Groenkloof Nature Reserve
The Fountains Valley of Pretoria, home to the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, has long captured the imagination of those who visit the area. After fleeing from King Shaka in the early 1820s, Zulu general Mzilikazi decided to make the area his home, settling at Meintjieskop and having his impis (regiments) build two cities nearby.
Paul Kruger, fifth president of the South African Republic, also recognised the promise of the valley. In 1895, he proclaimed the Groenkloof Nature Reserve to protect the oribi and herds of game in the area from over-zealous hunters, in the process establishing the first known nature sanctuary in Africa.
Game drive at Groenkloof Nature Reserve. Photo courtesy Gauteng Tourism Authority
Today, Groenkloof is an ideal destination for city-bound nature lovers. It is situated just 5km south of Pretoria, a few minutes’ drive from the city centre. The reserve has activities for visitors of all ages; it offers game viewing, outdoor sporting activities and overnight trails, as well as youth camping facilities that host up to 60 people.
The reserve is home to impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, ostrich, giraffe, red hartebeest and sable, as well as zebra, jackal, duiker and blesbok. The area is also rich in birdlife.
Those given to outdoor sporting activities will not be disappointed by a visit to the reserve. It has dedicated routes for mountain biking, hiking and 4x4 driving, and offers overnight facilities on these trails. There are also motorcar routes in the reserve. Horse-riding trails are available, and visitors can relax at the large picnic area or enjoy a meal at Moyo restaurant, which is situated in the reserve.
Groenkloof’s hiking trails are well marked and cater for people of all endurance levels, ranging from casual hikers to those who prefer more gruelling trails. The 4km White Trail, 3.5km Red Trail and 10.5km Yellow Trail snake around the slopes and through the woodlands.
Admission
Adults: R25
Pensioners and schoolchildren (seven to 17 years): R18.50
Preschool children (0 to six years): R10
Vehicle (for 4x4 trail): R70
Monthly tickets:
Adults: R152
Pensioners and schoolchildren: (seven to 17 years): R108
Preschool children (0 to 6 years): R33
Annual tickets:
Per person: R550
Overnight hiking, mountain bike and 4x4 trails (maximum 12 people per group; self-catering accommodation):
Per person per night: R45
Refundable damage deposit for hut: R400
Day hiking trails per guide extra: R135
Environmental education:
Children of school-going age: R27
Day group per person: R27
Overnight per person: R60
Bamber Group Camp:
Per person: R45
Per guide: R135
Refundable damage deposit: R 650
Guided day hike (4 hours, includes guides): R50
Day drive with tractor and trailer (about two hours):
Per child: R27
Guided horse trails:
Two-hour day trail for four to eight people: R75 per person (including guide)
Day trail per hour: R45
Overnight trails: R216 per person per night (maximum of four hours per day)
Night drives:
Per person: R90 (includes use of lapa until 23h00)
Daytime lapa hire:
Group of 1 to 15 people: R500
Group of 16 to 60 people: R1 350
Please note: Bookings are only necessary for the overnight facilities and if a guide is required for a hiking trail. Bookings can be made four weeks in advance
Visiting hours
Daily in summer (September to April) from 05h30 to 19h00
In winter (May to August) from 07h00 to 18h00
Directions
The Groenkloof Nature Reserve is reached via the Fountains Valley Resort entrance. From the Fountains Circle, take the Fountains/Centurion turn-off into Christina de Wit Road. The entrance to the Fountains Valley Resort is about 500m along the road, on your left. On weekends and public holidays, visitors should use the alternative entrance, which is 800m from the main entrance