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Skip the eye-rolling tour guides with the best self-guided walks in Johannesburg!

| Last Updated: August 2025

While a structured amble has its perks, I’ve never been a fan of marching to a tour guide’s timetable. Personally, a self-guided stroll’s sense of freedom is more satisfying, probably because I live in Johannesburg.

A short hop from my apartment are historic buildings, frenetic shopping precincts, and natural parklands. Then there are the loops and linear paths on the city’s outskirts, where wilder paths wind through bodies of water and flora.

Of course, with so many options, it’s easy to take a wrong turn. Lucky for you, we laced our kicks, stretched our legs, and hit up only the city’s finest trails for a self-guided walk.

Johannesburg Introduction Walking Tour

From gandhi_square_precinc

Starting Point: Gandhi Square Precinct

Ending Point: Kotze St

Distance: 2.9 km

Estimated Time: 1-plus hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Linear

For me, the Johannesburg Introduction Walking Tour is among the top ways to get Jozi’s history, sans the boring lectures. For a short jaunt, it ticks many of the City of Gold’s most historic buildings.

The starting point alone is the Gandhi Square Precinct, formerly known as the Government Square in the 20th century. Just 7 minutes from it is the Johannesburg City Hall, which is a must-see for lovers of Edwardian Baroque architecture.

If your feet don’t numb yet, hoof it over to the 83-metre-high Ansteys Tower and the nearby Johannesburg Art Gallery, home of 15th to 20th-century artwork. The final leg is equally fascinating, with Joubert Park and the Old Fort as the highlights.

Tip: Get the GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities app if you need a virtual guide. It’s available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Delta Park via Braamfontein Spruit 

From rangerstables

Starting/Ending Point: 77 Craighall Rd, Victory Park, Randburg

Distance: 8.7 km

Estimated Time: 2 hrs and 17 mins

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Loop

The Braamfontein Spruit draws amblers with its pristine woodland and grassland, spreading to nearly 104 hectares. On a good day, you’ll pass by picnickers and kiddos taking on the sensory trail or Delta Environmental Centre’s wildlife courses.

Lots of birds to gawk at as well, thanks to the path’s proximity to the Florence Bird Sanctuary. The sightings usually involve Little and Ovambo Sparrowhawks, though steppe buzzards also drop by in summer.

Tip: The trail is dog-friendly, so take your pups for a stroll.

Bloubos, Beacon, Ray’s Ruins, and Kiepersol Trail Loop (Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve)

From masegothebake

Starting/Ending Point: Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve

Distance: 7.4 km

Estimated Time: 2 hrs and 5 mins

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Loop

As a wildlife buff, you’d often spot me at the Bloubos, Beacon, Ray’s Ruins, and Kiepersol Trail Loop. It’s in a 680-hectare nature reserve inhabited by 600 types of flora and 238 species of birdlife, so what’s not to love?

Beyond that, the expansive koppes and velde allow for Instagrammable shots and a few detours (only for experts). A side trip on your lucky day might mean encountering a zebra or blesbok, but a misjudged step during rainy days can lead to muddied boots or sprains.

Tip: The vegetation is thick here. Take antihistamines if you have allergies.

Parktown Architecture Walk

From johannesburginyourpocket

Starting Point: Seymour Ave, Parktown

Ending Point: Ridge Rd, Parktown

Distance: 3 km

Estimated Time: 1-plus hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Linear

I can’t help but fall in love with the city’s Victorian homes every time I wander through the Parktown Architecture Walk. Sitting in one of Jozi’s oldest and most elite suburbs, the trail features tons of 19th-century buildings, including Sir Herbert Baker’s creations.

Northwards House is one site I never skip; the 52-room manor’s Art Nouveau style and patterned gardens are pure eye candy. I can also always book a tour to geek out over the interior’s period decor…or the juicy teas involving the estate.

That said, Emoyeni, constructed in 1905, remains the prettiest for me. Its English Renaissance design hasn’t lost its elegance, especially indoors, where crystal chandeliers, panoramic windows, and classic fireplaces seemingly fill every corner.

Tip: There are plenty of shops along the way; bringing cash is advisable.

Duck Hiking Trail (Modderfontein Reserve)

From modderfontein_reserve

Starting/Ending Point: Modderfontein Reserve

Distance: 4.3 km

Estimated Time: 59 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Loop

Found in Gauteng’s second-biggest private park, the Duck Hiking Trail has the space and looks for a laid-back saunter. Most of the route passes by grasslands and stretches along the river, ultimately leading to a path encircling the dam.

Shade-wise, it’s decent, given the presence of blue gum canopies, though birdlife is the selling point. Crimson-breasted shrikes, jackal buzzards, and various eagles are common sights, and they’re just part of the 250 bird species flapping about.

It’s also one of the safest and most family-friendly walks on this list, as the park’s security is always making their rounds.

Tip: Check the fees. Activities in the reserve, such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking, aren’t free.

Zoo Lake Loop

From tatithecookie

Starting/Ending Point: Zoo Lake

Distance: 1 km

Estimated Time: 20 mins

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Loop

No, Zoo Lake isn’t just for Jazz on the Lake or the monthly Artists under the Sun exhibit. Wrapping around an artificial lake, with the Coronation Fountain at its heart, it’s also magnificent for self-guided sightseeing.

It’s hard not to think of that when the path is mostly carpeted with expansive, gentle lawns often frequented by picnickers and fur parents. Plus, when walking gets a tad dull, you can always pop by the public basketball and tennis court.

Tip: December is a great time to stroll here, as that’s when the lake hosts Carols by Candlelight.

Shopping and Leisure Walk in Melville

From fharii.tee

Starting Point: 7th Ave

Ending Point: 1st Ave

Distance: 2.6 km

Estimated Time: 1-plus hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Linear

On paper, Melville’s Shopping and Leisure Walk shouldn’t take nearly 2 hours to complete. In practice, most drag it out to peruse the vintage joints, leafy streets, bookstores, and diners that give this bohemian suburb a lot of character.

The trail even grows more appealing if you’re not following a tight schedule. See, entertainment spots mark the route; think galleries, live music, indie flicks, and poetry slams.

Melville Koppies also rises just beyond the suburb. It has Stone to Iron Age archaeological sites and 3-billion-year-old ridges!

Tip: If you want to shop while walking, opt for a happy hour stroll.

Historical Buildings Walking Tour

From ariel2more

Starting Point: Gauteng Provincial Legislature, 43 Rissik St

Ending Point: Albertina Sisulu Rd

Distance: 700 m

Estimated Time: 1-plus hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Linear

We usually joke about Jozi walks being trips to the past, and the Historical Buildings Walking Tour high-key makes it official. The entire route centres on colonial buildings, mostly British-style establishments and a smattering of NY-inspired structures.

The chief points of interest include the Johannesburg Trades Hall and Rand Club. Predictably, these are storied landmarks; the former is an Edwardian-era building that also used to be the Trade Unions HQ, while the latter is the city’s oldest private members’ club.

Tip: The best spot to catch your breath is at the Johannesburg City Library.

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

From kyra.hagerman

Starting/Ending Point: Olifants Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg

Distance: 3.7 km

Estimated Time: 58 mins

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Loop

Would it be a stretch to say that the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens trail is one of the city’s loveliest? Probably not, considering its spread of native and exotic flora.

Better yet, there are picturesque gardens inside, including a famed wedding venue. As for me, I regularly visit the Shakespeare Garden, loved for its collection of lavender, marjoram, and mint, a handful of herbs referenced in the Bard’s plays.

The 7.5-hectare Emerentia Dam is visible from the walk, too. That means you’ll get more than just the 5,532 plant species and 81 acres of grassy stretches.

Tip: It’s super busy on Saturdays and Sundays. Avoid that period if you want a more laid-back amble.

Westcliff Loop

From jabzsibiya

Starting/Ending Point: Westcliff Dr

Distance: 2.7 km

Estimated Time: 48 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Loop

Promises aren’t our thing, but we swear that Westcliff Loop’s 90-m elevation gain won’t be for nothing. A chunk of it involves the 200-step Westcliff Stairs, which, once conquered, reveal glorious views of the city.

Now, we’re not claiming only athletes can take it; even our team’s casual hikers have completed the steps. Skipping the stairs also doesn’t diminish the loop’s charm, especially since it still winds past Zoo Lake.

Tip: You can park at Owl Street Parking.

The Wilds (Houghton)

From dkamona

Starting/Ending Point: Munro Dr

Distance: 1.4 km

Estimated Time: 22 mins

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out-and-back

If you love indigenous flora and koppies, The 16-hectare The Wilds, perched on Houghton’s fringes, will only intensify that adoration.

The trail doesn’t stick to one view either. Sure, you’ll mostly roam near hillsides, but expect city scenes to peek through as well, particularly at the zenith where a sundial rests.

My favourite bit about the route, though, is that it’s ‘winter-proof.’ The red aloes here usually stay bright no matter how nippy it gets.

Tip: Parking is limited, so try to be early.

Wildlife Loop (Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve)

From dalikhanyile

Starting/Ending Point: Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve

Distance: 15.6 km

Estimated Time: 4 hrs 36 mins

Difficulty: Hard

Type: Loop

Tougher walks often pay off, and that’s certainly the case with Wildlife Loop. The 529-m elevation gain will test your legs and lungs, but the Jozi skyline vistas awaiting you at the peak are worth it.

Of course, you don’t have to finish it all; some hikers cut the route short, as the trickiest uphills and downhills can be too punishing. Despite that, the sights are still golden, especially for lucky souls who’ll stumble upon dassies, springbok, zebras, and wildebeests.

Tip: Shade is quite limited. Wear a hat, pack lots of water, and apply sunscreen.

James & Ethel Gray Park Trail

From jegpf

Starting/Ending Point: James & Ethel Gray Park, Edgewood Avenue &, Melrose St, Melrose

Distance: 1.6 km

Estimated Time: 29 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Loop

For those not into tough slogs but still eager for a walk, give the 36-hectare James and Ethel Gray Park Trail a shot. It’s family-friendly, shady enough for post-stroll picnics, and a favourite among wetland birds, namely herons and kingfishers.

What’s more, you can take your pooches out for a walk here. They might even find new mates, as this lush and hilly stretch is usually full of pups.

Tip: Take your prams and bikes along. The pavement here is ideal for both.

Golden Harvest Loop

From hound.and.home

Starting/ Ending Point: Golden Harvest Park, 1 1st Rd, Randburg

Distance: 5 km

Estimated Time: 1 hr and 19 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Loop

The Golden Harvest Loop is a local secret we don’t mind spilling. After all, we’d be terrible for gatekeeping its birdlife and soothing ambience…or its quirks.

By ‘quirks,’ we mean the trail’s varied sections. The path takes you to a pond, a play area, a green expanse, and eventually, a dam.

Best of all, its natural state is mostly unchanged, so the area, totalling 55 hectares, is made up of native bushveld and rich in birdlife.

Tip: A pair of binoculars would do you wonders. Birdlife can be spotted here.
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