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It is
in the area of the Magaliesberg mountains that the first
recorded sable in southern Africa was sighted and shot.
Located a few kilometres to the south-west of Rustenburg,
this 4 257 hectare reserve is on the summit and against
the northern slopes of the scenic Magaliesberg.
Its
unique feature is an extensive valley basin between two
mountain ridges. The reserve accommodates various antelope
and carnivore species as well as over 320 bird species.
Game can be viewed from vehicles or on one of the self
guided hiking trails.
Activities
Two trails are open to the public. The Summit Route is 25,3
km and for the first time, includes Natural Pools in which
swimming is permitted. The second is named the Baviaanskrans
Route, which is 19,5 km and includes the Waterfall View
and the Garden of Remembrance.
Area
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is situated on the summit
and against the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg, a few
kilometres south-west of Rustenburg. The Magaliesberg towers
400 metres above the surrounding plains and offers breathtaking
views of the town and the Pilanesberg and Waterberg to the
north, the Magaliesberg curving eastwards towards the Hartbeespoort
Dam, and the plains of the Bushveld to the south and west.
Terrain
A unique feature of the reserve is an extensive valley basin
which lies between the mountain ridges. To the west of this
lies a large plateau. The plateau and the basin form a valuable
catchment area and the main water course flows through a
large reed vlei on the floor of the valley. The water is
crystal clear and the flow perennial thanks to this natural
sponge. It flows further east as the Waterkloofspruit and
eventually joins the Hex River. The mountain ridges are
characterised by giant quartzite boulders which have eroded
to grotesque shapes. The rocky mountain slopes drain into
well-wooded ravines, most of which have water for at least
part of the year. The total size of the reserve is 4 257
hectare.
Wildlife
The only antelope surviving in the area at the time of proclamation
were klipspringer, mountain reedbuck and grey duiker. Several
species have subsequently been introduced, including bushbuck,
kudu, oribi, common reedbuck, impala, red hartebeest, zebra,
springbok, steenbok, sable antelope and waterbuck. The total
antelope population exceed 800.
A variety
of carnivores, such as caracal, honey badger, aardwolf,
black-backed jackal, leopard and the elusive brown hyena
can be found on the reserve. The primates are represented
by baboon, vervet monkey and bushbaby.
Birdlife
On account of the wide range of habitat types represented
in the reserve, birdlife is particularly varied and to date
some 250 species have been recorded. A large breeding colony
of the endemic and endangered Cape vulture is situated a
few kilometres east of the reserve and the birds are to
be seen on the reserve from time to time. A pair of black
eagles regularly use the reserve as hunting grounds and
are seen practically every day.
Vegetation
Frithia, Burkea woodland, Aloe peglare.
Camping
A small camping site is available to those wishing to experience
the peace and tranquility of nature. Catering for tents
or caravans (one per site, maximum of six people), the camping
area consists of 21 sites and ablution facilities.
Visitors wishing to engage in game viewing and sightseeing
may drive in their own vehicles on a tarred tourist route
around the vlei area.
Trails
Hiking trails offer true nature enthusiasts the opportunity
to explore the most beautiful parts of the reserve on foot.
The reserve offers the following trails:
The Summit and the Baviaans trail (25 and 19 km's).
It takes two nights and two days to complete the trail.
Two overnight huts provide the basic amenities and a maximum
of 12 people are allowed per trail.
Day
Hikes are also offered to day visitors/campers to the reserve
and comprise:
Peglarae Interpretative trail which covers approximately
5 km of fairly steep, rocky terrain. It is laid out in a
north-westerly direction from the visitor centre and has
specific numbered points along the route, corresponding
with the number in the guide booklet. This trail is marked
with yellow Peglarae aloe stickers and the starting point
is approximately 200 metres from the visitor centre, halfway
up the cement track.
The
Vlei Ramble is an easier route of 2 kilometres. Along
this route, visitors will find a hut overlooking the vlei
from which game and birds may be observed. A small group
camp with excellent amenities for a maximum of 50 people
(minimum 20) is situated at the base of a deeply incised
hill near the northern gate. This camp is available to organised
groups.
Access
All visitors to the reserve must use the eastern or main
gate, (Boekenhout Road) with the exception of visitors doing
the overnight hiking trail, and groups using the group camp,
who enter the reserve at the northern or group camp gate
(Wildevy Avenue).
The
cement track over the mountain, between the group camp
and the visitor centre, is a staff access road only, and
use thereof by the public is prohibited for safety reasons.
Gate
Times
05:30 - 19:00 Summer
06:00 - 18:30 Winter
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