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Die Plaas se Gat Restaurant
4.2
(747)
A pre-dawn drive to Skeerpoort was worth every kilometer! This 60 km journey from Centurion led to a memorable day at Vergenoeg Nature Reserve, where technical mountain challenges meet endangered Cape Vultures soaring overhead.
The trail offered a 7.6km with 534m elevation gain - this isn't your casual Sunday stroll. The Magaliesberg hits you immediately with steep ascents, technical rock sections requiring ropes and tree-assisted climbs.
One wrong step could spell disaster, but the rewards are spectacular. Clear day views, vultures doing their aerial dance, and that wild fynbos scent mixed with mountain stone.
Entry costs R80 per person (R50 for under 18s), and they welcome your furry friends for an extra R20. Open 7 AM-4 PM on weekdays and 6 AM-3:30 PM weekends, with well-marked trails that don't need a map to navigate. Bonus points for decent toilets and a surprisingly good cafe serving Van Gaalen cheese sandwiches - perfect for post-hike refueling.
Layer up. It started cold, warmed up around 500 meters, then got windy and cold again at the top. The technical sections around 45-degree rock climbs demand serious caution, not for the faint-hearted.
The reserve is part of the UNESCO Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve. This place delivers on its promise of combining adventure with conservation. The vulture spotting alone makes it special, plus you can apparently hike all the way to Van Gaalen Trails if you're feeling ambitious.
In short, if you want stunning views, a proper workout, and some wildlife magic, Vergenoeg delivers. Just respect the mountain - it doesn't mess around.
Highly recommended for intermediate to advanced hikers. Beginners have easier 3km options available.
That is it for a brief review. May this inspire you to hike at the Vergenoeg Nature Reserve Hiking Trails. For more things worth doing and places worth seeing. Check out...
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This trail is a fan favourite and I absolutely understand why.
This trail is really in a league of it's own and overdelivers on spectacular views and scenery. We did the 5km which is moderate to difficult and involves some scrambling and rock climbing. The 11km is notorious for being one of the most challenging hikes in our area and is perfect for those who would like to test their metal.
The 5km trail is shady and takes you through forests decorated with the most intricate and interesting mushrooms, moss and fungi. The climb up with the magaliesberg slopes is quite daunting but once you summit you are rewarded with the most beautiful views of Magaliesberg mountains and Harties dam. The vultures circling above make this a very rewarding hike.
The trail is clean, clear and very well marked. Please note that some of the climb is quite treacherous and slippery...best to pack in your hiking poles for this one and plan this one for a dry day. This venue is on private property and felt very safe.
R50 per person is a bargain for what I deem to be one of the best hiking venues around Gauteng. No booking required, once you arrive you can phone the number on the gate (Dayton) to let you in.
I can't wait to go back in the next few weeks to do the 11km. This is really a must do hike...go see...
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It's a Rustig... Same Magaliesburg Mountain Range = Tough. We did the 10km Vulture Trail. Started early so it was not too hot. I can't emphasize enough the importance of proper hiking shoes for grip and balance , you are going to climb and descend mountains, you can easy slip and get seriously injured. Prepare your all.. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, hat and snacks. There is no shade along the trail, start early. R80 will get you in, no need for booking just rock up, they open at 07h00. Clean and well marked trail with friendly crew, Lots of parking, refurbished toilets and a little beautiful restaurant with limited food menu and limited alcohol options. They have Picnic areas that you can book. At 680m elevation gain, you will get excited, frustrated, rock climb, come close to tears, crawl, rope up and want to go back. The aim is to put one leg in front of the other, each step takes you closer or away from the summit(whatever your target at that moment). Once you reach the Summit you will understand why......
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