Outside of Joburg, there are the beautiful, wide-open spaces of Magaliesberg. A dusty Karoo-styled countryside in proximity to the city with hidden gems in every nook and cranny. In this article, Geraint Bojé will highlight some of the Magaliesberg experiences and activities that should not go unnoticed. From quirky farms to fancy lodges, Magaliesberg offers something for everyone.
Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris
Ever wondered what your house looks like from a bird’s-eye view? Take a trip on a hot air balloon to see most of Magaliesberg and the West Rand from high above the horizon.
Operating since the early years of 1981, Bill Harrop, his wife Mary, and daughter, Sarah, have been making a name for this family-run business. With an average of 5000 passengers a year flown by qualified and experienced professional pilots, there surely is something to be said about their hospitality and services.
The Balloons can carry up to eighteen passengers maximum, and with a fleet of six, you can rest assured everyone gets a turn.
Float up on a magical journey and enjoy the spectacular views with Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safari.
Where: R560, Skeerpoort
When: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Saturday to Sunday, 8am to 3.30pm
Website: balloon.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 457 3402 / 083 443 2661
Magaliesberg Canopy Tours
As children, most of us have tried to re-enact Mowgli from The Jungle Book, Tarzan, or even George of the Jungle. Swinging from tree to tree could somehow be inherent behaviour that we carry through ancestry. Whatever it may be, we just want to have some fun, and fun we shall have, thanks to Canopy Tours.
The concept of Canopy Tours originated in the rainforests of Costa Rica as a result of biologists needing to reach certain heights in order to further study certain animals. So, it seems only fitting that the Magaliesberg areas follow suit to make interesting landscapes accessible.
Zipline in a zigzag fashion over tall trees in an area rich with an ecological and geological history dating back to 2,500 million years. Perfect for family outings or even corporate functions and school groups, Canopy Tours provides fun and entertainment to all lovers and seekers of an adrenaline rush.
Where: Rosewood Functions, Part of 84 of the Farm, Rietfontein, Rustenburg
When: Daily, 6.30am to 4.30pm
Website: canopytour.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 014 535 0150
Black Horse Estate
Take a scenic drive out of Jozi and travel to an estate that exudes an ambience of magic and beauty as you step into the wedding venue, Black Horse Estate.
Black Horse Estate offers an artisanal craft brewery and gin distillery with an additional quaint restaurant, Stables Café, to match that old-timey feel. Sit back and enjoy the breathtakingly lovely views of the Zeekoehoek Valley and the lush greenery that surrounds the Magalies River.
Great views, fantastic drinks, delicious food, and a safe space to stay the night. What more could a fellow traveller ask for?
Where: 32 Seekoei Hoek, Bekker Schools Road, Magaliesburg
When: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. Sunday, 8am to 5pm
Website: blackhorse.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 589 4663
The Donkey Dairy
When we think of donkeys, we generally think of the hard-working underdogs of the Equidae family, or the famous talking one accompanied by a giant green ogre. It’s not every day that one connects the animal with its dairy by-product. That is, until now, with the new Donkey Dairy farm in Magaliesberg.
Operating since 2012, the initial goal of Donkey Dairy was to preserve the rare bloodline of the blue-eyed spotted donkeys, which were thought to be endemic to South Africa. Over the years, the company grew and became a rehabilitation station for donkeys and goats from miserable places. It was only in 2016 that the milking process of the donkeys was redefined to produce pristine donkey milk and natural skincare products from the excess milk.
Make your way down to The Donkey Dairy to see it for yourself. With entertaining activities like bottle-feeding the baby goats, grooming, petting, feeding, and riding the donkeys, hiking trails, and a fun farm shop and deli, Donkey Dairy is ideal for a family-friendly outing.
Where: Portion 23 of the farm Boschfontein, Magaliesburg
When: Saturday to Sunday and public holidays, 9am to 4pm
Website: thedonkeydairy.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 262 5369
Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
There is a farcical notion that lions walk among us in the streets of our neighbourhoods or lounge in our backyards waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Fortunately, that isn’t true. We have to visit places to experience that sort of fear, awe, and amazement. Places such as the exciting Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
Boasting over 600 heads of game and representing 25 different species, Bothongo will keep you on your toes with your neck jolting and eyes scouting due to all the surrounding fascinating animals. The wildlife centre, hippo walkway, self-game drives, guided tours and game drives, and a variety of restaurants and accommodations can ensure an enticing weekend getaway.
All that being said, there is a list of activities to experience for day visitors as well. These are simple pleasures such as braai and picnic facilities, 4×4 adventures, and the beloved Thatch Café and Cradle bike park for the kids and those young at heart.
Where: 520 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm. Closed on Monday.
Website: rhinolion.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 957 0349
Cradle of Humankind
Feeling curious or in the mood for an educational outing? Take a beat and learn about the ancient ways of humans or gaze in amazement at the exquisite geographical formations of the Sterkfontein Caves.
Home of Homo Naledi, the Cradle of Humankind allows you to stroll through amazing exhibitions of our planet, fossils, and tools to learn about our history and understand how we came to be. As a self-guided tour, you can give yourself all the time you need to interact with all the fascinating displays while you contemplate life and its origin.
With Maropeng focused on the development of our planet and ancestors over millions of years, or the Sterkfontein Caves flaunting its ancient shapes and formations, you’re guaranteed a full day of excitement and knowledge.
When: Daily, 9am to 4pm
Where: Cradle of Humankind, R540 Kromdraai
Website: maropeng.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 014 577 9000
Shelter Rock
The Shelter Rock hiking trail is an 8km route that features a 400-metre elevation climb, where hikers trek 4km up and 4km down the Magaliesberg mountain range.
The path begins at the Shelter Rock Base Camp before moving past a forested area with indigenous trees and the ruins of an Iron Age village to Shelter Rock – a colossal sandstone boulder – where the path becomes much rockier.
The climb up the rugged mountainside is quite strenuous, so proper footwear, like high-grip hiking boots, and hiking poles are recommended. The mountain summit features a spectacular view of Sun City, Madibeng, and Hartebeestpoort Dam below. Hikers can also explore the historic remnants of two Boer War forts on the mountaintop.
Cost: R100pp | R50pp (U12) | Free U6
When: Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 4.30pm
Where: Shelter Rock, Hartbeesfontein Road, Hartbeesfontein, Hekpoort
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