Centurion, Pretoria · Gauteng · Picnic spot

Rietvlei picnic area at Marais Dam

  • HoursPicnic closes 18:00 from 1 October to 31 March, and 17:00 from 1 April to 30 September. Confirm the reserve is open.
  • DogsNot allowed
  • Map Directions
  • Official Conditions
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A hiker on a footpath below a bushveld koppie near Pretoria
Pretoria region · representative photograph, not this specific trail

The City of Tshwane’s Rietvlei page lists a picnic area at Marais Dam inside the reserve: braai facilities, no alcohol, no loud music, no functions, no pets. Picnic closing times on that page: 18:00 from 1 October to 31 March, and 17:00 from 1 April to 30 September. Normal day visits do not need a booking; hiking is a separate booked activity. Card only at the gate. The published day-tariff table is dated 2022/23 — confirm the current fee. The reserve was closed from 19 February 2025 after flooding; confirm it is open before you drive.

Before you go, read Rietvlei Nature Reserve guide.

Other listings in Centurion: Rietvlei Nature Reserve .

Questions

Are dogs allowed at Rietvlei Picnic Area (Marais Dam)?
Dogs are not allowed at Rietvlei Picnic Area (Marais Dam).
When is Rietvlei Picnic Area (Marais Dam) open?
Picnic closes 18:00 from 1 October to 31 March, and 17:00 from 1 April to 30 September. Confirm the reserve is open.
Where do you park for Rietvlei Picnic Area (Marais Dam)?
At the reserve entrance, 14 Game Reserve Avenue, Irene. Maximum 100 vehicles at a time.

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Nearby on the map

From this pin: Rietvlei Nature Reserve (same gate); Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve 7.8 km; Groenkloof Nature Reserve 13 km; Klapperkop Nature Reserve 13 km.

A hiker on a footpath below a bushveld koppie near Pretoria
Pretoria region · representative photo, not this trail

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Centurion, Pretoria · same gate

Tshwane’s ~4,000ha reserve near Irene: a booked four-hour day hike for groups of 10–15 — not a walk-up trail network, and no pets.

  • No dogs
A hiker on a footpath below a bushveld koppie near Pretoria
Pretoria region · representative photo, not this trail

Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

Moreleta Park, Pretoria · 7.8 km away · easy

Free Tshwane hike in Moreleta Park: official City page, no admission fee, 06:00–18:00. Named walks Rademeyer 1.5km, Duiker 2.8km, Suikerbos 3.32km. No dogs, no bikes, no picnics or braais. Not Faerie Glen.

  • No dogs
  • Free entry
  • 06:00–18:00 all year. Friends page: last entry 17:00.
A hiker on a footpath below a bushveld koppie near Pretoria
Pretoria region · representative photo, not this trail

Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Groenkloof, Pretoria · 13 km away

Africa’s first proclaimed game sanctuary: official red, white and yellow day trails (1.3–10.5km), 5km from Pretoria centre, cash-free, last entry an hour before close.

  • Gates 06:00–18:00. Last entry one hour before close. Cash-free.
A hiker on a footpath below a bushveld koppie near Pretoria
Pretoria region · representative photo, not this trail

Klapperkop Nature Reserve

Klapperkop, Pretoria · 13 km away

Official Tshwane reserve: 285 ha, free entrance, 06:00–18:00 year-round. Self-guided hikes permitted. Johann Rissik Drive can be walked, hiked, jogged or cycled. No published trail-kilometre table. Not Groenkloof.

  • Free entry
  • 06:00–18:00 year-round.

Hike at your own risk. Trail conditions change — weather, fire damage, water crossings and rockfalls can make a route unsafe with little or no notice. Distance, difficulty and other details here are compiled from public sources and may be outdated. Always verify current conditions with the relevant park or reserve authority before setting out, and hike within your own ability.