Gauteng Adventures
Gauteng outdoor enthusiasts have always enjoyed being centrally located to outdoor escapes such as the Drakensberg, Magaliesberg and our favourite sport climbing destination – Waterval Boven. Enter lockdown and we find ourselves restricted close to home and unable to leave our province unless we can wrangle a golden permit.
The great outdoors has been described as the safest place to be during this pandemic, so even if you weren’t the nature lover pre-lockdown, you might find yourself longing for an escape. Gauteng has some great gems that in “normal” times may have been overlooked for the more appealing destinations just outside of Gauteng, so read on.
If you are looking for an easy and less crowded hiking trail, Shelter Rock in Hekpoort has it all! The well-maintained trail takes you through a scenic forestry ravine and gradually meanders up the hillside to The Shelter Rock. If you’re still feeling strong, you can continue up the hillside to the top of the mountain for scenic views and explore two Boer War forts. The full trail is 8km but can be cut short by just visiting The Shelter Rock at 5km. If you are feeling extra adventurous, there is also a Via Ferrata to the summit. For bookings and info: http://www.shelterrock.co.za/Index.html
Rustig is a well-established family farm and offers more variety for hikers. The farm has five hiking trails: 3km, 5km, 9km, 13km and 18km. The 9km, 13km and 18km all take you to the summit and require moderate to good fitness levels, including the wooden bridge along the cliff face that provides great exposure. For bookings and info: https://www.rustig.co.za/
Both these hikes require bookings and assist with social distancing by keeping numbers low, but there are many other hikes in our lovely province waiting for you. Sunday Times put together a great list of nine hikes in Gauteng worth checking out. Some may be a little crowded for current times, but all are scenic and worth the trip: https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/travel/2020-06-28-nine-great-day-hikes-you-can-do-in-gauteng-during-lockdown-level-3/
So, what gear might you need for a day out hiking? A good, comfy pair of walking shoes; loose-fitting clothing; a small backpack with water and snacks; and a hat and sunblock (even in winter) will get you going. If you have some cash to spend and want to do it right (you probably will once the hiking bug bites), we recommend the following essentials:
Footwear: For short hikes, a good pair of approach shoes will give you comfort, traction and versatility, as they can double up as casual shoes. The Black Diamond Mission Approach and La Sportiva TX2 offer solid support, excellent grip and come in both men’s and ladies’ versions.
For longer, more strenuous hikes, you’ll want classic hiking boots with durability and ankle support. The Mammut Mercury III (men’s) and Mammut Nova III (ladies’) tick all the boxes and are built to last.
The right shoes for the right activity are important, so read more in the What shoes are right for the great South African outdoors post.
Backpacks: For a light day out or minimal gear, the Osprey Dyna trail running pack is ideal for snacks, water and quick access to essentials. For a versatile daypack, the Vaude Brenta 25L offers comfort, space and great airflow.
Water carriers: Even in winter, staying hydrated is crucial. If you’re eco-minded, the Osprey Hydraulics Soft Flask 500ml is compact, lightweight and reusable. For a warm beverage on cold mornings, the Stanley Go Ceramivac Bottle keeps drinks hot for up to six hours and cold for longer.
Clothing: You can hike in your regular gym wear, but if you’re serious about trail time, Prana Zion (men’s) and Halle (ladies’) pants are excellent — stretchy, breathable and stylish. In winter, layering is key. Read more about this in the Layers in Winter post.
And of course, the final essential: snacks! Everything tastes better on a trail, especially with a great view. Pack what makes you happy — you’ve earned it.
The climbing type? If you’re itching to get on real rock, there are a few crags in Gauteng offering a range of sport climbing grades.
Strubens in Roodepoort has over 100 short sport routes and a few trad lines. Security has been a problem in the past, so stay alert and climb smart. http://www.climbing.co.za/wiki/Strubens_Valley
Kingskloof in Krugersdorp has over 20 sport routes ranging from 5–30 metres, with grades from 12 to the high 20s. This winter-friendly crag sits on church property and offers a peaceful city escape. https://www.climbing.co.za/wiki/King%27s_Kloof
Booking is required: https://www.climbing.co.za/2020/05/kings-kloof-open-for-climbing/
Bronkies is a long crag above the Bronkhorstspruit River, offering more than 60 bolted sport routes in the easy to moderate range with beautiful views. Booking is required — contact the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) for details. http://www.climbing.co.za/wiki/Bronkies
For your outdoor climbing gear needs, we have too many gear options to mention in one post — visit the gear wizards in our Gear Shop to find everything you need to climb safely. And remember, the most important thing: pack your crag snacks!