Magaliesberg Canopy Tour
The Magaliesberg region that straddles Gauteng and the North West Province is a popular weekend leisure spot. The area is rich in archaeological, natural and geological heritage sites - the town of Magaliesburg is close to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, where early hominid species lived at least 2-million years ago; Hartbeespoort Dam in a valley of the Magaliesberg mountain range is a picturesque getaway; the heart of the Magaliesberg itself is a proclaimed Protected Natural Environment; the deep kloofs (“ravines”) of the 2.5-billion-year-old range make for excellent rock climbing.
Adventure-seekers visiting the Magaliesberg should take in a Magaliesberg Canopy Tour of the impressive Ysterhout Kloof. Eleven platforms connected by steel cables have been constructed in the gorge, where visitors can zigzag from one point to another and enjoy the spectacular views while they learn about environmental science.
Two trained guides attach you to zip lines, enabling you to foefie slide (zip slide) in safety while they point out klipspringer, black eagles, indigenous plant life, and ecology and geology. There are 10 slides of differing length, speed and height – the longest is 140m (460ft) and the highest 55m to 60m (180ft to 195ft). If you are fearful of being above the valley alone, you can take a tandem tour with a guide.
Magaliesberg Canopy Tour® operates from the Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa. The tour takes about two and a half hours which includes transport to and from Ysterhout Kloof, a safety briefing, and lunch.
Booking is essential, with a minimum of two and a maximum of eight people per tour. Comfortable clothing with closed shoes should be worn. Helmets are supplied by the tour operators.
Admission
Per person: R450
Group discounts are available on enquiry
Visiting hours
Tours depart every 30 minutes from 07h00 to 16h30 during summer, and 08h00 to 15h30 during winter
Directions
From the N1, take the R511/William Nicol Drive, headed north. After crossing the N14, turn left to stay on the R511. Cross the N4 and continue on the R104/R27. Turn left at the second three-way stop (towards Buffelspoort Dam). The Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa is on the left about 11km from the turn-off.