A couple weekends ago we joined a Meetup group for a lovely hike in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. This reserve is located just 10 km south of central Johannesburg in Mondeor and is home to many species of birds as well as many larger mammals such as springbok and zebra. Even though we had just gotten back from Kruger National Park where zebra sightings were a daily occurrence, one can never get enough of zebras and I was very excited to do this hike and see them so close to home.

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve

Our hike started bright and early at 8:30.  There are several hikes available and our planned hike was about 7.5 km and fairly easy. The group split into a faster and slower group (yes we ended up among the stragglers as usual) and then joined back up at various points during the hike. The cool autumn morning soon gave way to the warming April sun allowing for very pleasurable hiking conditions.

Off they go (yup we are already trailing behind)

Close to the top

A gradual incline brought us to the top of a plateau where a rather cranky wildebeest and a blesbok kept a good eye on the group.

Black Wildebeest and Blesbok

Beautiful Scenery

Reaching the top, the Jozi skyline was just barely visible in the hazy north. I was once again amazed that such a reserve exists so close to the city center.

Jozi Skyline

Finally crossing over the top of the ridge we come upon the highlight of the hike, herds of zebra, blesbok and springbok peacefully grazing with South Johannesburg in the backdrop.

Zebra and Blesbok

Blesbok

 I (heart) zebras

Springbok

Not a bad view at all

Sometimes it pays off to be in the trailing group.  The lead group took a wrong turn and had to backtrack to get back on course.

Our 2.5 hour hike concluded by our return to the entrance via a pretty little stream.

Stream

Just another beautiful day in Jozi

We immensely enjoyed this reserve and most of all it was great to meet many fun people from the group. We are looking forward to another walk with them this weekend to discover a new (to us) neighborhood of Jozi so stay tuned for more adventures.