Always one for an adventure, Ryan Enslin discovers what happens when the joys of eating snacks are combined with a walk in the mountains. Here are some epic spots near Joburg to hit the trail with a picnic.
I love to picnic, what with the fanfare and sense of occasion that goes into such an outing. I tend to seek out food for the big day that I would never normally stock at home, just to up the ante and dandiness of it all. And the bubbles, always bubbles, paired with the cuisine, naturally. Good conversation with friends I haven’t seen in a while and a bout of good-old fresh air. Love.
READ: 5 amazing picnic places around Pretoria
Of late, I have also rather taken to going for walks, either in the mountains or the bush, depending on where I find myself. So, sitting on my couch one fine Joburg afternoon (before this heatwave kicked in), I decided to combine these two pursuits. And, just like that, hike-nicking was born. (That’s a word I just made up).
With a bit of planning, a quick trip to Woolies, some careful packing of my picnic backpack, and I was good to go. I jumped into my car and headed down the N3 national road, my sights set on Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, a thirty-minute drive from the centre of Joburg.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
My family have frequented Suikosbos (as we call it) for many years, and I know it well. Located within the Vredefort Dome, one of the oldest meteor craters on the planet, the mountains are a great source of outdoor revelry for many Joburgers, and so close to home. What I like about Suikerbos is the 4km trail they offer, easy enough for me to do on a whim.
The picnic backpack was stocked with my usual assortment of goodies, adding a bit more weight than I was used to on a walk. Nonetheless, I persevered (it is after all only 4 km) and planned what I would eat first, and, most importantly, at what point the bubbles would make an appearance. Where on the circular route would I stop and picnic, how would fellow walkers take to my exploits?
These were the things that occupied my mind on the numerous stops to take photos (and by that I mean opportunities to catch my breath). But, I continued, the pop of the champers cork the only thing keeping me going at times.
There is a great spot on the route, roughly halfway, with a massive rock overlooking a valley below. I decided this was to be my hike-nicking spot and duly set up camp, so to speak. How wonderful to be so fancy in the middle of the mountains! I even took a pot plant along to ensure the décor was on-trend, spring in Joburg can still be quite dry and dusty, and I wasn’t leaving anything to chance.
The picnic mid-way through my walk was a great experience. Indulging in foods, all my favourites, was pure bliss. I will admit, I only got through half the bottle of champers (it was a small bottle), as there was a fair distance still to walk to the end of my hike-nicking experience. And champers is not known for its rehydrating properties.
Find Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve on the R550 road, Heidelberg, or call them on +27 11 439 6300.
Try these out too
If you fancy the idea of hike-nicking as I did, try these other great Joburg spots too:
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Picture: cammaert /Flickr Commons
A ten-minute drive to the south of Joburg will take you to a real gem of a spot, and the largest reserve in the Joburg metro. They offer ten different routes, from the strenuous Dassie Trail to the highest point in the reserve, to the Bloubos Trail, which is flatter and better suited to hike-nicking.
Find them at 129 Peggy Vera Road, Kibler Park.
Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
With geology that dates back over three billion years and evidence of Iron Age kraals on the reserve’s northern slopes, this city heritage site is best enjoyed during the Sunday sessions in the access-controlled central section. Some security concerns have been raised in the other sections, which are open during the week.
Find them at 4 Judith Road, Emmarentia.
Kings Kloof Trails
Picture: Kings Kloof Trails / Facebook
This spot is located in Muldersdrift near the Sterkfontein Caves, with lots of mountains and valleys for you to cart that champers up, down and around. They offer five trails, all of which are colour-coded (green would probably be best for hike-nicking). Look out for small game as you navigate the hillocks on your chosen route.
Find them on Laurentia Farm, Muldersdrift.
Get packing and charge your smartphone. Hike-nicking makes for a great day out and some on-point and Insta-worthy selfies.
Follow more of Ryan’s adventures in and around Joburg here.
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