Rietvlei 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

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.