Mountain Sanctuary Park

Magaliesberg Mountains, North West Province

Perdewater Grotto

Mountain Sanctuary Park is a beautiful nature reserve situated approximately 90km from Pretoria and 110km from Johannesburg. The reserve is privately owned and has been a protected refuge for wildlife for many years. Klipspringer, Duiker, Vaal Rhebuck, Mountain Rhebuck, Impala, Zebra, Baboon, Brown Hyena, Jackal, Leopard and many smaller animal are at home in the park.

To reach Mountain Sanctuary Park by road from Johannesburg, take Hendrik Potgieter past Little Falls until one reaches the T-junction near the Sterkfontein Caves. Turn towards Hekpoort and then take the Venterdorp road to the left. Follow the road through the town of Magaliesburg and then past Mount Grace and Lover's Rock. Once you have the majestic cliffs of the Magaliesberg mountains on your right, look for the sign to Marikana just past the Maanhaarrand trading store (look for the Utopia signboard on the left). Follow this dirt road over Breedtsnek, the turn off to Mountain Sanctuary park is on the right. The road is not good so allow yourself plenty of time to travel this section.

         
 

Hiking in the reserve presents the opportunity of exploring the park as a wilderness area. There are paths but take a picnic lunch with you and explore the area without restricting yourself to the routes normally taken. A good place to start is Perdewater Groot or Fountain Pools.

  
 
         
 
 

The rock formations found along the trail are amazing. Well worth the visit on their own.

  
         
 

The area is ideal for hiking with the whole family. Children enjoy the abundant water but they need to kept an eye on because there are some dangerous spots in the gorges.

  
 
         
 
 

West pools provide an ideal place to cool of in summer. There is also a swimming pool back at camp. The office also sells cool drinks and charcoal for a braai

  
         
 

Conclusion

Certainly a great place for hiking. The park also has chalets and log cabins for rent, so why not make a weekend of it. Camping and caravan sites are also available. Gates close at 18h30 (1 Nov-30 April) and 17h30 (1 May - 31 Oct). Bookings are essential.

Bookings

Mountain Sanctuary Park

PO Box 187, Kroondal 0350

Tel/Fax (014) 534-0114 Cell 082 707 5538 or 082 371 6146

  
 

 Footprint Hiking Club

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