a walk in the park:
the wilds

 

19 JANUARY 2025

We aim to provide a gay, lesbian and straight-friendly hiking environment for anyone and everyone to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in the company of like-minded friends.

When

19 January 2025

Where

The Wilds Nature Reserve

 

Fee

R20 per person
(includes club fee)

COFFEE

At the coffee stand in the reserve

Intensity

1 to 1.5 hr easy walk

Welcome to a Walk in the park – this is a series of short Urban hikes with a duration of 1 to 1.5 hours and exploring a delectable coffee shop in the area after our walk.
Characteristic of many spaces in the city, The Wilds has a complex history. Yet its story exemplifies the spirit of Joburg: showing that regeneration can spring from the unlikeliest sources. As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of The Wilds, we feature this as our first urban hike for 2025!
For its exceptional views, water features, winding stone pathways, magnificent trees, and quirky artworks by James Delaney and other artists, The Wilds nature reserve in Houghton is easily one of our favourite green spaces. It’s also home to a large variety of indigenous plant species, which makes it popular with flora enthusiasts.
The Wilds is split by Houghton Drive into two parts, West Wilds and East Wilds. These have separate entrances but are connected by an elegant pedestrian bridge.

Getting there:

Physical Address:

Houghton Drive, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
To follow on Google Maps, enter The Wilds Nature Reserve

GPS Co-ordinates: -26.173298801292, 28.05205265431549

The West is reminiscent of a traditional park, more manicured, with a picnic lawn albeit with dramatic rocky pathways to explore, while the East is less cultivated and recommended for group walks. To entice visitors to explore as much of the park as they can, West Wilds has been divided into different nooks and crannies, each adding to the magic. There is the Giraffe Lawn, Kudu Corner, Bushwillow Pond, Palm Waterfall, Heteropyxis Heaven, and many other gems scattered between the trees.

We will explore all the winding pathways, art, mosaic and its long history.

There is safe parking, off Houghton Drive on the northbound side, after Roedean School. There is security there and you must sign in. Since it’s restoration this is a safe walking space.
Club fee: R20 Entry to the park is free.

 

MEET:

Meet at the parking off Houghton Drive north, after the Roedean School.

PLEASE NOTE:

We start hiking at 08h30

REQUIREMENTS:

Good walking shoes, hat, sun block, at least 2lt of water. 

COFFEE:

Since it will be a short walk, we won’t have lunch afterwards. Instead, we will have coffee at the coffee stand in the reserve. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own flask of coffee or tea and rusks. There are benches to sit on.

DIFFICULTY RATING

A relatively short, easy walk (1 hour to 1.5 hours maximum).

ENTRANCE FEE:

R20 per person club fee (in cash) only.

NO NO’S:

No radios. No pets. No claims against the club for loss/death or injury. Your participation is voluntary. Take care. No littering, we leave only fairy footprints!

For more information, contact Reinette on 082 469 0095.

For more information, contact Reinette on 082 469 0095.

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Remember

Good hiking shoes, hat, sun block, 2lt of water.