Fourteen hikers. One new face in the group. The stream at our backs, trees ahead. I took the group photo while the spirits were still high, legs were fresh and smiles were easy.

Modderfontein is about thirty minutes from Pretoria — easy enough to feel like a day out, far enough to feel like you’ve actually left. Pulling into the car park, mountain bikers were already unloading gear and sorting themselves out. I found a seat at the pay point, positioned myself where I could see arrivals, and got the register going — names, trail choices, 11km or 5km — until all 25 hikers were accounted for. Introductions, a quick briefing, a group photo for the record, smiles all round. Then we went.

The trail starts gently. Early on the stream comes into view first — a quiet thread of water through rock and grass — and then, as you get closer, you hear it too. The air smells like wet soil and morning, and behind me the group had settled into comfortable chatter, cameras out, stopping here and there for photos. The kind of pace that means everyone is happy and nobody is working too hard yet.

The path winds past bridges over the stream, narrow single-file sections, and the occasional muddy patch that rewards careful foot placement if you’d like to finish the day with dry shoes.

Early on the trail opens onto a picnic area — big trees all around, the dam stretching out ahead. A good place to pause and take it in.

Midway through, a bird hide appeared next to the dam, with a clear grassed area behind it — an easy choice as a lunch spot. Packs down, hats off, everyone spreading out on the grass. One of those breaks that stretches a little longer than planned.

After that, the trail climbed. Not dramatically, but noticeably — a steady elevation through the landscape, the chatter quietening as legs adjusted to the gradient. And then, ahead, something that didn’t quite fit.

You hear the waterfall just after you see it. Small, as waterfalls go — rocky hillside, a clean drop into a dark pool below, lush green crowding in on all sides. We took a group photo here, everyone squeezing into the frame. The waterfall fit behind us without much room to spare, which tells you everything you need to know about the scale.

I knew the Gautrain would come. I’d done this trail before. But there’s still something about the moment — standing next to the sound of falling water, and then above you, almost silently, a sleek modern train gliding across the bridge and gone. Nobody called it out. Nobody scrambled for their phones. Most of the group were tired and quietly ready to be finished.

I took the photo.

The water smelled cold and clean. The train was already gone.

Taroko Trail Park is an easy trail — don’t let the 11km put you off. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle inclines and declines, and my Strava confirmed it: 11.46km with only 121m of elevation gain. We completed it in 2 hours 33 minutes, which left plenty of energy for what comes next.

Is it worth the thirty-minute drive from Pretoria? Yes. You get two trail options — 5km or 11km — so you can match the distance to your group. The 11km is the better challenge simply because of the distance, not because it will punish you.

Nothing here will catch you off guard. The trail is well managed, the route is clear, and the muddy patches are navigable with a bit of careful footwork. Just wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

And when you’re done — don’t rush back to your car. There’s a market on site where you can get something to eat and drink. It’s a genuinely nice way to close out the morning. Boots off, cold drink in hand, the kind of easy satisfaction that a good trail earns you.

I’d go back. I will go back — we rotate through our favourite trails every two years, and this one keeps its place on the list.

Nobody waits at the finish line. By the time the last of us walked in, the group had dissolved naturally — some to the toilets, some to their cars, a few of us packs off, hiking shoes swapped for more comfortable ones and making our way to the market for a cold drink and a seat. The trail behind us. That’s the thing about an easy hike done well — it doesn’t leave you wrecked. Just pleasantly empty, in the best possible way.

Practical Guide – Taroko Trail Park

The Basics

• Location: Modderfontein, approximately 30 minutes from Pretoria
• Trail options: 5km or 11km
• Distance: 11.46km (11km trail)
• Elevation gain: 121m
• Estimated time: 2h30m — 3h
• Difficulty: Easy — mostly flat with minor inclines and declines
• Best time of year: Open year round. Summer is lush and green. Winter is drier but still a good walk.
• Opening hours: 6am — 6pm

Cost

• Adults: R50 per person
• Pensioners: R40 per person
• Children: R40 per child
• (Correct at time of writing)

Getting There

• Modderfontein, Johannesburg
• Taroko Trail Park on Google Maps
• Ample parking on site

What to Bring

• At least 2L of water per person
• Comfortable hiking shoes — expect some muddy sections after rain
• Sun protection — hat and sunscreen
• Snacks or lunch — there’s a great spot at the bird hide midway

On the Trail

• Well marked and easy to navigate
• Good cell signal throughout
• Stream water is not drinkable — bring your own
• Excellent birdlife along the route
• No significant wildlife hazards reported

Good to Know

• 4 Ways Farmers Market on site after your hike — ideal for a cold drink and a bite to eat 
• Hikers and mountain bikers have separate trails

Contact

• 081 351 1223
• info@tarokotrails.co.za