Exploring any place while covid 19 still looms can be a difficult task. On the one hand you want to stay away but on the other, the tourism industry is on life support at the moment and supporting where you are able could be very helpful to small businesses. So, I’m finding myself balancing those considerations with my own personal anxieties when venturing out of my house. Where possible, I like that exploration to be outdoors, so finding walking trails in Joburg is a good option and a morning walk at Modderfontein nature reserve is also a pretty one.
Modderfontein Reserve: Walking, Hiking and Cycling Trails
It had been years since I last visited the Modderfontein Reserve. So, to prepare myself, I went online to find descriptions of what to expect. I bumped into a blog that I’ve followed for years called “Jozi Rediscovered.” It has a great section called Joburg for Introverts that shared cool spots for Introverts. I always enjoy reading these posts because these are my people and my anxieties. The beautifully written post about the walking trails Modderfontein Reserve was no different. Although, when I read the updates at the end, detailing how more people looking for walking trails in Joburg this trail had impacted the spaces’ tranquility, I did have a moment of pause. I’m glad it was a short moment because on the day we went, it was the perfect summer day. Calm, tranquil and beautiful.
Walking and Running Trails at Modderfontein Reserve
It had been years since I last did a walk here and a lot had changed. Like the time before, and dozens in between, I pick the 5km route and my husband pick the 10 or 15 km route and then we meet at the finish line – at the same time. Each route is marked with coloured blocks with different animal footprints, so you don’t let lost or walk longer than you planned. Unless you’re me, I always manage to find confusion with these types of markers.
In my defence, it wasn’t just me. While the markers are quite clear, there was one intersection that was not so clear. Well, not to be and the three other couples who stopped in confusion. We all decided that the marker was pointing to a path in the reeds. This followed a short walk reeds taller than myself on either side of the path. I remember wondering why this sudden turn through the “wilderness” when most of the path had you at least see more that the sky at each turn. The thought of snakes also crossed my mind, so I stamped my feet a little hard at each step. The path finally comes out onto a road and when you look back up that road, you see the actual path you were meant to be on!
Natural spaces for walking in Johannesburg
If you enjoy walking and hiking, you will find that walking trails in Joburg are actually plentiful. People often think hiking in the city is not an option in Johannesburg but don’t believe all that. This is a place where you could get lost in the prettiness and forget the bustle on the city for a moment. Having said that, the final stretch incrementally brings you back to reality as you start to hear the city again and the Gautrain hurtle overs the nearby bridge.
How to find these Walking Trails in Joburg
The Modderfontein Reserve is in the east of Johannesburg. It is open daily from 6am to 6pm. Their activities include: running, cycling, hiking, birdwatching, fishing and picnicking. There is a conservation fee of R30 for adults and R15 for adults.
Fourways Farmers Market
After our walk to visited the Fourways farmers market for drinks, lunch and shopping. This farm market used to be in Fourways and was a great local staple when I lived in the area. It has since moved to the Modderfontein Reserve and is still an awesome spot. I must say, it is certainly more spacious and there’s plenty of seating areas over looking the water. We likely ate all the calories we just lost, while listening to live music.
