Groenkloof Nature Reserve MTB Trail (Closest City/Town: Pretoria)
DISTANCE » 8km
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GRADING »
EASY MODERATE DIFFICULT EXTREME
[ OVERVIEW ]
Getting there
On a map, Groenkloof is a distinctive bell shape, bounded on the entrance side to the west by Christina de Wit Avenue and the Voortrekker Monument. To the east lies Fort Klapperkop and Nelson Mandela Drive. From Johannesburg take the Ben Schoeman highway north. When you wee the University of South Africa (UNISA) on the hill, exit at the Eufees Road Interchange (M7 off-ramp). Turn right onto Eufees Road and go under the highway. You will see the main entrance to the Fountains Valley directly in front of you. Turn right onto Christina de Wit Avenue if you wish to access Groenkloof directly.
On your bike
Situated in the Fountains Valley, Groenkloof Nature Reserve is a green platform from which to view the architectural and historic landmarks of Pretoria amongst non-predatory indigenous game. High-rise buildings, urban sprawl, railways, major arterial roads and freeways hem in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve on every perimeter, so few folk outside Pretoria are even aware of this natural resource in the middle of a city.
The reserve is a prime example of nature conservation and rehabilitation in progress. Throughout the 13.5 km singletrack and jeep track circuit, you come across evidence of rehabilitation in the form of felled trees, downed markers and obstructed paths. Very rocky terrain means challenging, yet extremely satisfying, riding for the experienced mountain biker on anything from undulating hard-pack to short steep rocky climbs and descents. Be prepared for extreme heat during summer. Take your time viewing some of the resident Burchell’s zebra, superimposed against the city skyscrapers, or you may be treated to seeing the ‘Two Towers’, a unique skyline created by the visual unison of graceful giraffe with the landmark silhouette of the Telkom tower at UNISA. The indigenous game that has been reintroduced to the land is accustomed to humans and you can get very close, but do not, under any circumstances, try to feed them or interfere with them in any way.
Off your bike
Hiking, birding and picnicking are popular activities at Groenkloof. There is also a 4x4 route.
CONTACT
Route Information: David Boshoff (Groenkloof Nature Reserve)
Address: PO Box 1454, Pretoria, 0001
Telephone: 012 440 8316 / 012 341 0591 / 082 789 1399
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.tshwane.gov.za and then search for ‘Groenkloof Nature Reserve’
[ FAST FACTS ]
GRADING: Technical
DURATION: 2 hours
CONFIGURATION : 8km circuit
START POINT: Fountains Valley (in the Jumbo Rally area)
TERRAIN: Technical single track river crossings over bridges
MAP: No map available
MORE INFORMATION: Technical, but rideable for the average rider. Some trails are difficult.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Gate fee - R25 per adult, R18.50 per school child and R10.0 per preschool child. If you pay at the nature reserve you don't pay again for the Fountains area.
FACILITIES: Ablutions, picnic and braai facilities. Camping and caravan park, swimming pool and the Moyo restaurant.
BEWARE OF: Be prepared for extreme heat during summer. Criminals - quads do patrol the area on a daily basis.
