Groenkloof Nature Reserve

About Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Groenkloof Nature Reserve, on the southern side of Pretoria, is the first nature reserve on the continent dating back to the time when President Kruger proclaimed the entire valley a game sanctuary, in 1895.

Did you know? Hikers can choose from three hiking trails – the 4km white route, 3.5km red route and the yellow route, which is a more substantial 10.5 km.

The Groenkloof Nature Reserve lies in the Fountains Valley, famous as the 'entrance' to Pretoria from the airport along the R21, in the midst of highrise buildings, major arterial roads and the hum at the edge of the city.

Despite the sprawl the Groenkloof reserve has undergone a series of rehabilitation as the department of nature conservation restores parts of the reserve for game that was re-released post 1994, and makes it enjoyable and safe for people to visit.

Game now includes impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, zebra, ostrich, and more recently, giraffe, jackal and red hartebeest.

Groenkloof Reserve functions as a green lung in the city, a space in which to experience the outdoors (even if to the sound of traffic) along hiking, mountain biking routes, 4x4 drives, horse trails, picnic sites and even a youth camp for children. Mojo restaurant is also part of the reserve for those in search of a meal with a difference.

If you're after a more leisurely interpretation of the Groenkloof reserve then there is a 6km drive through, or get on your bike and take the 20 km mountain bike route (sand roads criss cross the entire reserve making it a favourite amongst cyclists).