Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 62, September 2014 | Seite 29

GROENK

NATURE

LOOF

AILS OF S

OUTH AFR

BROUGH

T to you b

RESERV

NORTH

ICA

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Images: Alan van Gysen

GAUTENG

GREAT TR

Words & pics by
Jacques Marais,
author of:

WHY GO

FAST FACTS: GROENKLOOF
YELLOW ROUTE:

For more than a hundred years, the densely
vegetated Groenkloof Valley to the immediate
south of Pretoria has been a sanctuary for
wildlife, the first of its kind anywhere on the
African continent, and to this day protects a
range of animals, including giraffe, zebra, kudu,
wildebeest, the endangered sable antelope and
the shy and timid oribi, and the birdlife is above
average as well. Most of the game is tame and
will probably just ignore you.

WHAT YOU GET

Accessibility, good infrastructure and well
maintained routes in pristine Highveld savannah
and typical bush veldt thickets make Groenkloof a
popular mecca for hikers, runners and mountain
bikers. Undulating terrain and an elevated
altitude makes for a challenging day out, with
well-maintained routes combining gravel roads,
jeep-tracks and rocky single-track sections. MTB
and horse trails are separated from running
routes, so you need not fear any head-on
encounters.

WHERE TO RUN

The reserve boasts a number of well-marked
hiking routes with differing distance options and
degrees of difficulty. Study the map board at the
entrance if you’re unsure, and choose a trail to
suit your technical capabilities and level of fitness
accordingly. A good place to start is the 10.5km
Yellow Trail, an undulating route that will suit
trail runners capable of the odd technical ascent
or drop-off, but you need to keep an eye out for
slower hikers.
You can expect stunning views with panoramas
towards Voortrekker Monument, across the
Waterkloof golf course and UNISA campus, as
well as glimpses of the Pretoria CBD and Fort
Klapperkop. Keep an eye open for the signs, as
some may be screened by vegetation in places.
There are also a number of shorter trails, such
as the 4km White Trail or 3.5km Red Trail, and
there is always the option of combining a number
of trails to increase your running time. Maps are
available from the entrance point into the reserve.

GRADING: Easy to Intermediate (technical
in places)
CONFIGURATION: Circular
START POINT: Groenkloof Picnic Area
TERRAIN: Mostly single-track with some
jeep-track
FACILITIES: Ablutions; kiosk at entrance;
braai area
CELL RECEPTION: Coverage along most of
trail
TIME OF YEAR: Spring/autumn is best;
beware summer thunderstorms
BEWARE: Game on trails; slower hikers
MORE INFO: groenkloofnaturereserve@
tshwane.gov.za

GETTING THERE

From Monday to Friday you’ll reach Groenkloof
via the main entrance to the Fountains Valley
Resort. Follow the R21 to Fountains Circle,
then take the Fountains/Centurion turn-off
into Christina de Wit Road. Approximately
500m further, turn left at the entrance to the
resort. On weekends and public holidays,
use an alternative gate 800m from the main
entrance.
GPS: 25° 47’ 38.5” S / 28° 12’ 10.6” E

STAY HERE

Check out www.lekkeslaap.co.za.

on Pack

The K-Way Swift Hydrati

The Swift is relatively lightweight, but still offers a huge amount of
versatility and added space over its lighter, smaller rivals. You can fit in
a 2L bladder as well as a change of clothes, a proper lunch, a first aid kit
and your essentials, but it is still streamlined enough not to weigh you
down on the run. Quick-Flick buckles allow you to change the shoulder
straps easily, plus you get no-sweat mesh ventilation, MP3 compatibility,
bungee straps to provide easy storage, and a sternum strap to keep the
pack stable.

Available at R399 from all Cape Union Mart stores. More info at
www.capeunionmart.co.za.

WIN

To
a K-WAY Swift Hydration Pack, go to
www.modernathlete.co.za and click on the competition link.
Terms and conditions apply: Multiple entries permitted. Competition
open 1 September to 30 September. The Publisher’s decision is final, no
correspondence will be entered into.

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