Castle Gorge

Hekpoort, Magaliesberg Mountains

Castle gorge is another one of those hidden gems of nature that occur in close proximity to the metro's of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The weathered rock formations and the crystal clear pools will bring back memories long after your visit has ended.  (GPS co-ordinates in brackets)

         
 

The hike begins from a safe parking area( S25 49.580 E27 36.782)  in the Hartebeesfontein conservancy at the foot of the nearby mountains. A short walk along a sand road takes one to a turn off ( S25 48.956 E27 36.738) from where the climb to the top of the ridge begins. The climb is just under 200m but it is quite steep and rugged in places. From the top the views looking back are quite spectacular.

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The parking area The walks starts off along a sand road
However, soon the climb begins The top of the rise
 
         
 
The way up to the ridge A well earned rest
Studying the landscape The terain is rough under foot
 

Once the saddle has been reached one joins a sand road for a short distance before one makes the choice of whether to explore the amazing rock formations beyond the crest to the right   ( top of ridgeS25 48.741 E27 35.988)
 or follow the road which takes one close to the first of the pools of the gorge itself.

 
         
 

The maze of amazing rock formations are a photographers dream. Shapes that are difficult to describe except to say that some have an uncanny resemblance to..........

  
 
         
 
S25 48.458 E27 35.600 S25 48.605 E27 35.556
Piranha pools Piranha pool
 

After some time given to exploring the many rock formations, it is now time for a swim. Piranha pool ( S25 48.680 E27 34.729) is a beautiful clear rock pool that is ideal for those with young children. There is also some shelter provided by a thicket of trees at one end.
 

  
         
 

The access to the gorge is through the 'high places' that surround this awesome place. Beware though that people with a fear of heights might have a problem.

Eventually one descends down to the pool at the foot of the waterfall ( S25 48.554 E27 34.565)
. This must be one of the most awesome places in the Magaliesberg mountains and a great place for lunch and a swim. However only use the pool that the waterfall flows into as the lower pool is dangerous.

  
Amazing rock formations all around Looking down into the gorge
The buttress sides The verticle rock walls of the gorge

 

  
         
 

The waterfall and main pool
 

Conclusion

Castle Gorge is a great day out in nature. Care must be taken at the pools as they are deep and can be quite dangerous for people that don't know them. Take along a picnic but be sure to carry all rubbish back home with you. Take only photos and leave only footprints!

Bookings

Castle Gorge may only be entered by way of an advance booking made through Johannesburg Hiking Club

Contact:    Club Administrator

Phone:        087 940 1903 (08h30-10h30)

Fax:            086 685 5746

Email        jhc@mweb.co.za

 

The area is patrolled by JHC and MCSA members who will ask for your permit

 

 

  

 

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