Set high on the escarpment, the Mpumalanga Highlands feature endless savannah plains meeting steep mountain passes hugging rugged rocky cliffs. The Highlands of Mpumalanga are a playground for nature and adventure lovers. A number of charming, high-altitude, grassland villages are scattered on a sea of cattle ranches which are interspersed with numerous trout fishing locations and mountain hideaways. Aside from the trout and quaint towns the highland scenery and flora and fauna are also major attractions. Visitors can enjoy a number of wonderful activities including: discovering crystal-clear streams and cascading waterfalls, visiting the Highland’s tourism mecca of Dullstroom, as well as horse riding, whiskey and beer tasting, hiking, fly fishing and much more.
As previously described
Because the Magaliesberg Mountains are almost 100 times older than Mount Everest and half the age of the earth, it is a unique treasure. For its age, and its amazing richness in important fossils, rock art and unique beauty, the Magaliesberg Biosphere was proclaimed an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Stretching for approximately 120kms, from Bronkhorstspruit Dam east of Pretoria to Rustenburg, the Magaliesberg Mountains in northern South Africa may not be the longest or the highest mountain range on planet Earth, but they are some of the oldest. And South Africa has some OLD mountains. The Barbertown Greenstone Belt is 3.6 billion years old and are the oldest mountains in the world. The Waterberg Mountains which are 2.7 billion years old are the 3rd oldest mountain range in the world. The Magaliesberg comes in at number 4 at 2.3 billion years. Over millennia, the mountains have been worn down by weather and nature itself. Its highest point, Nooitgedacht, is about 1,852 metres.
With a span of that many years, it’s not surprising that the mountains have seen nearly all of man’s evolution. Fossil evidence of the earliest hominin species, such as Mrs Ples and Little Foot, shows that humans have lived here as far back as 2 million years. Both of these were found in the Sterkfontein Caves, close to the town of Magaliesberg and in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The Magaliesberg mountains were also fought over by the Zulus, and later the Boers and the British. The remnants of British blockhouses can still be seen.
The mountains’ natural history began as sediments deposited in an inland basin. Molten magma welled up pushing the sediments down at an angle. The sediments cracked and were themselves filled by a different magma. This was, over time, eroded, forming the deep ravines in which the rock-climbers of today delight. The Magaliesberg is characterized by large quartzite cliffs, deep tree-filled gullies, and stunning waterfalls. Even if you’re not a rock-climber you can enjoy this natural beauty thanks to the cable-car that starts from the Hartbeespoort Dam and takes you to the top. This dam and the mountain range have now become a popular weekend and holiday spot thanks to its proximity to Johannesburg, Rustenburg, and Pretoria. You can tackle some rock-climbing, gaze in awe at the rock art, take a slow wander along the Crocodile Meander, visit any of the small game reserves scattered along the length of the range, including the nearby Kgaswane Mountain Reserve.
Stretching along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, in the North West Province, Sun City is internationally renowned as South Africa's premier holiday resort and offers a multitude of attractions and activities. With its combination of golfing, gaming, and gambling, as well as world-class hotels, this destination is often referred to as a 'mini Las Vegas in the African bush'. Families can enjoy the impressive waterpark and maze, while nature lovers can explore the incredible Pilanesberg National Park, where they can see all of the Big Five. Make sure to take the fascinating Leeto-Kgolo Village Tour to get an idea of the area's ancient culture. Sun City is also known as the only surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of the landlocked city of Johannesburg.
Over 1300 million years ago, the Pilanesberg area in South Africa’s North West Province, was alive with volcanic eruptions and overflowing magma. The result is an alkaline volcanic crater, one of three on Earth, that is one of the largest circular volcanic complexes of its type in the world. The rare geological features, rock types and formations attract geologists and photographers from all over the world. And we haven’t even mentioned the wildlife yet!
Man has lived here beneath Thabayadiotso, ‘the Proud Mountain’, since the Stone Age and has left his mark in a number of sites. During the apartheid era, the area was part of the then independent ‘bantustan’, Bophuthatswana. As the Park’s terrain lies in the transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld with overlaps in mammals, birds, and vegetation, the Bophuthatswana President, Lucas Mangope, decided to convert the Pilanesberg into a game reserve in 1977 and re-introduce long-vanished wildlife and remove all non-native plant life from the region. Operation Genesis began. This mammoth achievement was the largest game resettlement in the world.
Today, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is home to over 10 000 animals and has the world’s largest number of hyenas. Because of its ecologically rich and malaria-free location, this vast area dramatically increases your chances of encountering, among others, the Big 5, wild dog, Roan, Tsessebe, Sable antelope, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra, and crocodile. There are more than 360 species of bird. You can immerse yourself in the natural world on exciting game drives or in the well-built, concealed photographic hides which provide a comfortable place to wait for that perfect shot. The Mankwe Dam is ideal for spotting animals pausing for a drink.
As it’s only 3 hours’ drive from Johannesburg, and is also close to Pretoria and Rustenburg, Pilanesberg National Park, the 4th largest Park in South Africa, is the most accessible and popular game reserve in the country.
It’s great for day trips and is also near the Lost City. In the Park, an array of activities is on offer, including guided walks, game drives, and hot-air balloon rides, traditional tribal dance performances, music workshops, and luxury spa experiences.
