Website: www.mountain-sanctuary.co.za . Address: Rustenburg, Gauteng (just after Buffelspoort)
Coordinates: 25° 50′.09.42″ S (25° 50′ 10″ S), 27° 28′.33.40″ E (027° 28′ 33″ E). Email: [email protected] . Tel: (014) 534 0114
The experience
It was time for a well-deserved break from the hustling and bustling city and what better place to go to than Mountain Sanctuary Park? We packed our daypacks and took a 2-hour road trip and made a day trip out of it.
It’s only in places like these where the roads slowly become rocky and the cell service slowly drifts away.
We arrived at the nature park where we were handed a map and explanation of the trails and off we went. The air was clean and crisp, basically making it the perfect day for a hike. The park is nestled in the majestic Magaliesberg mountains where you can see extraordinary rock formations and cool off in the most pristine natural pools, making it a perfect spot for a hot day out hiking.
During our leisurely stroll through the park we came across vervet monkeys, birds and even a blue headed agama. This park really allows you to relax in nature and find peace in your surroundings.
The climate
Mountain Sanctuary Park is situated in the province of Gauteng. The temperatures vary from season to season. The hottest months are from October to March with average temperatures of 22°C-25°C. April to September is a bit colder with average temperatures of 18°C-22°C.
The activities
This park’s most loved attraction is hiking. Other activities include mountain bike trails, swimming and those who dare rock climbing or abseiling at own risk. Unfortunately, no guide is available for the climbing.
For those animal lovers the park has a lot of animals including klipspringers, vervet monkeys, jackal as well as birds and butterflies.
Mountain Sanctuary Day Rates
All visitors pay R50 per vehicle/R300 per bus| Type | Price | Non-Guided | Guided |
| Hiking (weekends, holidays, peak season) | Adults: R150 pp, Child (<12 yrs): R75 pp | < 5 people | > 5 people |
| Hiking groups < 15 people (weekends, holidays & peak season) | Adults: R225 pp, Child (<12 yrs): R150 pp | - | Guided |
| Hiking groups > 15 (weekends, holidays & peak season) | Adults: R200 pp, Child (<12 yrs): R150 pp | - | Guided |
| Hiking (midweek) | Adults: R100 pp, Child (<12 yrs): R60pp | < 5 people | >5 people |
| Hiking groups < 15 people (midweek) | Adults: R100 pp, Child (<12 yrs): R60pp | - | Guided |
| Hiking groups > 15 (midweek) | Adults: R95 pp, Child (<12 yrs): R55 pp | - | Guided |
The accommodation
Mountain Sanctuary Park also offers accommodation including chalets and stunning log cabins with some of the cabins overlooking the valley. All units are fully equipped self-catering and has its own private braai facility as well as indoor fireplace. The log cabins and chalets have bedding and towels. Unfortunately, the cosy huts do not have bedding but is available at a small cost on arrangement.
Mountain Sanctuary Accommodation Prices
All visitors pay R50 per vehicle/R300 per bus| Type | Price | Min | Max | Hot Water & electricity | Linen & towels | Additional Notes |
| Log Cabins: Weekends | Adult: R600 pppn | 2 | 6 | Included | Included | Min 2-night stay, 2 adults over weekends. Single adult R1200 pn. |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R310 pppn | ||||||
| Log Cabins: Weekdays | Adult: R495 pppn | 1 | 6 | Included | Included | - |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R220 pppn | ||||||
| Chalets: Weekends | Adult: R560 pppn | 2 | 6 | Included | Included | Min of 2-night stay, 2 adults over weekends. Single adult R1120 pn |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R285 pppn | ||||||
| Chalets: Weekdays | Adult: R450 pppn | 1 | 6 | Included | Included | - |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R220 pppn | ||||||
| Cosy Huts: Weekends | Adult: R380 pppn | 2 | 4 | Includes electrical point & shared ablution. | Not included | Min of 2-night stay, 2 adults over weekends. Single adult R760 pn. |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R200 pppn | ||||||
| Cosy Huts: Weekdays | Adult: R350 pppn | 1 | 4 | Includes electrical point & shared ablution. | Not included | - |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R150 pppn | ||||||
| Camping: Weekend (power point) | Adult: R200 pppn | 2 | - | Includes electrical point & shared ablution. | Not included | Min of 2-night stay, 2 adults over weekends. Single adult R400 pn. |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R120 pppn | ||||||
| Camping: Weekend (no power) | Adult: R150 pppn | 2 | - | No electricity, includes shared ablution. | Not included | Min of 2-night stay, 2 adults over weekends. Single adult R300 pn. |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R120 pppn | ||||||
| Camping: Weekdays (power point) | Adult: R180 pppn | 1 | - | Includes electrical point & shared ablution. | Not included | - |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R80 pppn | ||||||
| Camping: Weekdays (no power) | Adult: R130 pppn | 1 | - | No electricity, includes shared ablution. | Not included | - |
| Child (2-12 yrs): R80 pppn |
The Packing List
| Walking shoes |
| Comfortable clothing |
| Hat/Cap |
| Sunblock |
| Sunglasses |
| Snacks |
| Water – at least 1.5l |
| Swimwear |
| Swim towel |
| Camera |
| Daypack/backpack |
We thoroughly enjoyed Mountain Sanctuary Park and would recommend it to anyone looking for peace and tranquillity.
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