Kloofendal is a cultural heritage and ecotourism facility in the Roodepoort suburb of Kloofendal. The 128ha park was one of the first nature reserves in Joburg and offers urbanites a retreat from city life. The area has a high conservation value, with the natural environment representing a transition zone between the Bankenveld, Drakensberg and Savana ecosystems.
It is about eight kilometers from Soweto, and is used for environmental education. The reserve has remains of early gold mining activities and is recognised as the first gold mine in Johannesburg. The mine can be visited by appointment. See the stamp mill near the entrance to the amphitheatre.
Just 25 kilometres from the city centre, it is home to a number of small mammals such as duiker, mountain reedbuck, dassie, mongoose, hedgehog, black-backed jackal, mole rat, gerbil and more. There is a stone amphitheatre with picnic and ablution facilities, walking trails of various distances, and a dam with a hide. A map of the reserve is available from the security guard on duty.
The reserve is open every day of the week, including public holidays, from 6am to 6pm. It is fully fenced and the security guard is on duty every day.
The park offers various activities, including organised walks and talks, mainly organised by Friends of Kloofendal, a voluntary organisation dedicated to its preservation. For information or to be placed on the Friends of Kloofendal email list to receive information on the events once a month, call Karin Spottiswoode on 011 674 2980 or 079 693 5608 for tours and education ONLY.
Facilities/features/events: Hiking, fully fenced, concerts, screening, large and small corporate events, weddings, exhibitions, conferences and photography.
Walking trails - view map
Getting there: Take Christiaan de Wet Road from either the north, or Florida in the south. Turn on to Wilgerood Road, left on to Topaz Road and right on to Galena Avenue. Galena Avenue between Ouklip & Topaz GPS: 26°07’39.09”S & 27°52’50.22”E
