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Hiking the Hennops Trail offers a fantastic outdoor experience filled with scenic views, diverse wildlife, colourful wildflowers, and unique landscapes. Located not far from Johannesburg and Pretoria, this trail is popular for novice and seasoned hikers alike due to its variety of routes, from easy to moderately complex.
However, preparation is key to making the most of your adventure. From hydration and sun protection to packing essential gear and knowing the trail’s requirements, planning will ensure you enjoy your day safely.
Here are ten essential tips to help you prepare for a memorable hike on the Hennops Trail!
1. Pack Lots of Water
One of the most important essentials for any trip is something that we sometimes overlook altogether – water. Packing plenty of water to stay hydrated is not just for comfort; it can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and one cut short requiring medical attention. You might be surprised at how much water you need to drink.
There’s nowhere to get water on the Hennops Trail system, so all you will have is what you pack in with you. While there is a river, you should never drink the water from it if you don’t want to end up sick.
So, be sure to pack your water bottle. You can also use a hydration pack for convenient sips on the go. However, you should also pack an extra large bottle in your backpack. As a rule of thumb, you should pack a litre of water for each person for every two hours you will be hiking.
For instance, If you are doing the Krokodilberg Trail, that means at least 2 litres per person. On a hot day, you should increase that to 3 litres per person.
2. Bring Snacks
Bringing protein bars, trail mix, or other dried snacks is also a great idea since they are easy to eat on the go. The Krokodilberg route is about 11km long, so you will want to replenish your body’s energy. Carbohydrates and protein are the best options; avoid sugary snacks that will give you a quick rush but leave you drained of energy when it wears off.
Still, by the time you make it back to the car, you will be hungry again! There is some food and coffee at reception, but it is only open on weekends and public holidays until 15h00. Even still, you may or may not find what you want there, so be sure to pack some food of your own to eat after your trip.
Pack your EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator in your car with plenty of cold drinks and cold snacks for when you return. It will give you something to look forward to after your long hike.
Then, you can sit and relax, enjoy lunch or dinner, and not have to listen to your stomach grumble the whole way back to town. Hennops even has two swimming pools and plenty of braai stands, so you can cook a nice meal after your hike.
If you bring an EcoFlow Portable Power Station, you can use it to recharge your devices. While music is not allowed on the trails, you can probably listen to some while you eat or use the power to keep the kids entertained while you relax and enjoy.
3. Sun Protection
There’s little shade along the trails, so it is critical to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a good hat and a shirt with long sleeves. Sunscreen should also be worn on your legs or any other exposed skin to prevent burns. Finally, sunglasses are a good idea as well to help you enjoy the scenery even during the brightest parts of the day.
4. Start Early to Avoid the Heat of the Day
Depending on the time of year, it can get very hot. So, if you want to avoid the heat, arrive and start early. The trails open at 07h00, and the last hikers are allowed to enter at 13h00.
5. Kids Should be Over 5
Note that baby strollers are not allowed, and the trails are considered unsuitable for children under about 5 years of age. Even at five years old, you may want to stick to the easier, shorter hikes on the Dassie Trail (2km) or the Zebra Trail (5km).
Even older children should avoid the 10-11km Krokodilberg route unless they are used to hiking with you and can handle the length and the elevation climb since it is a more challenging hike.
6. No Pets Allowed
I’m sorry, folks. Your furry family members will not be allowed on the hike, so they should be left home or in someone’s care while you are out for the day. They can join you at the end of the day.
7. Wear Good Quality Shoes
The trails cover some rough terrain, so wear good-quality hiking shoes, not summer sandals or other shoes that could cause a sprained ankle, blisters, or other injuries. Hiking shoes are best when they come just above your ankles for extra support and protection.
8. No Reservations Required, But Bring Cash
No reservations are required to hike at Hennops, but there is an entrance fee. Each adult will pay R100 and R50 for schoolchildren. However, pensioners and students can get discounted rates of R60 on all regular weekdays, excluding all public holidays.
9. Power Supply
If you plan to do a lot of photography on the way and are worried about running your batteries low, pack your EcoFlow River 2 Max with you, and you can recharge your phone and camera simultaneously. It’s compact and lightweight enough to carry it in your backpack easily.
If you need more power, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro has 800W output power, which should be plenty for a day trip. However, you could also bring portable solar panels hiking, so you can quickly recharge your power station while you take a break and rest for a bite to eat. All these items also make excellent gifts for outdoor adventurers.
10. Make a Night of It
Why end your adventure early? You can stay at one of several nearby campsites and head out again the next day. Then, you should have plenty of time to hike and enjoy all three of the trails at Hennops. Just pack extra food in your portable refrigerator, including something to cook on the braai, and bring a tent and sleeping gear, and don’t forget your portable power station for camping. With your EcoFlow RIVER Pro Solar Generator (PV160W), you can play music, recharge your devices, and let the kids watch shows on their tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are three trails at Hennops. Two are pretty straightforward: 2km and 5km long trails with no major elevation changes. The third is a moderately difficult 11km hike with some elevation and rough terrain, but it requires no speciality gear other than good hiking shoes.
The entrance fee at Hennops Hiking Trail is R100 for adults and R50 for schoolchildren. Pensioners and students get discounted passes on regular weekdays of R60, but that doesn’t include public holidays.
Final Thoughts
Hiking the Hennops Trail is an unforgettable experience. It’s perfect for connecting with nature while challenging yourself to a vigorous hike. Packing essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection and ensuring you have the proper footwear will prepare you for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Consider bringing an EcoFlow River 2 Pro Portable Power Station to power your devices, especially if you stay at one of the nearby campgrounds overnight. Now get out there, embrace the adventure, soak in the views, and have fun—the Hennops Trail has plenty to offer.