Rietvlei Blue Trail

Rietvlei Nature Reserve is one of the most wildlife-rich urban nature reserves in South Africa — a 3,800-hectare reserve southeast of Pretoria containing white rhino, cheetah (fenced), lion (fenced), hippo, buffalo, zebra and over 270 bird species within the greater Pretoria metropolitan boundary. The blue trail is the MTB-specific route through the reserve, providing a 15km gravel and singletrack circuit through the open plains with Rietvlei Dam as the central feature.

The Blue Trail

The Rietvlei blue trail follows gravel reserve tracks and compacted singletrack through the open plains surrounding the dam — terrain that maximises wildlife exposure. White rhino are regularly sighted grazing on the grassland sections; hippo are visible from the dam-side trail sections in the early morning; and the reserve’s large zebra and blesbok populations are an almost guaranteed sighting on any circuit. The moderate climbs onto the koppie terrain provide elevated views across the dam and reserve plains. The trail is well-maintained and clearly signposted — a reliable intermediate option for Pretoria riders who want a wildlife experience alongside their weekly training ride.

Getting There

Rietvlei Nature Reserve entrance off R21/Nelmapius Drive, Pretoria Southeast. GPS: -25.8833, 28.3167. Tel: +27 12 358 1811. From Pretoria: R21 south, exit Nelmapius/Rietvlei direction.

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🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →