Modderfontein Reserve — Attraction in Johannesburg Ward 32

Modderfontein Nature Reserve offers hiking and cycling trails around three large dams and their connecting waterways. I walked the 11km hiking trail.

TIPS: Choose footwear that you don’t mind getting a bit wet or muddy. Carry drinking water - the water in the river and dams is not safe to drink and there’s only one point on the trail with drinks for sale. Be certain you want to do this. Once you commit for the 11km walk you really have to finish it. Allow at least 2.5 hours for a person of good fitness. The trail isn’t suitable for infant push chairs or wheelchairs. Use the toilets before you set off. The 11km walk means a 2-hour period with no toilets. Start at the Farmer’s Market - that way there will be a good selection of food and drink to choose from when you finish!

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE: The trail heads south, passing through grassy meadow and lightly wooded areas. Much of the water’s edge is obscured by very dense reed beds, with reeds growing 3m high. After 2km, the trail meets up with a large recreational / picnic area, cleared to mown grass, next to the southern dam (lake), with many braai spots and picnic tables. There are toilets and a very small snack shop - the Eagle View. Don’t expect too much - it’s a tiny tuck shop and nothing more. The trail continues south, passing extensive reed beds that run for hundreds of metres, before the trail finally turns east and crosses the river (which feeds the southern end of the southern dam) on an elevated metal walkway. The trail next turns to the north east, through an area of light woodland, then open grassland, criss-crossing with cycle tracks and service roads. It can be confusing, but keep the dam to your left and you should be OK. The trail takes you about 1km to the east, to flank another waterway feeding the eastern side of the southern dam, which you will cross by means of a tarmac road. The trail next turns west, taking you back towards the southern dam, past a bird-watchers’ hide and meeting up with the southern dam again at the northeast corner of the dam wall. From here, the trail drops down over a couple of rocky outcrops (the only ones on the trail) and joins the river flowing north, tracking along the river’s eastern bank and heading north towards the two dams at the northern end of the reserve. After about 2km you will see (and hear!) the Farmer’s Market again, on the far bank when you meet up with the northern dam. You might think you’re close to home by now, but the trail doesn’t take you there! Instead it swings east again, skirting a third dam, albeit the smallest of the three dams. When you finally reach the eastern extremity of this third dam and start north, then west, you will find yourself under a mess of overhead power cables. It’s an ugly reminder that this nature reserve is actually very close to urbanisation. The northern most point of the walk will bring you within 50m of the Gautrain train line, as you cross Baben Bridge above the spillway of the northern dams. The last few hundred metres of the trail heads south, through some woodland, finally returning to the Farmers...

I called Modderfontein Reserve on the 20th of January 2021 to confirm that they are open for angling as I have angled there a couple of times in the past. They confirmed that the gates open at 06:00 and only the first 28 people will be allowed to catch fish as we need to practice social distancing. We left home at 05:00 as per the curfew rules and got there at 05:30 and was lucky enough to be the last people that were allowed to catch fish.

After off loading our gazebo and our angling gear about 10 minutes later we were approached by the security guards informing us that we can't fish on our usual spot because of Covid. They pointed out that we needed to fish on the right hand side of the dam where they actually stuck all the people that was fishing in a tiny spot were no social distancing could be practiced. With all honesty I can not understand it???? According to me with all the fisherman stuck on one spot that would spread the Virus even more.

The security informed us they will help us to pack up all our stuff should we want to leave or help us carry our stuff to the spot they showed us. I refused to catch fish on the spot that was shown to us and we had to pack up all our stuff and gazebo and carry it back to the car again and not one of the guards helped us. How disappointing!!!!! They should rather than close the resort for fishing then sticking everybody into one place. There are no signs or boards to point out the designated fishing areas with the Covid regulations. They would rather let you unpack all your stuff and 10 minutes later tell you that you are not allowed to fish on that spot. How pathetic!!!!! I think that they need a visit from the government to actually see that there is no social distancing...

Moddefontein Nature Reserve offers a pleasant hiking experience without breaking the bank, with a reasonable R40 entrance fee. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life without venturing too far from civilization. The trails are enjoyable, not overly challenging, making it suitable for various fitness levels.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The lack of proper signage can be frustrating for first-time visitors, potentially leading to getting lost. Finding the trailhead can also be a challenge, especially if you enter through the far gate, which results in a lengthy drive before reaching the TIRO center. Moreover, Moddefontein lacks photo-worthy spots, and the absence of bins or resting areas may make it less appealing for older hikers.

During dry seasons, the grounds may appear barren, but a return visit after rainfall could provide a more picturesque experience. Overall, Moddefontein Nature Reserve deserves a modest 6/10 rating for its scenery and accessibility. It's worth exploring if you're seeking an affordable nature escape close to the city, but be prepared for some navigational challenges. It is also comforting to not that there is a lovely picnic spot alongside the dam where you are able to braai and have a relaxing afternoon as well a weekly Sunday market which bosts a variety of food stalls, drink and market buys. These are at an additional fee but nothing to...