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.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Imbabali Retreat
Imbabali Retreat is located in Hekpoort and offers accommodation in tranquil surroundings with views of the Magaliesburg Mountains. The farm has ...
Idwala Le Ingwe Tent Three
Enjoy the freedom of the outdoors combined with luxury accommodation in Magaliesberg as your senses feast on spectacular views, the sound of bird...
Idwala Le Ingwe House
Idwala Le Ingwe House is a unique holiday home offering accommodation in Magaliesberg on a picturesque farm. The home is a fully equipped for a s...
Idwala Le Ingwe Villa
Idwala Le Ingwe Villa offers accommodation on a picturesque farm situated on the outskirts of Magaliesburg, a small village set below the Magalie...
Sable Mountain
Sable Mountain is nestled on a picturesque farm situated on the outskirts of Magaliesburg offering accommodation in Hekpoort, a small village set...
Idwala Le Ingwe Tent Two
Idwala Le Ingwe Tent Two is a self-catering tented bush camp sleeping up to six guests. There are two bedrooms furnished with a King-size bed or ...
River Dance
River Dance is situated in Hekpoort, offering rustic countryside self catering in Magaliesburg. The accommodation is ideal for relaxing weekend g...
Idwala Le Ingwe Tent
Enjoy the freedom of the outdoors combined with luxury accommodation in Magaliesberg as your senses feast on spectacular views, the sound of bird...
Esther's Country Lodge
On arrival at Esther's, one gets an impression of modern minimalism. This is a guest lodge with a difference, decorated with pieces of glass art ...
Votadini Country Cottages
Votadini Lodge offers accommodation in Hekpoort. The lodge is surrounded by spectacular views, a variety of bird life and clean fresh air. We hav...
Mokoya Lodge
At Mokoya Lodge you will have a comfortable and relaxed sleep in one of the private twin or double rooms; which are en-suite and have scenic view...
Things to do in the area
Sable Ranch Hiking Trail
Gauteng is South Africa's smallest but busiest province, in terms of commerce, retail and industry. With Johannesburg as its central hub, it is k...
Magaliesberg Canopy Tour
Staying at any of the Magaliesberg accommodation spots is a treat for so many reasons. The area is characterised by the looming rugged faces of o...
Dine at De Hoek Country House
The cuisine and 5 star service at De Hoek in Magaliesberg is internationally acclaimed. Michael Holenstein oversees his kitchens with much aplomb...
Sweet Thyme Restaurant
Sweet Thyme is a country restaurant that serves oriental-continental fusion food in an intimate setting. We create dining experiences that make S...
Hike to the summit of the Magaliesberg
The Mountain Trail at Shelter Rock - 8km with 400m rise to the summit. The Mountain Trail is a journey through nature, human history and geology ...
Maropeng Visitor Centre
Visitors that have booked accommodation in Johannesburg or are staying elsewhere around Gauteng are invited to see the historical wonder of the M...
Kromdraai Gold Mine
The gold rush was one of South Africa's most significant events, and shaped its history and heritage to a large degree. The city of Johannesburg ...
Mountain Sanctuary Park MTB Trails
Where: deep in the Magaliesberg Mountains, about 1 ½ hours from Johannesburg.Level: difficultType of route: the bike trail at Mountain Sanctuary ...
Basic Survival Course
Your journey into the world of bushcraft and survival starts here - You will learn all the skills you need to survive in the wild. Skills covered...
Noteworthy attractions
Sterkfontein Caves
The Sterkfontein Caves are a series of limestone caves 50 kilometres north west of Johannesburg that are not only the richest, but most productiv...
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 animal...
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 b...
Magalies Wild Game Farm
Magalies Wild Game Farm has two major selling points: the first is that the farm lies so close to Johannesburg and Pretoria that weekends easily ...
Cradle Nature Reserve
The Cradle Nature Reserve covers an area of 3 000 hectares, which includes a delightful array of plant and animal species representing the divers...
Mountain Sanctuary Park
Mountain Sanctuary Park is aptly named, for it is every bit the restful and refreshing space in which to reconnect with nature it professes to be...
Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve
The Magaliesberg is the second oldest mountain range in the world, almost 100 times older than Mount Everest, and half the age of the earth. It i...
Nirox Sculpture Park
North west of Johannesburg is an area known as the Cradle of Humankind. It's a newsworthy area not least for the recent release of data based on ...
Long March to Freedom Monument
South Africa's "march to freedom" has been a long and complex one, and visitors will find themselves completely awe-struck by this country's jour...
Find accommodation in Hekpoort
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / West Rand Accommodation / Magaliesberg Accommodation / Hekpoort Accommodation