5 scenic runs with your baby

A baby will change just about every aspect of your life. But exercise doesn’t have to be one of them.

You need to think about all the amazing spots that you can take your baby. Our friends are Thule share some of the best scenic spots around SA to run with your baby, plus some useful tips on what to look for when buying a pram.

Modderfontein Nature Reserve
There are various trail runs to choose from, starting from 10km − or opt for one of the guided walks around the reserve. There are over 250 bird species, some of which are not normally found in urban areas in Joburg, such as long-crested eagles and crimson-breasted shrikes. In addition, more and more indigenous plants and shrubs are being planted every day in the 275-hectare reserve. Afterwards, head on over to the Dobbs Cottage at Val Bonne Country Estate, a country café restaurant that overlooks Grebe Dam and is surrounded by beautiful green lawns.

Emmarentia Dam and the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Emmarentia Dam and the surrounding botanical gardens provide a beautiful green space, where you can see lots of aquatic birdlife. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens has seven distinct gardens:  the Herb Garden, the Hedge Garden, the Succulent Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, the Rose Garden, the Chapel Garden and the Arboretum (a collection composed exclusively of trees). It’s also a popular picnicking site over weekends.

Umhlanga Promenade
The flat surface of this Durban gem makes for an easy 5km run with an amazing view of the lighthouse. Join the Park Run every Saturday for asset distance or do it yourself as many times as you like. From there, you can sit on one of the benches with a takeaway coffee in one hand and a baby bottle in the other… or treat yourself to breakfast with a view at the magnificent Oyster Box Hotel.

Kirstenbosch Gardens
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is internationally acclaimed as one of the most magnificent botanical gardens in the world. Plants here include rare and endangered species and a wide variety of fynbos. In addition, there are also free guided tours and Bird Walks. Afterwards, head to the Kirstenbosch Tea Room for light meals and cakes in a relaxed setting.

Green Point Urban Park
This large natural park fills up over the weekends, but on weekdays you may have large stretches of it to yourself. Choose to run on the inner paved ring or combine in with the nearby Seapoint promenade if you want to go a bit further. From there, simply choose one of the restaurants on the promenade that takes your fancy to have a breather with your baby.