Soar through the skies above Magalies, travelling along zip lines hanging above an environmentally and geologically rich area estimated to be 2,500 million years old. Discover why Canopy Tours chose this enchanted location in the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve, just 1 1⁄2 hours from Johannesburg and 1 hour from Pretoria. So if you’re searching for fun things to do in Magaliesburg, this tour operator promises a ziplining adventure like no other!

Have you ever wondered where we humans come from? If you have, the Cradle of Humankind is the place for you! This 53014-hectare area in South Africa is a World Heritage Site that contains caves with primate fossils and rich wildlife. The area has been crucial for human evolutionary studies. For example, it has led to the ‘Out of Africa’ theory, which theorises that most human ancestors originated from one general spot – Africa. When you visit the Cradle of Humankind, you see history in the flesh (or bone)! Tens of thousands of visitors worldwide come here yearly to see the fossil record in the network of limestone caves beneath the surface.

This 1200-hectare nature reserve is the home of various animals, activities, and amenities. Experience guided game drives or tours through the park in their own vehicles. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and rhinos are some of the many animals you can discover. You’ll also find snakes, monkeys, and tortoises. But, no matter how you experience it, Lion & Safari Park is one of the most amazing things to do in Magaliesburg and the surrounding areas.

Nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains, Mountain Sanctuary Park is the next item on our guide to things to do in Magaliesburg. There are plenty of activities in Mountain Sanctuary Park. If you’re a fan of hiking, then you’ll be happy to know that several hiking trails are located throughout the park. These trails vary in difficulty, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a trail for you. Also, check out one of the park’s many crystal-clear mountain pools. And if you want to relax even further, you can book a massage at the on-site spa.

There are only a few ways of seeing the world as exciting and unforgettable as a hot air balloon ride. Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris have provided once-in-a-lifetime ballooning experiences for over 30 years. With locations in some of the earth’s most beautiful places, including the Magalies River Valley and the Cradle of Humankind, this thrilling safari offer is ideal for those looking for an adventure. Float gently above the tree-tops or drift high above the mountains in almost complete silence.

Deep within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site lies a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered—Bothongo Wondercave. This 5-10 million-year-old cavern features stunning cave pearls, towering rock formations, a rimstone pool, an animal shadow zoo, old mining activities, the African Madonna structure, and intriguing ancient fossils. In short, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the area!

The Hartbeespoort Elephant Sanctuary offers visitors a unique chance to interact with African elephants. When you arrive at the sanctuary, you’ll be greeted by your tour guide, who will guide you through an experience of the world of the African elephant. First, you’ll learn about these incredible animals and their natural habitat. Then, it will be time to get up close and personal! You’ll have the opportunity to touch and feed the elephants and even walk hand-in-trunk with them.

Have you ever wanted to time travel? To see what the world was like millions of years ago? Visiting the Sterkfontein Caves might be the next best thing on your list of things to do in Magaliesburg. These caves, which are home to some of the oldest hominid fossils in the world, offer a unique window into our planet’s distant past. Today, visitors can see many of these fossil finds on display at the Sterkfontein Caves Museum, located at the site of the fossil discoveries.

Nestled at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountain range, this is the next item on      the list of things to do in Magaliesburg and the surrounding area.  Shelter Rock is  a hidden gem that offers visitors exciting adventures, spectacular views, and the  opportunity to connect with nature. The name Shelter Rock comes from a massive boulder dislodged from the Magaliesberg cliff face over 10,000 years ago. Today, Shelter Rock is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking a unique and memorable experience.  Vertical adventures abound taking advantage of the steep-sided kloofs for which the Magaliesberg is renowned. There are some awesome abseiling and rock climbing sites and Shelter Rock’s Via Ferrata is unique to Africa! This iron stairway anchored into the cliff face offers a fantastic introduction to rock climbing and requires no experience. Also hugely popular, the 2.5 hour guided canopy tour through the Ysterhout Kloof is both family and eco-friendly!

Are you looking for exciting things to do in Magaliesburg and the surrounding areas? Look no further than the Hartbeespoort aerial cableway! This modern cable car attraction offers sweeping views of the Magaliesberg Mountains, Hartbeespoort Dam, and surrounding areas. And it’s not just for lookers – plenty of recreational activities are available for everyone to enjoy. In the heat of the summer, dip in their on-site pool or explore the hiking trails in the nearby mountains. During winter, curl up with a blanket and hot chocolate in front of their cosy fireplace.

With a number of rivers bubbling through the Magaliesberg, water activities include fly and trout fishing on the Magalies River and exhilarating river rafting adventures on the Crocodile River. The clear, spring-fed lake at Miracle Waters is an excellent scuba diving and training location with water temperatures a delightful 23-17°C.

Noble Adventures is an adventure centre that caters for individuals of all ages as well as groups, excursions, outings, birthday parties and teambuilding.  They offer an array of activities including paintball, archery, pedal cars, tractor rides and our Sky Climbers obstacle course.  They have 2 bows at the archery activity point and two targets you can shoot at. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill or even a nice activity to do if you have a birthday party.

Noble Adventures are located at the Noble Village which is a Craft Beer and Gin Taproom and Eatery.

The Southern African adventure and eco-friendly fly fishing specialist, they offer both introductory fly fishing clinics and guided yellow fish clinics on the Vaal River, Magalies River and Sterkfontein Dam.

They also specialise in corporate fly fishing teambuilding packages at popular luxury venues in Sandton, Muldersdrift, Magaliesberg and Dinokeng and tiger fishing trips to Zambezi River, Lake Kariba (houseboats) and Jozini.

Sundowner Adventures own Barbus Haven (in Magaliesburg, South Africa) and Sundowner Zambezi Lodge (at Deka in Zimbabwe) and was also the winner of the ‘Best Recreational Tourism Experience Category’ in the 2011 West Rand Tourism Awards, recognition which speaks for itself.

* Eco-friendly fly fishing specialist

* Dynamic corporate fly fishing teambuilding

* Experienced fly fishing guides

Miracle Waters Scuba Resort, offer inland scuba diving and courses near the Magaliesberg in Gauteng.

Learn to scuba with Reef Divers. Experience scuba diving with indigenous  fish, and the comfort of huts, camp sites, and a restaurant, nestled below the magnificent Magaliesberg mountains.

Ideal for beginners and advanced recreational divers.

If you have never had the pleasure of spending time in the Magaliesberg, do yourself a favour. Let us help you discover the exciting adventures you can take part in while admiring the spectacular natural beauty and wildlife, and inhaling the fresh mountain air!