Hennops Hiking Trail (Magaliesberg foothills)

The Hennops Hiking Trail lies in the Magaliesberg foothills in the Hartbeespoort area of North West Province, South Africa, roughly 45 to 60 minutes' drive north of Sandton in Johannesburg. It is reachable by car only, as no public transit serves the trailhead. Day entry costs about R70 for adults and R40 for school children (about $4.30 and $2.40). The trails start across the Hennops River, which is crossed by a suspension bridge or a cable car, so the arrival itself is part of the experience.

Three graded loops are available: a 2 km Dassie route, a 5 km Zebra route and a 10 km Krokodilberg route. They take from about one hour to five hours, and elevation gain ranges from around 50 m on the shortest to around 450 m on the longest. The Dassie loop is easy, the Zebra loop is moderate, and the Krokodilberg is the full half-day hike, so the overall grade is moderate. The surface is rocky dirt path with some steep and loose sections on the longest route, and shade is limited in open bushveld with more cover among the trees near the river. Hiking boots are advised on the longer routes.

Landmarks include the suspension bridge and river crossing at the start, the rocky ridges of the Krokodilberg loop and the views over the foothills toward the Magaliesberg. Walkers can turn back at any junction, and the shorter loops make a natural bail-out for those who tire on the longer route. There are no refuge huts, so three litres of water should be carried on the 10 km route, along with sun protection and snacks. Weather can change quickly in summer with afternoon thunderstorms, and the rocks are slippery when wet. Trails should be started early to finish before the heat of the day. The route suits fit day hikers and families choosing the shorter loops, and it makes an easy escape from Johannesburg without an overnight stay.