Mountain Sanctuary, Magaliesberg
The Magaliesberg is a stunningly beautiful part of South Africa in which walking, hiking, birding, botany, swimming in mountain streams, wildlife viewing and simply relaxing and absorbing the beauty of nature are favoured attractions.
As its name indicates, Mountain Sanctuary is a destination – high above the Grootfontein Valley in the Magaliesberg – that’s designed to offer city dwellers a haven in which to recharge far from the noise and stress of city life.
Photo courtesy wdicks
At 1 000ha in size, Mountain Sanctuary is the region’s largest privately owned nature reserve, where a wide variety of rejuvenating and fun leisure activities have guests feeling relaxed in no time. Those who have excess energy might prefer some of the more strenuous hikes or taking on the challenge of a newly created mountain bike trail.
The beauty of the Magaliesberg is its lack of restriction. Walkers and hikers are not limited to set routes and have the freedom to walk on-trail or off. Walking times and routes vary from 15 minutes to eight hours, so there’s something on offer for everyone. Hiking trails pass enticing, crystal-clear mountain pools of pure mineral water that is suitable for drinking and swimming in.
Mountain Sanctuary prides itself on its reputation as one of the most peaceful places in South Africa, a reputation that has grown during its 35-year history. The reserve management has strict rules that ban radios and excessive noise, and right of admission into the sanctuary is reserved.
Accommodation in the reserve ranges from camping sites to chalets and log cabins, with heaters for cold winter nights. There are 30 large campsites, each with their own fireplace and grid. Each self-catering chalet sleeps four. Bedding is not supplied, but the chalets are fully equipped. New log cabins raised on stilts afford a breathtaking view of the valley and the lower reserve. Each sleeps eight and is fully equipped.
There are also a swimming pool, deck, lapa, freezer facilities and a shop equipped with the basics.
Directions
The reserve lies 120km (75mi) west of Johannesburg and 90km (56mi) west of Pretoria and is tarred for all but the last 2.5km (1.5mi).
Take the R512 past Lanseria Airport. At the Broederstroom T-junction turn left. After Pecanwood, turn right at the Sun City/Brits turn-off. At the T-junction turn right towards Brits/Sun City. At the four-way stop (there is a service station on your right), turn left towards Sun City. Follow this road for about 38km (24mi) past Majakaneng, Mooinooi and Buffelspoort. After Buffelspoort, turn left at the three-way stop. After about 10km (6mi), turn left towards Maanhaarrand. Follow the Mountain Sanctuary Park signs.