Nature has a way to instantly lift my mood. Even just a stroll through the garden is often the perfect quick break from work. Having grown up in the Free State with its wide, open spaces and ample outdoor places to explore, the city sometimes feels a bit limited when it comes to nature. Still, there are some really scenic spots in Pretoria for nature lovers. From picnic spots and hiking trails to parks and botanical gardens, these are the best outdoor places to visit in Pretoria:

Pretoria National Botanical Garden
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a 76ha piece of land, rich in a diversity when it comes to indigenous fauna and flora. We love to spend a morning or an afternoon here, having picnic on its outstretched lawns and exploring the garden, which is split into a frosty south-facing section and a north-facing warmer section.
It can often get a bit crowded, especially on holidays or when there are special events happening. We prefer going in off-peak times when we can enjoy the peace and quiet nature has to offer.
There is a braai area, which costs R100 (inclusive of the entrance fee). Keep in mind that no firewood is allowed. Only charcoal.
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is open Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00. No entry after 17:00.
Cost: R90 per adult (peak season)
Address: 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria, Pretoria
Contact: +27 12 002 5201
The Big Red Barn
The Big Red Barn boasts a stunning landscape to explore, especially when it’s had as much rain as it’s had recently. This is one of the best family-friendly outdoor activities in Pretoria, for sure. In fact, it’s a popular spot for families to submerge themselves in what nature has to offer through mountain biking, trail running or walking, Acrobranch activities, weekend markets and more.
Plus, Adene Flowers – originally from Cape Town – has recently also opened their doors to the Pretoria market here. You can go flower picking between 07:30 and 11:00 until April 2025, or shop for flowers in their cold room until 17:00 Monday to Friday and 07:30 to 15:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. At the beginning of January, they had 15 000+ dahlias in full bloom, with numerous specials to tap into until the 25th of January. If it’s cool and overcast, chances are that you will be able to pick flowers later in the day.
Cost: R75 per adult (MTB) or R50 (walking / running). Visit the respective websites for prices on other activities.
Address: 7 Nelson Road, Sunlawns AH, Irene
Contact: 078 343 6939 / bookings@thebigredbarn.co.za

Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Pretoria
Another spot for outdoor adventures in Pretoria is Groenkloof Nature Reserve. Located in a valley rich in history, this nature reserve offers both young and old the opportunity to submerge themselves in nature. President Paul Kruger proclaimed this valley as a game sanctuary in 1895, with its main purpose being to protect large herds of animals on the outskirts of town. This included the shy and timid Oribi, which roamed the area. Portions of the land were later rented out for the establishment of commercial wood plantations due to wood and paper shortages during the world war. Then, in the late 1950s, the City Council of Pretoria became the owner of the area. Today, Groenkloof Nature Reserve offers nature lovers not only that heritage, but also many outdoor activities just 5km from the CBD.
There are three hiking trails: The red trail (3.5km / 1.3km), white trail (3.7km) and yellow trail (10.5km). Further to this, there is also a 4X4 nature trail, a tractor drive (R47 per child), a guided day hike, a night drive, horse trails and more.
The reserve is open from 06:00 to 18:00 daily. Entrance is only allowed until 17:00. Groenkloof Nature Reserve is a cash-free zone.
Cost: R58 per adult (day tariff)
Address: Christina De Wit Ave, Groenkloof
Contact: +27 12 358 1757
READ: 4 JACARANDA RUNNING ROUTES IN PRETORIA
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Owned by the City of Tshwane, this reserve was mainly the result of a water scheme to supply drinking water to Tshwane. The Rietvlei Nature Reserve covers about 4000ha and it has been a conservation area since 1929.
Interestingly, the reserve – which mainly consists of grassland and wetland – has an ecosystem that is critically endangered. It protects water systems, as well as endangered vegetation types, plants, animals and birds.
Nature lovers can spot eland, buffalo, white rhino, red hartebeest, cheetah, waterbuck, hippos and more here. Rietvlei Nature Reserve also offers day hiking, with a four-hour trail that can be booked. And, if you don’t feel like driving yourself, you can book a game drive with one of the reserve’s qualified guides. They offer both day and night drives.
The reserve has a picnic area at Marais Dam too.
Visiting hours are from 06:00 to 18:00. Keep in mind that between 1 May and 31 August, they only open at 11:00 for maintenance purposes.
Cost: R75 per adult (day tariff)
Address: Rietvlei Nature Reserve, 14 Game Reserve Avenue, Irene
Contact: +27 12 358 1811/1812 or rietvlein@tshwane.gov.za
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
In addition to the Faerie Glen nature trail, the Faerie Glen Nature Reserve is also where you will find some of the best views of Pretoria. The reserve used to be part of the Hartbeespoort farm, which belonged to Mr H Struben, but in 19723, it was presented to the City Council of Pretoria as an open space.
The Bronberg is the focus of this reserve and it was declared a critically endangered ecosystem in 2011, featuring the Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld and Marikana Thornveld in the valley. With various hiking trails and two lookout points for birders, this is one of the top outdoor activities in Pretoria for families.
With a valid permit, dogs on leashes are also allowed. Permits can be obtained by completing the application form at the cashier. Be sure to bring an ID photo, as well as a copy of your ID. Permits take three days to be issued.
The Faerie Glen Nature Reserve has a couple of picnic spots, but no braai facilities and it is open between 06:00 and 18:00 throughout the year. Entrance is only allowed up until 17:00.
Cost: R21 per adult (entrance fee); R136.50 for a dog permit (valid for one calendar year)
Address: Faerie Glen Nature Reserve, January Masilela Drive, Faerie Glen
Contact: +27 21 358 1510 / natashaz@tshwane.gov.za / admin@fgnr.co.za
Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

Another popular nature reserve in Pretoria is the Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve. This 100ha reserve offers walking trails that cater to everyone with distances covering from 1.5km to 4.6km. As you stroll along, you might spot Springbuck, Zebra, Blesbok, Impala, Duiker, Bushbuck and Ostriches.
The reserve is open between 06:00 and 18:00 with 17:00 being the latest to enter.
Keep in mind that no dogs or bikes are allowed here.
Cost: No admission fees
Address: Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve, Helios Street, Moreletapark
Contact: 012 358 1510 / natashan@tshwane.gov.za / info@moreletakloof.co.za

Hennops
With the Hennops River running through this unspoiled family farm, there is ample opportunity to unwind in nature here. Hennops offers hiking trails, trails for mountain biking, picnic spots and the Hennops Offroad Trail, so there is definitely something for everyone. From the 2km Dassie Trail to the 10km Krokodilberg trail, hikers are spoilt for choice when it comes to nature walks in Pretoria. Mountain bikers can also ride up to 40kms here.
On the hikes, expect some adventure too, with two suspension bridges, as well as a cable car. There are also a couple of interesting historical sites along the trails, including an underground cave where ‘Pruimpie’ lived, traces of settlements and the old dolomite mines and the ovens in which the rocks were heated to melt and extract the lime.
Fun fact: Legend has it that Pruimpie was an orphan, left behind when the Mzilikazi fled to the north to escape the Zulu Impis in 1837. Pruimpie se Gat is one of the popular historical sites on the Hennops Krokodilberg Route. Other sites that hold historical significance include: Hospital Cave (a cave used as a field hospital by the Boers during the Anglo Boer War) and Hardekraal (a site with traces of an old settlement, including a stone-packed kraal).
Hikers can start anytime between 07:00 and 13:00 on weekdays. Over weekends and on public holidays, you can start your hike between 06:00 and 13:00 (between October and March) or 07:00 and 13:00 (April to September).
Cost: R100 per adult and R50 per child for hiking
Address: Hennops Hiking Trail & Mtb Trail, R511, Pretoria
Contact: 082 825 9205 / info@hennops.co.za
Whether it’s a family day out, or some me-time you’re after, these are the ideal outdoor spots in Pretoria for summer, but also for the rest of the year.
0 Comments