The Bokmakierie Trail is Suikerbosrand's principal day hike and offers a considerably tougher outing than the shorter Cheetah Trail. Repeated ascents and descents cross rocky Highveld ridges and valleys, with broad views across the reserve and surrounding Gauteng landscape.
Despite Suikerbosrand’s proximity to Johannesburg, the route contains repeated climbing and descending. Allow enough time rather than judging the hike on distance alone.
More than 270 bird species have been recorded in the reserve. Kudu, springbok and blesbok may also be seen, although hikers may encounter tracks and other signs of game more often than the animals themselves.
The trail is only partially shaded and should preferably be started early on hot, clear days. There are no water points along the route, so carry all required drinking water from the start.
Controlled veld burns sometimes take place before the summer rains in late winter or early spring. Confirm that the trail is open before travelling during this period.
