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Magaliesburg offers a perfect retreat from the big cities
The small town of Magaliesburg is situated a short drive west from Johannesburg and the South African capital of Pretoria. Nestled in the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains, its namesake town is often seen as a gateway to the surrounding nature and a peaceful alternative to the nearby cities. Being less than two hours from either city allows residents of Pretoria and Johannesburg to conveniently access Magaliesburg on weekend getaways, but the area has also become a popular destination for longer holidays from visitors further afield.
Easily accessible from any direction
Magaliesburg is almost equidistant from Pretoria and Johannesburg, lying to the southwest of the capital and the northwest of Joburg, forming a triangle between the three. As a result, accessing the smaller town is very convenient with direct highways leading to both cities. O.R Tambo International Airport is also within a two-hour drive of Magaliesburg, ensuring that visitors travelling by air can also conveniently access the mountain town. Most visitors arrive in the town via the R24 local highway from the southwest and thus arrive at the southern end of Magaliesburg where Koster Road and Rustenburg Road meet. This is also where the town’s train station is located which also provides daily links to Johannesburg. Rustenburg Road is where much of the town’s commercial activity is centred such as restaurants, shops and bars, plus some of the central hotels in Magaliesburg. From the town centre, this road heads north alongside the Magalies River and into the mountain range.
A well-equipped mountain town
The history of human activity in the region dates back many centuries when local tribes moved freely around the mountains and surroundings, however the town of Magaliesburg itself was settled in the nineteenth century. During the 1870’s gold rush in South Africa, Magaliesburg grew thanks to the nearby Blaauwbank Gold Mine which is now a museum and resort showcasing the historic industry. The mine is located west of Magaliesburg on the highway to Koster and is easily accessible within a short drive of either town. Nowadays, the town is largely residential with many folks from the cities choosing to either commute or enjoy a quieter life near the mountains. Magaliesburg does however have a variety of amenities to cater for visitors and is thus an ideal place to stock up before heading into the mountain range and encircling nature. As a result, much of the hotel options lie in the surrounding countryside, offering resort style accommodation with spacious land around.
Peaceful surroundings alongside the river
Magaliesburg evidently has a strong outdoor and natural focus, therefore many of the top attractions are in this vein, making it an excellent region for families and nature lovers. Hiking and cycling in the nearby forests and trails is a great way to see the landscape and there are a variety of campgrounds and independent hotels or homestays to be found in the more rural parts of the Magaliesburg region. The Magalies River winds along the foot of the mountain range and is home to many small farms, restaurants and country lodges that offer a relaxing atmosphere. Indeed, farms often offer tours and feeding opportunities with the local animals and these are particularly popular with young families. The countryside also contains a variety of independent restaurants and breweries, many of which have won many accolades for their quality and availability of local produce and game, thus a vacation to this region can also provide excellent culinary experiences.
Venturing further into the mountains
Of course, a multitude of visitors primarily visit the Magaliesburg region to access the stunning mountain range nearby. The range is abundant with greenery, wildlife and some stunning rock-climbing opportunities which ensure that tourists come from all across South Africa to enjoy what is on offer. Basing a holiday from any of the Magaliesburg hotels in the nearby town is a great way to be within a short commute of the mountain’s most impressive areas. There are many tour operators offering an assortment of activities from simple hikes and walking tours to extravagant balloon tours or jeep safaris, demonstrating the region’s universal appeal. A well-known destination with young families is the Mountain Sanctuary Park on the north side of the Magaliesburg Ridge. Home to a mix of rare plants and flora, plus local animals such as monkeys and jackals, all just an hour’s drive along the picturesque road from Magaliesburg town.