Modderfontein Reserve Trails

Modderfontein Reserve is a fenced private reserve in Modderfontein, east of Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa, with wetland, grassland and patches of forest. Visitors arrive by car or by Uber or Bolt from Sandton at roughly R220 (about $13); there is no convenient public transit. The reserve is open from 06:00 to 18:00 and charges a hiking fee of about R40 to R50 (about $2.50 to $3). Current details are published at modderfonteinreserve.co.za, and visitors should check conditions before travelling.

Eight marked trails are on offer: five short routes of 2 to 4 km, plus a 5 km and an 11 km route. Walks take from 45 minutes to about three and a half hours, and elevation gain ranges from about 40 to 200 m. Difficulty is easy for most routes, and the 11 km route is long but not technical, so it stays within the easy category for fit walkers. The surface is dirt and grass footpath, with sections through wetland margins where the ground can be soft, and shade is provided by forest patches while grassland stretches are open to the sun.

The wetlands and grassland support birdlife and small antelope, and the longer 11 km route is popular with trail runners at weekends. Landmarks include the wetland areas and forest patches, and each of the shorter loops offers an obvious turn-around point near the trailhead, so visitors can tailor the distance to their fitness. Insect repellent is helpful near the wetlands, particularly in the warm months. No refuge huts exist along the routes and water should be carried, especially on the longer trail. The reserve is fenced, which gives a managed setting, but hikers should still stay on marked paths and observe rules on dogs, bikes and litter posted at the gate. It suits a half-day outing for walkers and runners based in Sandton or eastern Johannesburg.