The Cheetah Trail is the shorter of Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve’s main day-hiking routes and is a good introduction to the reserve for hikers who do not want to tackle the longer Bokmakierie Trail.
The trail is approximately 4.5 km long and follows the rolling Highveld landscape of Suikerbosrand, where grasslands, rocky slopes and the prominent Suikerbos Ridge dominate the scenery. Although this is the easier hiking option, expect some climbing rather than a flat walk.
Suikerbosrand is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers, with more than 270 bird species recorded in the reserve. Wildlife may also be encountered, including kudu, springbok and blesbok, although sightings should never be expected or guaranteed.
The hiking trails are only partially shaded, so an early start is recommended on clear or hot days. There are no drinking-water points along the hiking routes; carry all the water you will require from the start.
Pick up a current map when entering the reserve and confirm trail access before setting out, particularly in late winter and early spring when controlled veld burns can affect access.
