We hiked at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, which was also my first. I have been working through these local hiking trails one weekend after another. It flies by, primarily because of the Centurion Hiking Club.
Before joining the club, I would get on the trails now and then, once a month. Now, it’s a thing on most weekends. It’s like having an accountability partner for good people, nature, and exercise. You should get yourself some of that.
Okay, back to the Rietvlei Nature Reserve Hike. This was a guided hike. Planning started early in the week. The guided hike costs R150 pp, and the reserve charges R75 pp for access. Getting to the nature reserve was not a problem. It was a 20-minute drive for me, mainly on the highway. See directions…
Navigating inside the nature reserve is more of a challenge if you are a newbie.
You get to the gate and then stop at Reception to pay for the vehicle—cards only. They gave me a one-page map, and there I went. Driving into the reserve, I soon realised I didn’t know where I was going. I quickly stopped just past the Reception entrance to ask for directions. I got a rough explanation of where to go, and I went on.
Luckily, fellow hikers were driving in front of me, and they seemed to know where they were going, so I simply followed them. This was a good decision. Following them, we ended up at the meeting point, the Rietvlei Coffee Shop on the reserve. The interest in this hike was good. I counted 39 people. There are some regular faces and many new ones.
We had a brief meet and greet. The hiking club team leads had something to say, then the nature reserve guides on how it all would work, a quick group photo, and we started just after 08:00.
We hiked an 8km loop in one section of the nature reserve. There is not much elevation—it was pretty much flat. The nature reserve is much bigger than I initially anticipated. Hiking trails vary in distance on the reserve. I remember our guide mentioning a 15km hike in a different part of the reserve.
Along our hike, we saw buck, hippo, hartebeest, ostrich, zebras, birds, and two celebrity rhinos. I recall the one being called “Oortjies.” They also have one female cheetah left on the reserve, which we did not have the opportunity to see. The area was dry and dusty, which could be expected during winter season hikes. Parts of the hike were along the dam, where we saw the hippo.
There was also a bird hide where you could quietly observe birds. Two serious bird watchers with monster camera lenses were doing their thing. Be still is the name of the bird-watching game.
Along the hike, we had to navigate wood stumps over a wetland area, which was somewhat of an obstacle course. This was fun to do. I recall losing my balance and almost taking a plunge myself. It was all good fun.
Then, the guide would stop occasionally and share some general knowledge about the nature reserve, plants, and animals with us. That is the nice part about having a guide. They are very knowledgeable about the area and its inhabitants. The hike took about three hours to complete.
Afterwards, we could get something to eat and drink at the coffee shop. It’s always a nice way to finish off a hike. I went to get myself a fancy coffee and look around. I saw signage mentioning a curio shop and went to see if I could get a fridge magnet. You know, one for the been there collection.
To my disappointment, the curio shop had limited stock and fridge magnets were not found. The coffee was super hot but okay. I did not have the time to get something to eat, so I have nothing to say about that. You can expect to pay R150 pp for something to eat and drink.
Last Thoughts
Overall, it was an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning. Good people, nature, and exercise are a win in my book.
The reserve needs a bit of attention. Signage could be improved, and the roads need some fixing. Other than that, it was okay. I would like to see the park after some good rain. We could go and do the 15km hike. 😁 #welovehills #maximumeffort
That’s it from me on the Rietvlei Nature Reserve Hike Review. May this inspire you to hike at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
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