The people that live beneath the protective arms of the Magaliesberg are the same people that know the countless footpaths and trails that lace the valley. There are, fortunately, many trails that have opened themselves to visitors from Pretoria, Johannesburg, and further afield. Farm owners, lodges and nature reserves often pool resources to ensure that there are many kilometers of hiking and walking paths across the Magaliesberg mountains accessible to a paying client. So, next time you’re in Hartbeespoort or Magaliesburg, make sure you know some of the best spots to lace up your trail shoes. Not only is hiking super-affordable (entrance fees are always light on the pocket) but it is also the best way to get in touch with nature.

Here’s our list of the best places to hike in the Magaliesberg. This list is in no particular order, and we’ve also put our wonderful trails on the list for good measure. We believe, though, that as locals, we know our way across these bush-covered granite cliffs, and these are the best places for the visitor to stretch their legs. It must be mentioned that it is ALWAYS a good idea to book ahead, and that every hike must begin as early as possible.

Rustig Hiking Trails

Image taken from https://www.moshalamothiba.co.za/

Rustig Hiking Trails can be found at the Rustig farm that belongs to the Oosthuizen family. Their property lies at the base of a stretch of some of the most beautiful Magaliesberg cliffs. They have an incredible hiking trail into the mountains, and they cater for hiking novices as well as those that are a bit fitter.

They even have facilities for overnight hiking adventurers who can say in their mountain hut. Truly a beautiful experience. Most day hikes on a Saturday will cost R95, but the shorter 5km hike will cost R80. The farm is located close to Hekpoort.

Website: www.rustig.co.za

Phone: 011 662 2611

2. Kranskloof

Image taken from http://trailrunner.co.za/

Kranskloof remains beautiful due to the trails’ location next to some really dramatic gorges and ravines that hold beautifully tranquil little streams of water. Kranskloof is also pretty close to the Magaliesberg Canopy Tours and Sparkling Waters Hotel. If you’re looking for some moderate hiking trails with that ‘beauty’ factor, then don’t leave this hike off your hiking diary. The only issue is access, as Kranskloof is probably the farthest Magalies hiking trail on this list if you’re coming from Johannesburg or Pretoria.

Phone: 078 976 6723

3. B’Sorah

B’Sorah is a beautiful, luxury bush camp located on the nearer side of the Magalies to Johannesburg. Their primary business is their luxurious accommodation, however their trails are also something to be admired. Their trails don’t offer the incredible heights that are experienced on the Magalies outcrop, but they have wonderful areas of bushveld forests and streams. Make sure that you pay them a visit. This is one Magaliesberg hiking destination that you don’t want to miss. The fees are R70 for day visitors and trails range from 3-4kms in length, to over 18kms in length.

Website: www.bsorah.com

Phone: 063 572 1062

4. Vergenoeg

Vergenoeg is under new management, and now belongs to some close friends of Hollybrooke Adventure Farm. Keep an eye on this one, as there is bound to be some important work going into the hiking trails. The mountain loop is just over 10kms at this stage, but there will be loops of differing length soon. The hiking trails are also located on some of the best areas on the mountain range, lying quite close to Hartbeespoort Dam (on the quieter western side). But be warned: prepare your legs for the major incline-burn.

Website: www.vergenoegreserve.com

Phone: 083 671 5881 / 083 560 3318

5. Hennops Trails

Image from https://www.hennopstrails.co.za/

Hennops is an institution. The trails coax thousands of Joburgers and Pretorians to the Magalies mountains every weekend. This is, ironically, the trails’ greatest shortfall: there is generally a lot of traffic on the loops. However, the Hennops trails remain beautiful, displaying idyllic river crossings and wonderful winding trails into the gorges. The easy Zebra trail and the harder Krokodil are both marvelous. All the trails in the Magaliesberg area should owe a ‘doff-of-the-hat’ to Hennops for introducing so many South African’s to the wonders of hiking. If you haven’t walked Hennops, then be sure to do so as soon as possible. R100 entrance-fee will be the only requirement.

Website: www.hennopstrails.co.za
Phone: 082 825 9205

6. Shelter Rock

Image taken from https://www.shelterrock.co.za/

My first experience of Shelter Rock was during my scouting days as a teenager in Joburg. The hiking experience is much the same now as it was when I was younger: the trail is truly magnificent. The actual technicality of the hike is easy enough that families can summit the Magalies, but the trail is as much a historical walk as it is a hike. Be sure to spot the Boer War forts.

Website: www.shelterrock.co.za

Phone: 071 473 6298

7. Sable Ranch

Sable Ranch is a wonderful bushveld retreat located close to Johannesburg within the Magalies area. The lodge is close to the Noble Village restaurant and brewery, and is a little removed from the Magalies cliffs. However, the trails located on the Sable antelope farm are beautiful yet easy enough for the whole family to enjoy. The trails crisscross the farm, and you may even be able to do a 12km route during the day. The entry fee is R70 per adult.

Website: www.sableranch-magalies.co.za

Phone: 064 528 9339 / 079 896 7374

8. Hollybrooke Adventure Farm & Van Gaalen Cheese Farm

Hollybrooke Adventure Farm has very recently completed the 5km loop on the farm. Our farm shares some of the Magalies river’s finest banks, and the new Legavaan Private Trail follows the river through some of our lush forest. What’s more, we built our trails to connect with the famous Van Gaalen trails, so we offer visitors our 5km Legavaan Trail, the 10km river route to Van Gaalen’s, the 10km circular to the Greek Orthodox Church, or a 15km Vulture Trail to the top of the Magalies mountain range. We really have it all! Make sure that you visit us as early as possible in order to complete the longer routes before the day is done. We look forward to seeing you!

Phone: (082) 552-1285

Check our hiking page by clicking this link.

We really hope that we have covered all bases for your next search regarding hiking in Magaliesberg. Hiking in Magalies or hiking in Hartbeespoort offers those living in Pretoria and Johannesburg the best opportunity to hone their fitness and technical skill in what is a fantastic hobby and pastime.

Top 8: Hiking in Magaliesberg

Rustig Hiking Trails