Hiking
The geology along the ridges of Suikerbosrand ranges is a revelation, varying from craggy rock outcrops and grassland plains to densely wooded kloofs.
The restorative sights and sounds of the bush will make you feel as if you’ve escaped the surrounding urban crush of Johannesburg and Pretoria, especially during the gorgeous Spring and Autumn months.
Once your permits and keys for the overnight huts have been picked up from the reception, a network of 66 kilometres of hiking trails awaits you. There is also a short, 4 kilometres interpretive trail (Cheetah Trail) and the 10/17 kilometre Bokmakierie Day Visitor Trail.
Mountain Biking
The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is popular amongst mountain-bikers and road-cyclists for its quiet roads and trails, beautiful scenery, brutally steep climbs and fast, twisting descents. There are two bicycle trails in the Tamboekies area near the main gate and Diepkloof farmhouse.
The reserve also has a relatively easy 8 km off-road trail through the Tamboekies area. This trail follows the jeep tracks used to patrol the perimeter fence. The trail networks are set along birding routes, giving bird spotters the opportunity to spot more than 200 bird species that have made the reserve their home.
Trails
Although there are some smooth and open sections, the trails at Suikerbosrand are challenging. Ascents and descents are interspersed with good old Highveld rocks, and for the less technically adept runner, there may be quite a bit of walking. The only place you’re likely to get lost is getting to the start of the trail. From the parking area, walk past the Visitor's Centre and look out for the signs indicating the Bokmakierie Trail.
The trail from the pedestrian gate (use any of the footpaths) takes you on to the road. Keep walking uphill and look out for the cement route marker that shows the trail on the other side of the road. The first section of trail is short and it meanders back to the road. Continue walking uphill and after 140 metres you’ll pick up the trail again. From here the trail is well defined with no diversions. Cement blocks with a yellow-green footprint on top are the route markers.