Hiking in Rietfontein Nature Reserve
Rietvlei Nature Reserve is one of the few places within 20 minutes of Pretoria where you can genuinely hike among rhino, buffalo, and zebra. It’s also the reserve our own guide Bradden Stevens knows better than almost anywhere else — he spent years guiding hikes and game drives there before going freelance. This page covers what to expect, what it costs, and why a guided walk here is worth booking rather than winging it.
About Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Rietvlei covers more than 4,000 hectares on the eastern edge of Pretoria, about 20 minutes from the CBD. The reserve is home to rhino, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, hippo, ostrich, and a wide range of antelope, with a separate lion enclosure. Because dangerous game roams freely across most of the reserve, hiking off the vehicle roads is only permitted on official guided trails — this isn’t a place to wander in and improvise a route.
- Distance from Pretoria CBD: ~20 minutes
- Entrance fee: Adults R75, pensioners/scholars R44, preschoolers R15 (lion enclosure +R80)
- Open: 6am–6pm daily
Trails at Rietvlei
Rietvlei offers a mix of distances depending on how much time and fitness you’ve got: a 2.6km Tswana Trail and 5.6km Sunshine Trail for shorter outings, and combination walk/run/hike routes of 5km, 8km, 10km, and 15km for a proper day out. Guided day hikes typically cover around 14km over three to four hours.
- Shortest trail: 2.6km (Tswana Trail)
- Longest day route: 15km
- Guided day hike: ~14km, 3–4 hours
The Venue
Rietfontein Nature Reserve is about 24km north of the city in the small suburb of Paulshof, 15 min from Sandton. This 25 hectare indigenous green space with its quartzite koppie evokes in all visitors a feeling of being in the country.
The Trail
There is also a beautiful 2.5km circular walking trail that is well maintained and provides a lovely pathway from which to sight the myriad birds that make this reserve home.
Some of the species you may see include little swifts, Cape glossy starlings, sacred ibis, southern masked weavers, rock pigeons, black-collared barbets, Cape robin-chats, mousebirds, greater-striped swallows, fiscal flycatchers and many more.
You are also likely to spot a number of small buck (duikers) roaming in the hills if you are quiet enough. The quartzite koppie is also home to grey loeries who seem to enjoy it as their centrepiece.
General
- Dogs are not allowed in the Rietfontein Nature Reserve
- The trail is partly sunny, with some shaded areas
- The picnic area can be enjoyed before or after your hike
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes with good grip
- Use a hiking pole for better balance on the trail
Summer Times
Open from 6am to 6pm daily.
Address
138 Holkam Rd, Rietfontein, Sandton, 2191
Entry Fee
There is no cost to enter the reserve
Security
There is only 1 entrance to the reserve. Security guards man the gate and all guests need to sign in on entry. The reserve is fenced and secure.
Difficulty/Level
Level 1 – easy. This trail is not technical, although part of the trail, in the forest area along the stream, may be slippery if there has been a lot of rain.
Suitability
The Rietfontein Nature Reserve is ideal for all fitness levels, including beginners and children. It is perfect for nature lovers looking for a quick getaway in the middle of the city.
Distance
There is only one trail. It is a 2.5km, well-marked, circular route which begins and ends in the car park.
Facilities
There are ablution facilities at the start of the trail. I suggest you bring your own toilet paper as there is seldom toilet paper in the bathrooms.
Restaurant
There is no shop on site so be sure to bring water, and snacks (optional) for the trail.
Why Hike Rietvlei With Go Hiking SA
Our guide Bradden Stevens didn’t just learn Rietvlei from a map. He worked at the Rietvlei Coffee Shop conducting game drives and hikes within the reserve, eventually becoming manager and head guide before going freelance in 2019. He’s a registered National Nature Guide and still conducts hikes, game drives, and environmental education programs at Rietvlei today. Read more about Bradden and our other guide, Carol Anthony, on our team page.
What to Expect on a Guided Rietvlei Hike
Expect a slower, more attentive pace than a standard hike — you’re moving through an area with genuine game, so the guide will read the terrain, keep the group together, and stop when there’s something worth seeing rather than rushing to a finish line. Bring water, sun protection, and closed shoes with good grip; neutral clothing colours are a good idea if you’d like the wildlife to stay relaxed around you.
Best Time to Visit Rietvlei
Early mornings are best, both for cooler hiking temperatures and better wildlife activity — animals tend to move and feed in the first couple of hours after sunrise, then rest through the heat of the day. Winter (May to August) also tends to offer better game visibility, since the grass is shorter and vegetation thinner than in the summer growing season. Whatever the season, book ahead: guided slots fill up, particularly over weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hike Rietvlei without a guide?
Not on the trails through the game areas — Rietvlei requires an official guided hike because of the dangerous game on the reserve. This is a safety rule, not a suggestion.
How much does a guided hike at Rietvlei cost?
Reserve-run guided day hikes are typically around R127 per person for roughly 14km. Costs for a Go Hiking SA guided experience at Rietvlei may vary — check our upcoming events for current pricing and dates.
What animals will I see at Rietvlei?
Rhino, buffalo, zebra, cheetah, hippo, ostrich, and various antelope are all present, with lions kept in a separate enclosure.
Is Rietvlei suitable for beginners?
Yes, with a guide. The trails themselves aren’t technically difficult, but the presence of dangerous game means fitness and the ability to follow instructions matter more than hiking experience.
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Want to hike Rietvlei with the guide who knows it best? Check our upcoming hikes and events or get in touch to ask about our next Rietvlei date. |
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