Braamfontein Spruit (Closest City/Town: Emmarentia)
Braamfontein SpruitCLOSEST TOWN > Emmarentia TRAIL DESTINATION > Johannesburg Botanic Gardens DISTANCE > Options up to 40km
GRADING > Easy to Intermediate |
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OVERVIEW This is one of Johannesburg’s most prominent greenbelts, starting on Melville Koppies in the south, and ending in Paulshof in the north. From south to north, the Braamfontein Spruit traverses the Emmarentia, Parkhurst, Craighall, Riverclub, Bryanston and Rivonia suburbs. On your bike Virtually the entire ride is along singletrack footpaths, next to the Spruit, except where tar roads must be crossed or where palisade security fences have been erected. Due to its accessibility, it is most convenient for recreation or for those who wish to commute on a bicycle away from the traffic to or from any of the CBD nodes. Cycle with your children in Jan van Riebeeck Park above and around Emmarentia Dam – arrive and depart early before the crowds of dog walkers. As this is an open public area in the middle of a major metropolis, except to encounter loitering, pollution, illegal dumping, drinking and gambling, in varying measure. Security: Cyclists have been consistently and violently attacked along the Spruit since 1997. Never ride this route alone or even in pairs. Always be vigilant and ride in a large group of five or more. Be very cautious when crossing the major arterial roads bisecting the route such as Jun Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive. Due to heavy traffic, it is more practical to dismount and walk your bike across these roads. Emmarentia Dam is a safe, access-controlled section of the Spruit. You’ll find car guards for safe parking at all the parking lots around Emmarentia Dam. Off the bike The Botanical Gardens at Emmarentia have beautiful water features and are perfect for a relaxing picnic. Wedding photos are taken there every weekend. In the same park, you can walk or ride with your dogs in the extensive open area off Orange Road. Horse riders can be accommodated at the Sandton Field and Study Centre. Picnicking can be done along most of the trail, but especially at the Sandton Field and Study Centre, Delta Park and Emmarentia Dam where there are more formal facilities for jogging, rowing and canoeing, dog-walking, bird watching and picnicking. CONTACT: Route Information: John Kruger, Johannesburg City Parks Head Office Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: www.joburg.org.za GPS: 26°09′01.0″S 028°00′21.0″E Weather: {weather Johannesburg, South Africa} |
FAST FACTSGRADING: Easy to Intermediate DURATION: Various options CONFIGURATION : Options up to 40km START POINT: Various starting points depending on how far you wish to ride, including Emmarentia Dam, Delta Park Environmental Centre. TERRAIN: Single-track footpaths MAP: Refer to Map Studio's Gauteng Central Street Guide CELL RECEPTION: Yes ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Public access between 06h00 and 18h00 FACILITIES: Picnicking along most of the trail route, facilities at Emmarentia Dam for jogging, rowing, canoeing, bird watching. Emmarentia Dam also houses the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. BEWARE OF: Never ride this route alone, always in a large group of 5 or more. Be very cautious when crossing the major arterial roads. Beware of flash flooding. Never attempt to cross the Braamfontein Spruit when it is in full spate. |
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HOW TO GET THERE
All year round.
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