Great things to do in Gauteng this summer

With winter being a thing of the past, it's time to make the most of longer days and warmer weather. One of the things that residents of Gauteng love about their province is that there are so many opportunities to get outdoors. The CSi Property Group takes a look at the array of ways to enjoy summer in Gauteng - from walking and cycling trails to picnics and activities for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

Running, walking and cycling trails in Gauteng

No matter which corner of Gauteng you live in, there's somewhere close by you can go to stretch your legs or enjoy some time on your mountain bike. To provide a few examples, Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge in Muldersdrift offers an experience of the bush close to both Johannesburg and Pretoria. Over and above walking and cycling trails, Cradle Moon is also home to a gorgeous dam where Gauteng residents can go open-water swimming or fly fishing.

Kings Kloof, also in the Muldersdrift area, is described as "the home of MTB and trail running enthusiasts." It's a spot with spectacular scenery for hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers to enjoy.

If you prefer taking on the trails on four wheels as an off-road driver, Gauteng's Hennops Off-road Trails will have you navigating a series of natural and man-made obstacles. Hennops is also home to hiking and MTB trails, making it a great day out for everybody.

Gauteng's perfect picnic spots

No summer weekend can be complete without a picnic, and Gauteng residents have loads of great outdoor spaces to choose from. The James and Ethel Grey Park has been chosen by Getaway Magazine as Gauteng's top picnic spot. It offers a safe and scenic locale to lay out your picnic blanket in Melrose, Johannesburg.

Another picnicking favourite is Pretoria's National Botanical Garden - a 76-hectare haven in which you can enjoy a breath of fresh air. If you're in the mood, you could go for a nature walk in the gardens after your picnic. If Pretoria is a little far from home, you could visit Roodepoort's Walter Sisulu Garden, where you'll find both amazing birdlife and great spots for an idyllic picnic.

Picnickers - as well as walkers, joggers, rowers and nature lovers - are also big fans of Emmerentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, with large grassy spaces that are perfect for a picnic. Another favourite for those picnicking with kids is Johannesburg's Zoo Lake, where you can enjoy a row on the lake before or after your picnic.

Adrenaline rushes in Gauteng

Despite its reputation as a largely urban area, Gauteng provides its residents with a variety of ways to challenge themselves or enjoy an adrenaline rush. For example, Soweto Towers offers bungee jumping from a suspension bridge as well as the world's highest SCAD freefall. There's also a 25-metre climbing wall to take your weekend activities to new "heights".

Within an hour's drive from your home in Johannesburg or Pretoria, you can be at Saddle Creek Adventures. Here, you can try a variety of activities from horse riding and go-karting to quad biking and archery. Joburg families looking for a day of fun and an adrenaline rush can also head to Adventure Zone Cullinan, where the activities on offer include zip lining, abseiling, rap jumping, quad biking safaris and more.

No matter what type of activities you choose to fill your weekends with, Gauteng is an ideal place to call home. The CSi Property Group can help you find your perfect home if you're looking to buy or rent property in Gauteng. Contact us today for more information.