Our Hiking Trail trail is the ideal escape from the rush of city life and provides you with an opportunity to recharge your batteries in the tranquility of nature.
This is a journey through nature, human history and the geology of the Magaliesberg - from ancient times to the present.
Your journey will be enriched if you read the the information stored on QR Codes, with your cellphone QR Code reader, along the trail.
If you start early in the morning you will have enough time after completing the trail for social and other commitments.
Your journey starts at Shelter Rock Base Camp where you park your car and report at reception.
The mountain trail winds 8 km, on the southern slopes of the Magaliesberg rising 400 meters, to the top of the mountain and down again.
A variety of birds, game and indigenous trees may be seen along the way.
You walk past a 1000 year old wild olive tree and an iron age village at The Shelter Rock.
On the top of the mountain you visit two Boer War Forts, a sandstone rock garden with a collection of spires built by fellow hikers over the years.
On a clear day you may see, the hills at Sun City, Madibeng, the Hartebeestpoort dam, Sandton, Randburg, the Johannesburg General Hospital, the Witwatersberg and the West Rand.
Anyone in good health and reasonable fitness can handle the hiking trail.
Wear loose fitting clothing and closed shoes.
Use lots of sunblock.
Bring along your own refreshments and bottled water.
We have a small Tuck Shop with a limited range of water, sweets, ice cream and other refreshments for sale.
Bring your camera to capture the views and a cellphone with a QR Code reader.
The trail is not suitable for baby strollers.
No dogs allowed
"Moderately challenging trail, there were few instances where climbing got a bit tricky. The views at the top of the mountain are worth it. Would definitely recommend for a beginner or if you are still working on your fitness. You have to travel on a dirt road for a while to get to the place, I'd suggest you look at the board signs once you are on the dirt road, Google maps got me lost twice.”
Peter Mochaki - August 2021
“One of the most beautiful place's ever. Unfortunately humans can't keep anything clean. Will still recommend it to anyone to go and experience the great view.”
Chris Hartman - August 2021
“An amazing trail. Spotlessly clean. Tough 8, but so worth it. Very friendly owners/staff. Beautiful views. Well marked. Absolutely loved it and will definitely be back for some more huffing and puffing up the mountain.”
Wendy-Ann McGill - July 2021
Correction: Dogs no longer allowed and entrance fees have been revised.
Without a booking you will be refused entry when we are fully booked.
1 to 20 hikers can pay on arrival. Groups more than 20 may have to pay a booking deposit and the balance on arrival.
In a hikers survey 81% of the respondents rated the difficulty of the hike as 6 or less out of 10.
Access to and map of the hiking trail
A dip, weather permitting, in our splash pool at the end of your hike
Our picnic and braai facilities are available on a first come basis. During winter only gas braai allowed. Please bring your own food, utensils and in summer charcoal.
Please note: Shelter Rock is a haven for nature lovers and is not a resort.
QR Codes have been placed along the trail to provide interesting information to hikers.
We limit the number of visitors to ensure a pleasant experience
Please respect fellow hikers who want to relax in the stillness of nature
All hikes must be booked by completing the Hiking Booking Form below.
Rates:
Day visitors and hikers :
Adults : R100pp (Cash or EFT on arrival)
Learners under 18: R50pp and under 6's are free.(Cash or EFT on arrival) .
Groups larger than 20 must book. A deposit may be required. Final payment on arrival.
Weekdays must be booked and paid for in advance. Minimum group size for weekdays is 6 adults. Enquire by email to info@shelterrock.co.za for availability.
Gates open at: 7h00
Cut off time to start the hike is 11h00.
Gates close at 16h30 sharp.
All bookings. Cancellation or non arrival. No Refund
Weekends and Public holidays. Groups larger than 20 pay balance outstanding for actual arrivals.
Groups less than 20 (payment on arrival) please notify us if you wont arrive so that we can allocate your booking to others when we are fully booked.