EXPLORE Magaliesburg

A tranquil destination with a rich history and biodiversity, Magaliesburg is the perfect destination to escape the city life and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. It is a small village that lies below the Southern Range of the Magaliesberg Mountains, nestled in the heart of this beautiful region of mountains, valleys, rivers and indigenous forest. With a unique geological history, friendly locals and an abundance of accommodation, there is much to see and explore here. 

This village is home to the oldest gold mine in Gauteng which was discovered more than 100 years ago and can be viewed at the Blaauwbank Gold Mine and Museum, located just outside of the village in the Blaauwbank area, along the northern parts of the Witwaterstrand Gold reef. The largest settlement of man in Sub Saharan Africa was created as a result of this rich stretch of land and thus the gold rush started. Magaliesburg also has a rich history and is the location where the Battle of Nooitgedach took place at the height of the Boer War, between the Boer and the English. The Battle of Nooitgedach Mounment and the Old English Block House are open for visitors to view. 

This mountain range is older than Mount Everest and half the age of the earth. It stretches over a 120kilometer radius, and is characteristically recognised by its split parallel appearance which was formed several million years ago, creating a natural barrier between the highveld grasslands to the south, and the northern bushveld savannah. Extending from Pretoria, through Rustenburg to Pilansburg, the mountain range is visible from many destinations across Gauteng and the North West Province. This 360 000 hectares of protected land has been proclaimed the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve due to the unique geological  conditions and the excavations that have taken place and continue to take place. 

What makes the Magaliesberg region so unique are its quartzite cliffs, shaped by water running over them forming deep gullies and up to 100 meter deep kloofs where perennial waterfalls and clear streams with ferns, flowers, fungi and fauna of all kinds can be found. A true nature lovers paradise and any outdoor fanatics playground. It is also identified as the birthplace of mankind where The Cradle of Humankind can be visited at Maropeng in Sterkfontein, just a few minutes’ drive from Magaliesburg. 

An area with such a rich history and rich biodiversity, Magaliesburg and surrounding areas attract visitors all year round. Many city dwellers who wish to live closer to nature have settled here, commuting to the Johannesburg or Pretoria for work. Attractions such as the Magaliesberg Meander are popular among locals and visitors alike where 46.6% of Southern Africa’s bird species live in their natural habitat and where fauna and flora unique to not only South Africa, but the Magaliesberg region itself, such as the Aloe Peglerae and Frithia pulchar can be found. Activities such as hot air ballooning, bush walks, fishing, hiking, cycling, horse riding, kloofing, white river rafting and Clay Target Shooting, amongst many other adrenaline fuelled activities and excursions can be enjoyed. 

Magaliesburg accommodation promises travellers of all kinds a relaxing, peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Accommodation in Magaliesburg ranges from guest-houses, lodges and self-catering apartments and houses to luxurious retreats and hotels, whatever the occasion calls for.