Looking for hiking trails in Hartbeespoort? This guide features 26 hiking trails in the Hartbeespoort area, including Schietfontein, Broederstroom, Skeepoort, Hekpoort, Majakaneng, and Brits.
This is an updated list of hiking trails I have discovered over the past few years. I have hiked some of them and have yet to explore others.
I also included a Google Map Guide where I marked all these trails. This way, navigating towards them should be easy.
This list is also a work in progress. If you encounter a trail that I’ve missed, please reach out and let me know, and we’ll update it. This way, everyone looking for hiking trails in and around the Hartbeespoort area will benefit.
1. Cave to Cableway Hiking Trail
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
The Cave to Cableway hike in Hartbeespoort offers a challenging ascent up the ancient Magaliesberg mountains, providing experienced hikers with stunning panoramic views of the dam and the surrounding area. Highlights include a unique cave offering a different perspective, the somewhat shaded trail leading to open summit viewpoints, and the reward of reaching the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, complete with upgraded facilities, dining options, and even a “Sky Park” for further exploration and adventure. While demanding, this guided hike promises a rewarding outdoor experience for those physically and mentally prepared for its steep inclines and rocky terrain. Read Review – Link Coming Soon, Location (The hike starts from the Wimpy)
2. Iron Lane Hiking Trail
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
Iron Throne Trail Park is a multi-adventure venue situated in the Magaliesberg Mountains, offering a diverse range of activities, including hiking (with routes such as the challenging “Iron Lane Hiking Trail” leading to the Hartbeespoort Cableway), trail running, and mountain biking with lift access. It also features a wildlife sanctuary and amenities like restaurants and craft beer, making it a comprehensive destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic views and varied terrain. Facebook, Location, Video
3. Uitkyk Hiking Trail
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
Temporarily Closed
The Uitkyk Hiking Trail is located within the Magaliesberg Protected Natural Environment. It is a challenging 7.5km to 9km circular route known for its stunning panoramic views of the Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounding mountains. Requiring a minimum group size of 20 hikers for safety due to the unfenced and unpatrolled terrain, this roughly 4-5 hour hike involves a significant 440-meter ascent over steep, rocky, and rugged sections. Hikers must book in advance through Fagalavoet, carry sufficient water (2-3 litres), and ensure they are fit and experienced for the demanding conditions, which are rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Location
4. Kleine Rijke Hike
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
Kleine Rijke offers a complimentary, pet-friendly 5km walk to the dam along a straightforward path. Although primarily an events venue with impressive Cape Dutch architecture, visitors can still enjoy the walk. We recommend checking their website or social media for the latest operating hours and any potential restrictions on general access to the venue itself, as their restaurant is now closed and public access has changed. Facebook, Location
Schietfontein
5. De Wildt Adventure Trails
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Bush Kitchen)
De Wildt Adventure Trails offers a diverse range of pet-friendly hiking and trail running experiences in the Magaliesberg Mountains, catering to all fitness levels with trails ranging from the easy 5km Kiepersol to the challenging 21km Euphorbia Loop, as well as multi-day options like the Wilde Sering, alongside rustic camping, picnic spots, and braai facilities. Facebook, Location
6. De Wildt 4×4 Nature Park & Resort
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(🍺 YES Pub)
De Wildt 4×4 Nature Park & Resort, set on 400 hectares in the Magaliesberg, provides a comprehensive outdoor experience just an hour from Johannesburg. Celebrated for its challenging 14km 4×4 trails for all skill levels, it also offers scenic hiking and mountain biking, game viewing, birdwatching, and guided quad biking. Visitors can choose from campsites, self-catering log cabins, or larger group houses for overnight stays, while day visitors enjoy picnic spots, braai facilities, and swimming pools. The resort features an on-site pub and multiple lapa venues for events, making it a versatile destination for both adventure and relaxation; however, it is not pet-friendly. Facebook, Location
7. Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Lena’s Coffee Shop)
The Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre offers diverse tours designed to educate visitors on cheetah and endangered species conservation, including popular guided vehicle tours and thrilling cheetah run experiences, with strict age limits on some. Uniquely, the “Reach for the Wild Sensory Trail” offers a more immersive, gentle hiking-like experience, encouraging engagement with all five senses to learn about the Magaliesberg environment, local flora, fauna, and even animal spoor, providing a deeper connection to nature that is distinct from direct animal observation. Facebook, Location
Broederstroom
8. African Swiss Restaurant
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
The African Swiss Restaurant, located at Plot 119, Broederstroom, Hartbeespoort Dam, is a rustic eatery renowned for its Swiss and Bavarian dishes, as well as its garden artworks. It holds a rating of 4.3 on Google Maps and operates from 11:00 AM most days, with varied closing times, and is closed on Tuesdays. In addition to its culinary offerings, the restaurant features a hiking trail on its property, catering to outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine a meal with nature exploration. Facebook, Location
9. Harties River Hiking Trail
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
The Harties River Hiking Trail offers three well-marked routes (6km easy, 8km intermediate, 10km challenging) that cater to various fitness levels, all providing spectacular views of the Hartbeespoort Dam, Crocodile River, and Magaliesberg mountains. Facilities include safe parking, clean bathrooms, and “The Rusty Feather” restaurant. The Rusty Feather is a charming, rustic bistro and bar conveniently located near the Harties River Hiking Trail, offering a perfect post-hike retreat. Mogi Adventures, Facebook, Location
10. Africaland – Phalandingwe Hiking Trail
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
Phalandingwe Hiking Trails offer moderately challenging 3.5km, 6.8km and 9km routes that feature steep climbs, diverse scenery, including the Crocodile River, and distant views of the Magaliesberg. Starting and ending at the historic Preller House Restaurant, the facilities on site include the restaurant, a swimming pool, and limited picnic and braai areas. Additionally, toilets and taps are available at the trail’s start and end, and Africaland provides other activities such as river rafting, camping, and quad biking. Facebook, Location
11. Leeuwenkloof
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
Leeuwenkloof offers a diverse range of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Guests can explore the natural surroundings through hiking, mountain biking, and guided or self-guided nature walks, which are excellent for bird watching, with over 200 species present. For more unique experiences, there are 4×4 excursions, cave exploring, swimming and fishing in a natural underground water body, and even personal encounters with horses. The farm’s location within the Cradle of Humankind also provides opportunities for mineral and fossil exploration, and the venue is well-suited for trail running events. Facebook, Location
12. B’sorah Trails
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
B’sorah Trails provides a comprehensive outdoor experience with diverse activities including hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing, alongside options for picnics and braais. Facilities cater to all visitors, offering luxurious glamping tents and rustic 4×4 campsites for stays, a B’sorah Bistro for refreshments, a small shop, and the Beit Avinu Centre for group events. Facebook, Location
13. Mule Trail
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
Closed for Renovations
The “Mule Trail” in Hartbeespoort offers a unique blend of outdoor activity and social enjoyment, centred around its historical hiking route and the vibrant Nineteen69 Pub & Bistro. The main attraction is a 6km pet-friendly circular hike that follows an old Anglo-Boer War supply route, offering panoramic views and historical ruins of a Blockhouse. Adjacent to the trail, the Blockhouse Museum provides further historical context. After the hike, visitors can relax and dine at Nineteen69 Pub & Bistro, a lively establishment known for its “quirky interiors,” pub-inspired menu, extensive drink selection (including a bottle shop), and regular entertainment like live music and themed nights. The bistro serves as the hike’s base, offering secure parking and a convenient place to refuel, often even deducting the hike fee from your restaurant bill. Location
14. Jumanji Nature Resort
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
Jumanji Nature Resort provides a distinct “off the beaten path” mountain hiking experience for those looking to “conquer the peaks, embrace the adventure and discover yourself on the hike!” Unlike typical trails with marked paths, their offering emphasises the “thrill of discovery” by guiding adventurers through the mountains without pre-defined routes. This suggests a focus on raw, natural exploration rather than structured, established trails. Facebook, Location
Skeerpoort
15. Vergenoeg Hiking Trails
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
Vergenoeg Hiking Trails offers a diverse outdoor experience, primarily featuring well-marked trails for hiking and trail running across various difficulty levels, alongside opportunities for bird watching, picnicking, and braaiing. For extended stays, camping and mountain huts are available at “Basecamp @ Vergenoeg,” which provides essential facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and showers. This pet-friendly reserve also hosts special events and is part of the larger Van Gaalen Trail Network, expanding activity options to include mountain biking. Read Review, Facebook, Location
16. Van Gaalen Hiking Trails
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
Van Gaalen Hiking Trails offers a range of activities, including hiking, trail running, and mountain biking on over 80km of diverse trails, alongside cheese tours and picnics. Families can enjoy a range of kids’ activities, including a play area and tractor rides, with seasonal options that include live entertainment and various tasting experiences. Facilities include a Farm Shop offering local products and permits, the Terrace at Van Gaalen Restaurant for meals, ablution facilities, secure parking, and self-catering accommodation in the Milk Cottages, making it a comprehensive outdoor destination. Facebook, Location
17. Hollybrook Adventure Farm
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Coffee Shop)
Hollybrooke Adventure Farm offers a wide array of activities, including quad biking, horse riding, ziplining, paintball, archery, mountain biking, and hiking, alongside relaxing options like animal interaction, swimming, and spa treatments. On the facilities front, guests can choose from self-catering units, a family bungalow, or riverside camping, all of which are supported by an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and venues for events and functions. Facebook, Location
18. Remhoogte Mountain Lodge
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
Remhoogte Mountain Lodge offers a variety of activities, including cycling, hiking, game drives, swimming, Jacuzzi access, and fishing. Facilities available to guests include communal swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, a boma, and a lapa, as well as an on-site restaurant and private verandas or patios for each unit. Additionally, the lodge provides free Wi-Fi, laundry services, airport shuttles, and secure parking. Facebook, Location
Hekpoort
19. Rustig Hiking Trails
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(☕ YES Restaurant)
Rustig Hiking Trails offers diverse activities, including various hiking trails from 3km to an overnight 18km, along with game drives and mountain biking (BYOB). For relaxation, there’s a swimming pool and Jacuzzis. Facilities include a variety of accommodation options, an on-site restaurant with a hiker’s menu, and amenities such as braai areas, a wedding venue, and a children’s play area. Read Review, Location
20. Shelters Rock
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
Shelter Rock offers a range of activities, including hiking on an 8km mountain trail (pet-friendly for day hikes), abseiling, and opportunities for relaxation. Its facilities feature a Base Camp, lecture and dining rooms for functions, and an ECO Campsite for overnight stays with good ablutions but no electricity. They also feature a unique outdoor labyrinth and cater to a diverse range of functions. Facebook, Location
21. Castle Gorge
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
Castle Gorge offers prime outdoor activities, primarily focused on hiking through challenging trails to reach stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear pools perfect for swimming. It’s also a significant spot for traditional rock climbing, and the wilderness environment provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Facebook, Location
22. Sable Ranch Hiking
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚴 YES Mountain Bike Trails)(🥤 YES Tuck Shop)
Sable Ranch Hiking in Hekpoort offers a diverse range of activities, including well-marked hiking trails (5-12km) with scenic views, birdwatching, flora observation, and an animal feeding center. They also provide 4×4 trails. Facilities include self-catering accommodation, a swimming pool, a braai and picnic areas, a tuck shop, and secure parking, making it suitable for both day visits and longer stays. Facebook, Location
Majakaneng
23. Majakaneng Hiking Trails
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
Majakaneng Hiking Trails offers diverse activities, including hiking on 3km, 5km, and 10km trails, wildlife viewing for species such as the endangered Mountain Reedbuck, and enriching heritage exploration through comprehensive signage and guided tours led by local Eco-rangers. After your hike, you can enjoy picnics and braais at the trail base, which also provides safe parking and extensive educational signage on the area’s history, culture, geology, and biodiversity. Facebook, Location
Brits
24. Piesangkloof Hiking Trails
(🐕 YES Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
Piesangkloof Hiking Trails offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking on challenging and leisurely trails, 4×4 adventures, quad biking, and wildlife viewing. Its rustic, off-the-grid Bush Camp provides self-catering accommodation in basic Wendy Houses or camping sites, with facilities including braai areas, “veld-toilet” ablutions with donkey showers, and a communal kitchenette, all of which operate without electricity and use borehole water. Facebook, Location
25. Aasvoelbad Hiking Trail
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(🚫 NO Coffee Shop)
The Aasvoëlbad Hiking Trail offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, with a focus on exploration and well-being. Enjoy hiking trails from 4.5km to 7.5km, with intermediate to moderate complexity, scenic views, and rock pools. The farm is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras and impalas, and you may spot Cape Griffon Vultures at the “Vulture Restaurant.” For a unique experience, explore the labyrinth walk for meditation or find tranquillity in the meditation forest. Facilities include marked trails and natural rock pools. Although there is no designated picnic area, you are welcome to bring your food; however, braai facilities and alcohol are not permitted. A reception car park is available. Facebook, Location
26. Nadia’s Peak Hiking Trail
(🚫 NOT Pet-friendly)(🚫 NO Mountain Bike Trails)(🍺YES Bar)
Nadia’s Peak Hiking Trail offers a variety of activities, including challenging routes like the 10.4 km Red Trail and shorter options, all of which provide scenic views of the Magaliesberg mountains and Hartbeespoort Dam, along with opportunities to observe birdlife and wildlife. After your hike, you can enjoy facilities at the Out of Africa Lodge, which include ample parking, clean restrooms, a bar, braai facilities, and a swimming pool. Read Review, Facebook, Location
That’s all from me on 26 Hiking Trails in Hartbeespoort. These recommendations should give you a good overview of hiking trails in and around Hartbeespoort. Now, what are you waiting for? Where will you be hiking this weekend?
Some Helpful Links
Hartbeespoort Things To Do – Link Coming Soon
Rustenburg Hiking Trails – Link Coming Soon
Pretoria Hiking Trails
Johannesburg Hiking Trails – Link Coming Soon
The Centurion Hiking Club
The Mountain Club of South Africa
