Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Groenkloof Nature Reserve
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4.0
234 reviews
Excellent
86
Very good
103
Average
33
Poor
7
Terrible
5
Thabsile Thabethe
South Africa77 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We had a wonderful and relaxing time when we visited the nature reserve. They have a lovely, clean play ground for kids, hiking trail and 4x4 trail.
If you love hiking, you can check out their hiking trail.
If you love hiking, you can check out their hiking trail.
Written 29 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3boaters
Jonestown, PA127 contributions
Jan 2020
Well marked trails, pretty easy but some sections were narrow and rocky. Make sure you take water with you. Nice day hiking, nice accommodations and trails were well maintained.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kits55
kits5586 contributions
There are a couple of different entrances to the reserve and the entrance we went in had a little house where you pay. They did not give us a map but they do have them available which is very helpful if you want to mountain bike or hike on the trails.
We took the 2nd shortest trail. At first all we saw was a group of guinea hens. We kept going and popped up over a small hill. There were three zebras in the tall yellow grass. One was standing and the other two were lying in the grass just staring at me. I walked a little bit closer for a clear picture and none of them even minded. They let me take as many pictures as I could and never batted an eye.
We kept walking on and came down off a hill and saw a father, mother, and baby giraffe. I heard afterward that they typically hang out by the outer fence and the area we saw them. We wanted to follow the path but apparently the father giraffe thought we were too close because he started walking towards us. They are incredibly tall and beautiful.
The trails were very nice, the land was beautiful, we did not run into very many bikers and the grill (braai) areas were nice. They do not have benches or picnic tables but they do have the braai pits available for use.
The location is nice, being right near Pretoria.
The only drawback is I wish it WAS further out in the country so I couldn't see and hear cars when we hiked near the fence.
We took the 2nd shortest trail. At first all we saw was a group of guinea hens. We kept going and popped up over a small hill. There were three zebras in the tall yellow grass. One was standing and the other two were lying in the grass just staring at me. I walked a little bit closer for a clear picture and none of them even minded. They let me take as many pictures as I could and never batted an eye.
We kept walking on and came down off a hill and saw a father, mother, and baby giraffe. I heard afterward that they typically hang out by the outer fence and the area we saw them. We wanted to follow the path but apparently the father giraffe thought we were too close because he started walking towards us. They are incredibly tall and beautiful.
The trails were very nice, the land was beautiful, we did not run into very many bikers and the grill (braai) areas were nice. They do not have benches or picnic tables but they do have the braai pits available for use.
The location is nice, being right near Pretoria.
The only drawback is I wish it WAS further out in the country so I couldn't see and hear cars when we hiked near the fence.
Written 14 October 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
judy dooley
1 contribution
What an awful exsperience. We were robbed. No security in sight. No one to help us and the manager david refused to come out at 4 am he would come at 7 am only then got there at 7.30am. Insensitive to our predicamint another guide gert ask what I wanted him to do find our stuff. Night security were sent home before a statement could be taken. Again the lack of security makes this a very dangerous place to stay. We stayed at bamber youth camp....do they not care about kids???? Its a scout hall and no care by management for children at all. Not once were we asked if we were ok.
Disallusioned, sad, clearly as they walked past the boom gate with a huge porta pack (past security to the hole in the fence) this was a lack of decent security, clearly the manager david has no interest in the facility or guests staying there.
I will never go there again and personally feel everyone going is at risk
Disallusioned, sad, clearly as they walked past the boom gate with a huge porta pack (past security to the hole in the fence) this was a lack of decent security, clearly the manager david has no interest in the facility or guests staying there.
I will never go there again and personally feel everyone going is at risk
Written 16 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jessgrhm
Pretoria, South Africa1 contribution
May 2012 • Friends
Went there for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I had such a great experience as it's been ages since I last rode. Nothing like seeing wildlife on horseback.
Written 18 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JCCrafford
Pretoria, South Africa2 contributions
Aug 2015
Actually a very nice place, but, yet another woman and her daughter got attacked there this morning on one of the trails. Unbelievable that after all the problems that there was there are still no security in sight. There were 100 's of people there today and yet that didn't stop the attack. Thanks Tshwane municipality.
Written 9 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris G
Pretoria, South Africa53 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
On the side where Waterkloof golf estate is, you can walk among the game with your dogs on a leash and get a great cross country walk in the evenings. Cyclists and runners abound with the odd car and you end the evening watching the beautiful pretoria sunsets. A great place for just being at one with nature, viewing the city and the bush type environment that makes Pretoria so special. One of our best kept secrets
Written 8 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tania H
Pretoria, South Africa61 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
My husband and son were mugged on one of the trails in Groenkloof. It saddens me that we can't enjoy this beautiful reserve and it angers me that the people at the entrance said it was very safe when my husband asked about safety (before paying). The 'rangers' drove around with my husband after the incident and they took him to all the places where the fence had been cut, or where other bags were lying (So they are fully aware of the problem). In fact when he filled in the report the person at the gate said muggings happen at least once a month!!
Other than the fact that you are risking your life- it is a beautiful reserve.
Other than the fact that you are risking your life- it is a beautiful reserve.
Written 17 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rush
London, UK190 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
I am a regular visitor of the reserve and it is a great getaway from the city life without having to drive very far where one could bring their mountain bike, go on a hike, drive their 4x4, take a horse ride or even have an early afternoon braai with friends or family. The reserve provides well maintained facilities as well as overnight huts. I've literally walked with wild zebra, ostriches, giraffe and many other animals while hiking through the reserve. For the short term tourist there are better places to go to but for locals and people staying for long periods and just need a break from the city life the the reserve is a must visit!
Written 3 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefan V
Johannesburg, South Africa50 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
Bike hire costs R200 per bike for two hours hire and a R250 Refundable Deposit must be paid. The bikes are in good order. Hiring includes a helmet (although info page lists as R10 extra?) Entrance fee is R35 per adult.
The paths are in good condition (or as it is intended to be) ranging from tarred road to rocky steep climbs and descending baboon-trails. Relatively easy water crossings are provided and one does not have to be an experienced rider to enjoy the ride. Zebra and other animals are not startled by bikers and one gets nice and close when cycling past them.
Roads/paths are well marked and one feels secure when cycling through the African Bush.
There is a quaint little shop serving coffee and the usual snacks.
A bike wash service is offered for those who went on a decent off-road ride and does not want to go wash their bike at home.
Other facilities offered include:
-Hiking Trails (info sheet lists guided option as well)
-Horse riding (listed at R80 per trip)
-a 4x4 trail
The general atmosphere is welcoming and a friendly g'morning when passing other runners/riders is the norm.
There is ample picnic space to relax after a good ride/hike through the reserve.
The paths are in good condition (or as it is intended to be) ranging from tarred road to rocky steep climbs and descending baboon-trails. Relatively easy water crossings are provided and one does not have to be an experienced rider to enjoy the ride. Zebra and other animals are not startled by bikers and one gets nice and close when cycling past them.
Roads/paths are well marked and one feels secure when cycling through the African Bush.
There is a quaint little shop serving coffee and the usual snacks.
A bike wash service is offered for those who went on a decent off-road ride and does not want to go wash their bike at home.
Other facilities offered include:
-Hiking Trails (info sheet lists guided option as well)
-Horse riding (listed at R80 per trip)
-a 4x4 trail
The general atmosphere is welcoming and a friendly g'morning when passing other runners/riders is the norm.
There is ample picnic space to relax after a good ride/hike through the reserve.
Written 5 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the Groenkloof Nature Reserve hiking trail dog friendly?
Written 6 January 2023
Hi, I would just like to know if anyone knows if you are able to Picnic at Groenkloof due to covid?
Thank you
Written 7 January 2021
Do I need to wear hiking boots or close toe shoes?
Written 15 January 2020
It is always a good idea to wear at least closed shoes, but preferably hiking shoes/boots when you are in the veld. It not only protects your feet from sharp objects, it also adds protection from insect, scorpion or snake bites and stings. Boots also gives support to your ankles when walking on uneven ground.
Written 15 January 2020
I can't imagine they charge much. Most people drive except the recreational cyclists who love it. Mostly small animals and a lot of birdlife and it adjoins the Voortrekker Monument, worth a look and Klappercops reserve - an old military fort with a fantastic giant statue of a soldier crouching. So if you are in Pretoria East, worth a look and whilst there are cafes there are also good restaurants nearby for example Kream or something cheaper Cafe 41.
Written 8 September 2019
Can I get a guide to drive us we have no car
Written 5 December 2018
Do you need a name of a trusted driver? Once there, it will be all walking. There are trails for bikes, but you need to bring your own (none for rent).
If you need a driver's name, just contact me again.
Written 5 December 2018
Can I get a guide to drive us we have no car
Written 5 December 2018
orefile2018
Midrand, South Africa
How can i get a hold of the guys at Groenkloof?
Written 19 September 2018
Bookings and contact numbers
Bookings can be made for overnight facilities and if a guide is rwquired for hiking –two weeks in advance
Tel 012 358 1757/1720
Fax 086 2102955
Email groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za(bookings)
Visiting hours
Summer(Sept-April) 05H30-19H00
Winter(May-August) 07H00-18H00
Written 6 December 2018
Hi Chris,
Can I get a location and hours of operation here?
I would like to go week of 25th!
Thanks
Pat
Written 15 December 2017
I am not sure but I think it is R30 per person. Hours from 6:00 to 6:00 in summer time.
Written 24 December 2017
Good morning , just wondering what the cost are to hire a bike from the reserve ? Thanks
Written 19 March 2016
eho2015
Pretoria, South Africa
Is it safe if I want to do the 10km trail alone?
Written 26 February 2015
Attention! Two days after our visit, walkers were held up at gunpoint on this trail. The same source, the Afrikaans newspaper Beeld (5 May 2015 issue), reported that a second attack occurred at the end of March.
Disturbing as this new information is, especially as the March incident doesn't turn up on what I consider to be a thorough internet search, I don't believe that this route is a crime hotspot.
The south-eastern loop of the route passes close to the main road where the fence can easily be jumped by criminals, so extra caution is advised in that area. That said, I think one is as likely to be mugged a few yards away on the road outside the reserve as inside.
Written 6 May 2015
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