|
| SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL |
SANCTUARY IN THE MOUNTAINS
|
|
|
|
|
Submitted by: Geraldine H. 14 April
2007
Johannesburg, South Africa |
|
Sanctuary in the
mountains - The Magaliesberg, South Africa: In a way I feel as though I’m
selling out writing about one of the local hideaways in the Magaliesburg just outside
Johannesburg. We hadn’t even told acquaintances about it in the hope that it would
remain relatively un-invaded. We used to head out there periodically in a bid to restore
the soul. Magaliesberg used to be in the middle of nowhere - this wonderful, undiscovered,
open land; the blue mountains a continuous crouching presence - never large and imposing
enough to threaten arduous hikes, but constantly a reassuring presence, almost nurturing
in their nearness.
Johannesburg has gotten ever closer to this unspoilt part of the world, and when Pam
Golding began a development not far from Mountain Sanctuary Park and the local Treetops
farmstall, I knew that the ugly sprawl they call progress was now threatening the only
reason that I could endure the frantic pace of Jo’burg on a weekly basis. It was time
to leave.
Early on a Friday afternoon we would venture forth, the little golf packed to the hilt
with tent and supplies, the lure of inviting rock pools and sub-tropical kloofs beckoning.
The park is just 120 kilometres from Jo’burg and primarily a hiking reserve, with
access to about 1000 hectares of land. Some routes have been mapped out to make it a
little easier but on the whole, one enjoys a great amount of freedom and half the fun is
remembering landmarks that seem to change with each visit.
This is one of the most peaceful and gentle escapes over a weekend. It’s helped by
the rules of the park that allow no radios or excessive noise - a god send when you want
to listen to the crickets at night, not someone’s stereo! We often used to try and go
during the week, when hardly anyone else was about, to have the place to ourselves, even
if it was for one day before weekenders arrived. But even then, there was a general
respect for one another’s space and camping sites are big - there isn’t much
chance of living on top of your neighbours.
On the way into Mountain Sanctuary we would make a preliminary stop at Treetops farmstall
for their jams, and when checking in at Mountain Sanctuary, would always stock up on their
famous lemonade. Take note here as this really is one of the best tips you’ll ever
get. Kept on ice, this is ‘the’ most refreshing drink you can have after a day
in the sun out on mountain slopes!
Although not always a comfortable sleep on a thin mattress on the ground in a tent, I
always managed to sleep like a baby when we stayed at Mountain Sanctuary. The evening
would be spent around a fire with friends, chatting and laughing – things finally in
perspective away from the stresses of a city. Things are rudimentary at the park –
don’t expect luxury. There are lovely bathrooms though, especially if you can make it
there before the rush, as each bathroom has its own shower and loo! Wait too long, or
sleep in and you’re more likely to find a mud bath.
The park has some new chalets and wooden bungalows which look nice, if you’re not
into slumming it, but really that’s half the charm of the place - to leave with the
wind in your hair, sand in your eyes and feet that have tramped through pools and ravines
until they’re bone tired! |
|
« South Africa
Tours | South Africa Game
Reserves | South Africa
Attractions » |
|
 |
|
With 20 National Parks
(including two of the world's most famous wildlife reserves, the Kruger Park & Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park) &
numerous private game reserves, your trip to South Africa would be incomplete without
experiencing a South African wildlife safari .... |
|
|
|
|
|
