Mountain Sanctuary Park
North West Province
Tucked away in the Magaliesberg Mountains is Mountain Sanctuary Park, a serene escape for city dwellers. Favoured by mountain bikers and hikers, this privately owned reserve offers a pristine playground of woodlands, rock formations and crystal-clear mountain pools. And although it’s privately owned, day visitors are most welcome provided they book in advance.
The network of mountain biking trails offers a range of grades to suit novices and diehards alike, including the gruelling 12 km route that forms part of the annual Magalies Monster. Hiking trails vary from a 15-minute doddle to a full day route. And climbers are welcome too but bring your own guide and gear, as climbing here is traditional. There are no bolted routes for sport climbers.
Mountain Sanctuary Park is home to naturally occurring klipspringer, duiker, Vaal rhebuck, mountain rhebuck, impala, zebra, baboon, brown hyena, jackal, leopard and many smaller animals. Overnight guests have the opportunity of seeing nocturnal residents including pintsized bushbabies.