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The jewel of southern Johannesburg.


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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.3

KM

92%

Runnable

5,748' 1,752 m

High

5,099' 1,554 m

Low

789' 240 m

Up

789' 241 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The nature reserve opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.

Overview

The Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is a hidden jewel in the heart of southern Johannesburg with running and hiking trails to accommodate every level of fitness.

Need to Know

Take enough water as the sun and ascents can leave you parched.

Description

The start of the run is southbound and covered with tree tops as it follows along the Klip River on the Bloubos Trail, but opens up into a bushveld environment after roughly a kilometer. The trail will take you past some Rondawels constructed in the early 1850's, and toward a historic landmark, the Marais Farmstead, located in the southern section of the reserve.

From there, the trail will take you westward on the Gifbol Trail, to your first river crossing at a bridge constructed from gum-poles. From this point, the path ventures north on a section of the Dassie Trail, which connects to the Sunbird Trail. The trail continues north to northwest, and the ascent becomes more intense.

Once you reach the Sunbird Trail lookout point, the trail will make a turnaround and the heading will change southward again as the descent begins. When you reach the trail connector, the Sunbird Trail will turn west to complete the final leg of the descent. At the end of the Sunbird Trail, you'll reach the intersection with the Dassie Trail and head north toward the Silent Pool where you'll cross the river again to meet the Bloubos Trail.

The trail has a fairly flat surface with easy running, demanding ascents, challenging descents and some scrambling. Both the ascents and descents are on well-maintained paths with steps etched into the path.

Flora & Fauna

The reserve is home to approximately 215 bird species, which include barbets, swifts, swallows, crows and doves as well as
nine large mammal species which include zebras, black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok and red hartebeest. There is also an assortment of insect life, which includes various butterflies, geckos and lizards. Smaller mammals in the reserve include Klip Dassies.

History & Background

The trail will take you past the ruins of Rondawels and the Marais Homestead which was constructed in the 1850's, as well as a burial plot with graves from the 1960's.

Contacts

Land Manager: Johannesburg City Parks

Shared By:

South African Hiker

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#1735

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#11

in South Africa

#1,735

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1,068 Since Oct 22, 2017
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Photos

A tranquil view down by the Klip River.
Oct 23, 2017 near Johanne…, ZA
Gum-pole river crossing bridge.
Oct 23, 2017 near Johanne…, ZA
A view from the Dassie Trail.
Nov 13, 2017 near Johanne…, ZA
A view from the western path of the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Oct 22, 2017 near Johanne…, ZA
A view from the Sunbird Trail ascent.
Nov 13, 2017 near Johanne…, ZA
Rondawel constructed in the early 1850'
Oct 23, 2017 near Johanne…, ZA

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