Wonderboom Nature Reserve — Attraction in Tshwane Ward 50

The terrain of the Wonderboom Nature Reserve Hiking Trail is one of the most beautiful that I have ever hiked. I don't know who went into all the trouble of making the beautiful rock pathway that covers most of the trail. It is clear that a lot of effort and skill went into it.

In terms of difficulty, the trail is moderate. While is is a short 5-6KM, it's mostly uphill and you can feel the heart rate going up as you climb up. You need hiking shoes with a good grip to avoid slipping on the rocks. The climb up is quite rewarding in terms of the almost panoramic view of the city as you go around the mountain.

The best reward lies in wait at the top where lovers of history will enjoy a tour of a historic fort that was built by the Voortrekkers in the 1800s. The imposingly high walls and gates are sure to make even a tall man feel small.

The most magnificent sight though is on the downward hike on the west side of the mountain. There is a magnificent cave that can easily accommodate 100 people. According to some historians, the grave of well known Ndebele King, Musi is somewhere near this great cave. It is believed that King Musi and his descendent, King Nyabela, took refuge in the cave at some point in the past.

The on the down side, the hiking trail needs more clearer signage. In most cases, hikers have to ask one another which direction to take towards one point or another. The way to the cave is particularly unclear. Some hikers unwittingly hike the trail in reverse because there is no clear signage at critical points of the trial. This leaves hikers unsure whether to take a left or right turn. With better signage, the Wonderboom trail will be a great...

The Wonderboom Hiking Trail is a circular route in the Wonderboom Nature Reserve, Pretoria North, with stunning views of the landscape. The reserve is famous for its 1,000-year-old wild fig tree called the Wonderboom, and legend has it that a chief is buried beneath its roots.

The cost of entry is R45 per adult, R30 for pensioners or those with disabilities, and R20 for preschool children. The reserve is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Aside from the Wonderboom tree, you can also explore the fort and cave on the hiking trail. There used to be a man-made waterfall, but it may not be working. The Wonderboom Nature Reserve also has a picnic area with braai facilities, but there is no shop on site. If you are not up for a picnic. Across from the entrance is the Wonderboom Junction shopping center where you can grab a bite and something to drink.

I hope this information gives you a better idea of what to expect at the Wonderboom Nature Reserve. You can easily spend half a day here hiking and enjoying the scenery.

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If you're not just here to enjoy a good time at the park, here's what to do:

1. Visit the location of the mother tree of the wonderbooms  (this is at the foot before you begin the hike/s). Dated back about 1000 years ago.
2. No one is mentioning the (mini)cave. There is one at the Paul Kruger Street side of the reserve. It's a bit tricky to get there. Not labeled at all.
3. Fort wonderboompoort. Of course. It's at the summit after a not so easy hike. Not just the Fort itself, the views at the top are priceless (the City - Pretoria right across to the Bon Accord dam).
4. Visit the waterfall. Right now pump problems mean there's so water there at present. So if you're going in the near future you can skip this part.

The official paths are well maintained. The City has done well in bringing in new labelling and cultural information at the foot of the reserve. Definitely recommend a visit. If you're from Jhb, it's kind of like The Wilds but with a R39 entrance...