The Magalies Meander

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A balloon ride over the Magaliesberg Mountains.

© South African Tourism

Take a break from city life and head westwards out of Johannesburg or Pretoria to the Magalies Meander in the heart of the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountains.

These mountains have seen a tumultuous historical and cultural past, where Boer battled Brit and rival local tribes fought for territory. But they are also home to an amazing variety of indigenous woodland, plants, birds and wildlife – a nature lover's paradise.

You'll also encounter warm country hospitality when you visit the art galleries, arts and craft centres and interesting boutiques the area is famed for, before coming to roost at any one many attractive lodges and restaurants along the Magalies Meander.

Take time to visit some of the attractions en route: Maropeng; the Visitor Centre at the Cradle of Humankind; the ancient Sterkfontein caves; the Elephant Sanctuary; and the Mountain Sanctuary Park. Go game spotting at the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, or spend some time on a working farm.

If you want a bird's eye view of the rolling green hills, valleys and rivers, then take a balloon safari. Or swing through the forest on a canopy tour. What about a quad or mountain bike trail, or a canter along a mountain path on a sturdy pony? If you need to chill after all that outdoor activity then pop into a spa and unwind with a specialised treatment.

Sit back on a steam train ride from the city to the country. Trains usually run once a week from Pretoria or Johannesburg to the Magaliesberg and it's a great opportunity to see the countryside from a different angle.

The motto of more than 100 members of the Magalies Meander is 'there are no strangers here, only friends we haven't met', and that captures exactly what makes this route such a joy to experience.