“The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is a place of special beauty! It is an escape into a mountain range of great natural appeal and is an ideal destination. Visitors can also enjoy the self drive route on tarred roads which link a number of picnic sites and view points.” ~ Tourism North West

“No water, no hike”, well, that’s my motto anyway! And this hike in Rustenburg amidst the Magaliesburg Mountain Range just re-affirms it!

Who ever would have thought that Rustenburg, once a grim battlefield between the British and Boers would spotlight an idyllic hide-away of rock-pools. Seven of us started out at midday, in the middle of summer amidst the extreme heat of Magaliesburg (not very clever for seasoned hikers). A reminder for beginner hikers that if you do this in summer to please take plenty of water, a cap and to set out early.

Trudging slowly along the mountain’s rocky slopes was unquestionably worth it as we descended the gorge and were greeted by blue terraced rock-pools. The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve offers a unique experience with views of quartzite rock, and an array of birdlife and wildlife. It certainly is a place of extraordinary beauty perfect for family and friend getaways.

The accommodation is homely, but basic and comfortable with a few options to choose from. It is actually nice to book out with a medium sized group. Plus it has a user-friendly stocked kitchen come dining area and braai facilities that are just perfect for an end of day rendezvous to share adventure stories. To explore this reserve and all that it offers, they don’t accept day visitors and therefore it is compulsory that one stays within the reserve. So make a weekend of it!

I certainly rate this as a flagship South African rock pool hike, equivalent to the those of the Drakensberg and the Cape trails!!

Hike of Rustenburg booking details

For more info / for bookings visit Kgaswane Mountain Reserve