Our top pick local picnic and hiking spots

Now that the festive season is over, it's important to find a good work life balance. Fresh air, exercise and family are the name of the game. Here are our 7 top local picnic and hiking spots ideal for getting you started.

Picnics spots only

Delta Park, Victory Park

The numerous walking trails in its 108 hectares of grassland and woodland are very popular with runners, walkers and dog walkers alike. There are several tranquil charming spots ideal for family picnics, three small dams and the Florence Bloom bird sanctuary for observing a variety of bird species.

Open: Daylight hours

Contact: (https://www.jhbcityparks.com/)

Lonehill Nature Reserve, Lonehill

The Lonehill Nature Reserve, with its lovely grassy expanses at the foot of the Lonehill Koppie, is ideal for a quiet picnic. It's abundant bird life will keep bird lovers intrigued and busy and is also home to several dassies. It is always fenced but only unlocked and open to visitors at weekends.

https://lonehillresidents.co.za/lonehill-nature-reserve/


Hiking venue only

Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge

This extensive lodge is set within the 1500 hectare Cradle Moon Conservancy below the steep slopes of the Zwartkop mountain. It offers a secure environment in which mountain bikers and trail runners can enjoy its over 50kms of trails and the local landscape of grassland, forests and mountains. There is also the popular, easy 10km route along a path around the Cradle Moon dam where the lodge's resident wildlife such as zebras and springbok, and perhaps giraffes, might be spotted enroute.

Picnics are not permitted.

Reservations office open weekdays 7am to 5pm

Contact: https://www.cradlemoon.co.za/about


Hiking and Picnic Venues

De Wildt Adventure Trails, De Wildt

Set 45 minutes from Johannesburg in the Magaliesberg vicinity close to Hartbeespoort Dam, this reserve offers a variety of trails to cater for all ages and fitness levels like; the Pensioners Trail, an 1.8km easy, relaxing meander to suit pensioners who want to stretch their legs; the Kiepersol, a 4.6km trail ideal for beginner and intermediate hikers with two escape routes to the picnic area at 900m and 1.4km; or the Maze Runner, a 3.6km flat trail to challenge the fitness levels of more seasoned hikers.

Relax in their scenic, peaceful picnic area where you can enjoy a bring-your-own braai (and coolbox) or let them cater for you.

Open: Trails are open 7h00 -15h00 Wednesdays to Sundays - by prior appointment only. Contact: https://dewildttrails.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral or reservations@dewildttrails.co.za

Windy Brow Reserve, Cullinan

The Windy Brow Game Reserve, located on the outskirts of Cullinan, east of Pretoria offers 3 tempting moderate well-marked routes in this mildly steep terrain: the 3.3km Geology route, 4.5km Archaeology route and the 5km Ecology route. Each circuit starts just beyond the picnic area and offers views of the diamond mine, across towards Pretoria, with the Magaliesberg mountains in the distance. As the reserve is home to 14 species of game including zebra, giraffe, gemsbok and kudu you may spot some wildlife along the trail.

After your hike, take a break in safety with a family picnic or braai in the leafy picnic area.

Windy Brow Nature Reserve, Portion 2 Elandsfontein No 85, Cullinan

Open: Saturday & Sunday 07h00 - 17h00. Booking is essential.

Contact : https://windybrowadventures.co.za/

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Roodepoort

Is known for its 300 hectares of landscaped and natural veld, over 600 plant species and 220 bird species, its variety of reptiles and small mammals such as jackals and antelope. With ample shady lawns, it's an ideal spot for bring-your-own picnics and taking leisurely walks through the gardens and hiking up the steep, interesting trail alongside the waterfall.

Open: 08h30 to 17h00 daily,7 days per week, including public holidays.

http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu/

So visit these local picnic and hiking spots and let your hair down - enjoy the fresh air, improve your fitness levels along the scenic trails and have some good, quality family time in our great weather and outdoors.

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