Joburg is best known as South Africa’s financial capital — a city of office towers, traffic and its relentless pace of life. But beyond the highways and high-rises lies another side of the city, one that is drawing thousands of people onto hiking trails, into nature reserves and up rocky hills in search of fresh air, exercise and a break from the daily grind.
On weekend mornings, hikers lace up their boots before sunrise and head to trails across Joburg and its surroundings. Some are chasing fitness goals, others are looking for quiet time in nature, many simply want to spend time with family and friends away from the constant buzz of urban life.
For Sello Mothwa, all it took was one invitation from a friend.
“I’m an outdoors person and I love socialising. A friend took me hiking for the first time and I loved it,” he says. “Nature keeps calling my name to come back for more hiking and exploring new trails.”
Bhekiwe Ncube’s introduction to hiking came during a workplace event, where climbing a mountain unexpectedly sparked a lasting passion.
“I only started hiking after a work team-building exercise,” he says. “At first it was simply a way to exercise without feeling like I was in a gym. Over time it became much more than that. Hiking gave me an opportunity to disconnect from the pressures of work, reconnect with nature and spend quality time with colleagues, friends and family.”
They are among a growing community of Joburg residents choosing to spend their weekends outdoors.
A city built for walking
Though Joburg is often associated with business rather than the outdoors, it is one of the world’s largest urban forests, with more than 3-million trees, over 2,300 parks and numerous protected nature reserves.
Jenny Moodley, spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, says these green spaces are far more than recreational areas.
“They protect biodiversity, conserve indigenous flora and fauna, preserve archaeological heritage, improve air quality and provide residents with invaluable opportunities for exercise, relaxation and mental wellbeing,” she says.
Among the city’s best-known hiking destinations is Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve in the south. Covering about 680ha, it offers marked trails that wind through grasslands, rocky ridges and streams, with hikers often spotting zebra, wildebeest, blesbok, duiker and a variety of bird species.
The Wilds in Houghton is one of Joburg’s most successful urban restoration stories. Once neglected, the reserve now attracts walkers, runners and photographers with its indigenous gardens, waterfalls, public art and panoramic views of the city skyline.
Other favourites include Melville Koppies, where hikers can explore highveld vegetation and Iron Age heritage sites, and Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort, which combines hiking with Joburg’s rich mining history.
Just beyond the city, places such as Cradle Moon, Kings Kloof, Sterkfontein and Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve attract hikers looking for longer and more challenging routes.
For Mothwa, those trails offer the perfect combination of scenery and accessibility.
“My favourites are Cradle Moon, Sterkfontein, Klipriviersberg and Kings Kloof,” he says. “They have beautiful views, moderate trails and they’re great places to hike.”
More than exercise
For many hikers, the attraction goes well beyond physical fitness.
Ncube says hiking offers something that is increasingly difficult to find in modern city life.
“Life in Joburg can be demanding and stressful. People are increasingly looking for healthy ways to recharge, and hiking provides exactly that,” he says.
“For me, hiking offers the perfect balance between physical activity and mental wellbeing. Every trail is different and every hike brings a new experience. I enjoy the challenge of reaching the summit, the beautiful scenery and the sense of achievement at the end.”
Mothwa adds: “Hiking is good for both your physical and mental wellbeing. Some people are looking for fun, others want to test their fitness. Some trails are easy, others really challenge you.”
Building a community
The Joburg Hiking Club has been going since 1931, and its members have access to packed monthly programmes of Wednesday and Sunday hikes, more adventurous outings and backpacking weekends. But this pioneering group is far from alone: a quick Google search reveals just how healthy Joburg’s appetite for hiking is. There are a wealth of routes, lists and recommendations from tourism companies, media outlets and enthusiasts.
Melissa Campbell, who administers the Facebook group Hiking Trails in Gauteng, has watched the community expand as more people discover Joburg’s outdoor spaces.
Her own love for hiking started when she was a scout in Springs. Later, she began hiking, mountain biking and camping with friends before creating a platform where outdoor enthusiasts could share information about trails.
The group has since evolved into a busy online community where members exchange trail recommendations, photographs, safety tips and advice for beginners.
“Most definitely it has grown,” Campbell says. “So many people ask to join groups because they don’t want to go alone, and a lot more people are sharing their experiences.”
She says the conversations reveal that people are hiking for many different reasons.
“A lot of people ask for pet-friendly hikes or short hikes for little kids. The next most popular question is about group hikes. A lot of people are looking for social connection and meeting new people who enjoy the same thing.”
Social media has also played an important role in introducing new hikers to destinations they may never have considered.
Mothwa agrees. “Social media is promoting hiking and people who love outdoor activities fall in love with it. The trails are also close by,” he says.
Discovering a different Joburg
For many first-time visitors, the biggest surprise is just how much nature exists within and around Joburg.
“A lot of people are surprised to discover that Joburg has an incredible variety of hiking trails just a short drive from the city,” says Campbell.
“There are beautiful nature reserves, mountain trails, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints scattered throughout and around the city.”
Ncube believes many people underestimate what is available on their doorstep.
“You don’t have to travel hundreds of kilometres to enjoy spectacular scenery and peaceful surroundings,” he says. “Joburg has so much natural beauty within a short drive.”
That variety is part of the attraction. Some weekends call for a challenging climb through rocky terrain, while others are better suited to a gentle walk through indigenous gardens or alongside a stream.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is one of Ncube’s favourite places when he wants a slower pace.
“Hiking doesn’t always have to be about pushing your limits,” he says. “Sometimes it’s about slowing down, appreciating beautiful scenery and leaving feeling calmer than when you arrived.”
One step at a time
For those thinking about taking up hiking, experienced hikers recommend starting small.
Mothwa suggests beginners try easier trails such as Modderfontein before gradually moving on to more demanding routes.
“Start with an easy trail and build your experience one hike at a time,” he says. “And get proper hiking gear.”
Ncube also encourages newcomers not to compare themselves with experienced hikers. “The goal is not to compete with anyone but to enjoy the experience,” he says.
As hiking continues to grow, Campbell hopes Joburg’s natural spaces will be protected for future generations.
“I’d love to see more well-maintained trails, increased conservation efforts and less littering,” she says. “I also hope people take in nature and leave the music and loud conversations for after the hike, so they can enjoy the sounds of nature.”
For Mothwa, the future looks promising.
“We’re seeing more and more hiking clubs being formed across Joburg,” he says. “Everyone should try hiking at least once in their lifetime.”
In a city celebrated for its energy and ambition, hiking offers residents something different: a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and discover a greener, quieter side of the city that has been there all along.
