Hekpoort, Magaliesberg
Nestled on the southern slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountain range is the predominantly farming area of Hekpoort, only a short drive from Hartbeespoort Dam and accessible from the south via a pass through the Daspoortrand, hence the name Hekpoort (meaning ‘gate’ in Afrikaans). Hekpoort is one of the closest areas to the Magaliesberg, the looming richly wooded mountain range with a flat top of quartzite rock - the playground of Jo’burgers wanting to get away from the city and much loved by hikers, mountain bikers and rock climbers alike. The area is incredibly beautiful and the almost consistently blue skies and typically sunny Gauteng weather mean that this part of the world is ideal all year round.
The Cradle of Humankind, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches for 474 kms², contains a system of limestone caves that include the famous Sterkfontein (‘strong spring’ in Afrikaans) Caves, close to Hekpoort. Excavations here, during 1936, revealed many early hominids and in 1947 the almost complete skull of an adult female Australopithecus africanus, nicknamed Mrs Ples, was unearthed. A further 500 hominids and a near complete skeleton, known as Little Foot, make Sterkfontein the richest site in the world for early hominids.
Hartbeespoort Dam, surrounded by the picturesque and ancient Magaliesberg Mountains, is a beautiful, if popular, weekend getaway for any number of water sports - para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing and sailing. There’s an aquarium here, a private zoo, a snake park and a cableway that is worth taking to watch the para-gliders taking off from the hills around the dam.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Hekpoort
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind Site comprises a strip of a dozen dolomitic limestone caves containing the fossillised remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and most importantly, hominids. The dolomite in which the caves formed, started out as coral reefs growing in a worm shallow sea about 2.3 billion years ago ... more information
Heia Safari Game Reserve
The 650 ha Game Reserve is nestled at the foot of the Swartkop Mountains, where game found their home in African bushveld. On our 1.5 hours guided game drive find peace and tranquillity by watching 22 varieties of South African Wildlife. Game you can expect to see at Heia Safari Ranch include ... more information
Nooitgedacht Nature Reserve
An hours drive from Johannesburg, Pretoria or Rustenburg you will find the 20,000 ha / 5000 acre Nooitgedacht Nature Reserve. Game drives in open safari vehicles allow for excellent game viewing. The more than 20 different species of game include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest... more information
Plumari Game Reserve
Plumari Ranch Game Reserve comprises a pristine malaria free wilderness area of over 2000 hectares. The ranch boasts an amazing natural African bushveld with an abundance of wildlife. Guests can expect to see leopard and expect to see white rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck... more information
Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
Set in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve lies roughly 40 kilometres north-west of Johannesburg; a chance to see white rhino, lion, buffalo, hippo and other species of game up close and within half an hour of the major metropolis. If you get to the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve... more information
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Things To Do in Hekpoort
Kloofing in the Magaliesberg
Where: Hekpoort, Magaliesberg
How much (per person): R201 to R500
Kloofing, also known as Canyoneering is exhilarating! First, a sunny hike up the river valley, then wading through crystal clear pools, clam ... more information
Do a Basic Climbing Course
Where: Hekpoort
How much (per person): R201 to R500
We meet at the GoVertical Adventure office, a stately old farm house situated in the foothills of the Magaliesberg, at 9 o’clock. After issu ... more information
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On Holiday in Hekpoort
• Hekpoort Accommodation
• Hekpoort Hotels
• Magaliesberg Accommodation
• Magaliesberg Hotels
• Gauteng Accommodation
Visiting Hekpoort?
Also see Things To Do in Magaliesberg or check out Things To Do in Gauteng to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.
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