserve

The 650ha Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, just 11km south of downtown Johannesburg, is an oasis of calm amid the bustle of the city. Among the largest nature reserves in the Johannesburg metropolitan area, Klipriviersberg (Afrikaans for “stone river mountain”) was proclaimed in 1984 to preserve the area’s rich biodiversity and archaeological sites.

The reserve is home to more than 600 plant and 150 bird species. Zebra, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok, duiker, springbok and mountain reedbuck roam freely in the reserve.

Unique artifacts and ancient dwellings have been discovered in the reserve. Nineteen stone-walled Iron Age settlements have been identified, along with 90 sites that suggest a large pastoral settlement in the area. Excavations have revealed signs of agrarian production, the rearing of cattle and goats, and hunting, while the remains of a village provide evidence of an early Batswana community that lived on the koppies in the area. The ruins of a house, built in 1850 by voortrekker Sarel Marais, are also a point of interest in the reserve.

These Sunday morning hikes at Klipriviersberg are always fun.