Me Favourite Starter Hikes in Pretoria

I had no idea that there were so many hiking spots in Pretoria until I started getting out there and exploring with my walking group. I have done most of them a few times now, and there are some that I love and others that I avoid doing. These trails are my favourites if you are just starting out hiking.

5 Easy Hiking Spots in Pretoria

Big Red Barn

I love this walk and wish it was closer so I could do it daily or when I need a easy, quick walk. They have 5 walking trails, a 2.5km, three 5kms and a 10km – the 2.5km and 2 of the 5kms wind through the forest so are covered for most of the way which is perfect for summer walks. All of the walks have almost zero elevation, making it a nice easy walk. They have just added a new 5km that separates off from the others and allows dogs to go off leash, it is still flat but is mostly uncovered.

Dogs are allowed on all the walks but must be leashed, except for the new walk – the signs tell you when you can take your dog off leash. It can get busy on the weekends so keep that in mind if you do decide to take your dog with.

There is a restaurant on-site so you can grab a coffee and breakfast afterwards if you want to.

It is a safe walk and very well marked so if you do want to get a solo walk in, this is the one.

The cost is R55 per person.

Die Bosveld

This was my very first walk with my walking group over a year ago and I am so grateful it was so flat, so I was able to keep up. I have walked it a few times now and enjoy it each time.

It is not as flat as the Big Red Barn but according to the website the elevation is only 80m, so it is still very much an easy walk. The trail also goes through a forest, then through the farm, out in the open and along the river for a bit and then back through the forest to the end. The farm gets very very muddy after the rains and there are parts that have that thick black mud that sticks to your shoes, so if you do go during summer – take a spare pair of shoes for afterwards.

There are 3 walking trails – an easy 5km, a very tough 5km and then a 10km that combines the two. The easy 5km is the yellow route, but there is a board at the start that shows you each route, so double check it before you start because the technical 5km is VERY technical. The trails are very well marked and you can take your dogs with but keep in mind it is a farm so there are horses and other animals around. It is also a safe walk to do alone.

There is a little kiosk on-site where you can get coffee (milk alternatives are not always available), sandwiches and pizzas. You can also bring a picnic and spend the day at the little dam.

Entrance is R70 per person.

Hazeldean Valley Trails

I am not sure if this trail makes my top 5 list but it is a nice easy trail that goes through a dairy farm. There are a lot of trails here and while it is hard to get lost, we have never walked the same trail twice and it can be a bit tricky trying to figure out which walk is which (well at least the last time I was there). That all said though it is a nice walk, you walk right past the many cows and the farm is very pretty. It can also get very muddy in the summer and some parts of the trail can get a little tricky but it’s completely flat, so easy to navigate, it can just get a little messy.

You can take your dogs with but it does get very busy on the weekends and is also a ParkRun trail on Saturdays. This is a safe walk to do solo.

There is a coffee shop on site but I don’t think they do food.

Entrance is R58

Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

This is not a flat walk but the inclines aren’t too intense and for the most part it is an easy walk. It is a great one for when you want to start pushing yourself. There is a 5km but the trail splits so if you are really struggling you can cut it short at 3km.

Friends of Moreleta do look after the reserve so there are trail markers but it can be a little confusing at some of the splits. The reserve is small though so you can’t get lost.

I do this walk often when I need a break from my regular trail at Wolwespruit and is probably the easiest trail in Pretoria East. It is a pretty trail that goes through some dense forest and you will encounter buck, zebra and ostriches along the way which is always fun. This does mean though that there no dogs allowed.

There is restaurant on-site but I have never been.

Entrance is free.

I am all for pushing yourself but starting out with these easier walks helps get your fitness up before tackling the harder, more intense walks.