Pet-friendly walking trails in and around Gauteng

Johannesburgers can visit local parks and botanical gardens in August - and a 3m rule has been introduced for social distancing.

Nature reserves, including The Wilds, Kloofendal, and Klipriversberg and the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens opened their doors on August 1. 

Many listeners asked Martin Bester where they can walk their dogs. Breakfast with Martin Bester compiled five parks/nature reserves where you can enjoy nature with your furry friends. 

READ: Safe and picturesque hiking trails in Gauteng

1. The Big Red Barn in Irene, Centurion

The Big Red Barn is a wonder-filled space where all kinds of Big Red Fun things can happen. The Barn is an antique hay barn salvaged and rebuilt on Sunlawns Estate, a 200-hectare farm just 15 minutes from Centurion. The Big Red Barn is next to a 20-acre Eucalyptus forest and looks out over an expansive vista of fields, grasslands, and the Kaal River.

Look for The Big Red Barn on the M18, just six minutes south of Irene Village, and 15 minutes from Centurion, the R21 & the N1.

2. Huddle Park Golf and Recreation, Johannesburg

The Huddle Park Golf and Recreation offers pet owners and their pets easy-going walking trails to occupy their time. Trails range from two and a half kilometers to five kilometers in distance. The newly established dog-walking area is open to the public. Regulars who travel as a family of two people and two dogs at minimum, unlimited dog-walking memberships are available at a fee.

All entering must wear face masks, sanitise, and adhere to social distancing (two meters apart) from people that are not part of your household. 

All dogs must be on a leash unless in the dog park.

3. Walkhaven Dog Park, Johannesburg

Walkhaven Dog Park is situated in the Muldersdrift area right next to the Cradle of Humankind on 22 hectares of rolling grassland. 

Walkhaven Dog Park is open 7 days a week for your convenience and enjoyment under lockdown level 3 Covid-19 advanced restrictions and conditions.  

4. Buffalo Gorge

Buffalo Gorge is situated on a farm approximately 36km north of Middelburg, Mpumalanga on the Groblersdal N11 road towards Loskopdam, in the beautiful natural wilderness. 

Buffalo Gorge is also pet friendly, so bring along the extended family! Entrance is free for dogs, but only a maximum of two dogs per person is allowed. R50 per person. 

5. The Wilds

The Wilds is a National Monument, located right in the middle of the city. It is spectacular, considered by many to be Joburg’s “secret garden.” You can visit on your own 7 days a week during business hours, or sign up to take a formal tour. 

6. Paws in the East 

A fully enclosed “Off Leash Dog Park" where pooches and community can come together and socialise. Paws in the East Dog Park is situated in the Bashewa area on 7 hectares of untouched wilderness. The park offers a new adventurous spin on dog walking, jogging and is also home to some other animal friends.

7. Wolwespruit

Wolwespruit is a mountain bike and trail run park located in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria.