Can you hike at Rietvlei Nature Reserve without booking?

Not according to the City of Tshwane page. Official hiking is a day hike of about four hours for groups of 10 to 15, and booking in advance is essential. Ordinary game-viewing day visits do not need a booking, but you stay in the vehicle except at designated spots.

Are dogs allowed at Rietvlei?

No. The official rules say no pets. That applies to the picnic area as well.

Is Rietvlei the same as Rietfontein Nature Reserve?

No. Rietvlei is a City of Tshwane reserve south of Pretoria. Rietfontein Nature Reserve is a 25-hectare Johannesburg City Parks reserve in Paulshof.

How much is Rietvlei Nature Reserve?

The day-tariff table on the Tshwane page is dated 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. We do not treat that as the current fee. Card only — no cash. Email rietvlein@tshwane.gov.za or call 012 358 1811.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve hiking and picnic

“Rietvlei Nature Reserve” searches usually want the Tshwane game reserve at Irene, not Rietfontein Nature Reserve in Paulshof. Hiking here is a booked activity. For walk-up Pretoria trails see hiking trails in Pretoria.

Time: 4 hours
Dogs: Not allowed
Parking: At the reserve entrance, 14 Game Reserve Avenue, Irene. Maximum 100 vehicles at a time.
Phone: 012 358 1811

Full listing · Directions · Official page

Place	What	Time	Hours	Dogs
Rietvlei Nature Reserve	Booked group hike	4 h	—	No
Rietvlei Picnic Area (Marais Dam)	Marais Dam picnic	—	Picnic closes 18:00 from 1 October to 31 March, and 17:00 from 1 April to 30 September. Confirm the reserve is open.	No

Confirm it is open

Tshwane closed the reserve from 19 February 2025 after flooding made roads and bridges unsafe. That notice said “until further notice”. Confirm on the official page or by phone before you drive.

Hiking

The official activities list is short: Rietvlei Nature Reserve hiking is a day hike of about four hours for 10 to 15 people. Booking in advance is essential. We do not publish named walk-up routes (Sunshine Trail, Tswana Trail, overnight 21km) because they are not on the City page.

Bookings: rietvlein@tshwane.gov.za or 012 358 1811 / 1812. Address: 14 Game Reserve Avenue, Irene.

Picnic at Marais Dam

Rietvlei Picnic Area (Marais Dam) is the official picnic: braai stands, no alcohol, no loud music, no functions, no pets. Closing times on the City page: 18:00 from 1 October to 31 March, 17:00 from 1 April to 30 September. Day visits do not need a booking. See picnic spots in Pretoria.

If you are only game viewing

About 30km of self-drive roads and six bird hides. Speed limit 30 km/h. You may not leave the vehicle except at hides, toilets and the coffee shop. Maximum 100 vehicles. Late-exit fine listed at R438. The page lists more than one gate-time block — confirm hours before you go.

Official page: Rietvlei Nature Reserve (City of Tshwane).

Questions

Can you hike at Rietvlei Nature Reserve without booking?: Not according to the City of Tshwane page. Official hiking is a day hike of about four hours for groups of 10 to 15, and booking in advance is essential. Ordinary game-viewing day visits do not need a booking, but you stay in the vehicle except at designated spots.
Are dogs allowed at Rietvlei?: No. The official rules say no pets. That applies to the picnic area as well.
Is Rietvlei the same as Rietfontein Nature Reserve?: No. Rietvlei is a City of Tshwane reserve south of Pretoria. Rietfontein Nature Reserve is a 25-hectare Johannesburg City Parks reserve in Paulshof.
How much is Rietvlei Nature Reserve?: The day-tariff table on the Tshwane page is dated 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. We do not treat that as the current fee. Card only — no cash. Email rietvlein@tshwane.gov.za or call 012 358 1811.