About Maalgat Walk

Start: Sanddrif camping area
Finish: Sanddrif camping area
Duration: 2 km, an hour or so
Fitness: easy
Our tip: day visitors are not allowed over long weekends or school holidays; get your permit from the Dwarsrivier office

Justin Lawson, a South African climber and blogger, tried walking across a line he set up across the Maalgat pool in the Cederberg. His idea: to emulate the pictures he had seen of solo high-lining above Yosemite. Whilst Maalgat is not Yosemite, the blue of the sky and the orange cliffs around the hole are definitely as beautiful.

This effortless walk into the unusual cliffs at Sanddrif is about its aesthetic appeal rather than any hiking challenge. The reward: fantastic swims and cliff side jumps!

Maalgat (grind hole), often called Malgat (mad hole), or Hippo Pool, by locals is a natural pool in the sandstone below Sanddrif. One follows a well sign-posted path downstream along the Dwars River. You may find yourself distracted well ahead of the pool as there are various spots at which to paddle or relax. Look out for a stone wall to your left, through which the path passes, taking you to the pool.

Maalgat is huge and very deep. There is also no shade, so despite the temptation to head there when the sun is at its zenith during summer, be aware that you will need sunscreen and hats to survive the experience.

As far as rewarding, short and uncomplicated walks go, this one comes in tops.

Need to Know

WhereStart and finish at Sanddrif camping area in Cederberg Wilderness Area, Cederberg, Western Cape

WhenPlease enquire.

How muchPrices on request.

Telephone+27 (0)27 482-2825

OvernightStay nearby in Biedouw Valley, in Western Cape

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Need an Update?

Send us feedback if this is your service/activity. Please let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies.
Note, we do not have additional information or rates. Please don't contact us, rather use the service provider's contact details provided.

Find Maalgat Walk in these collections

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity

* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.

Other things to do in the area

Noteworthy attractions

Accommodation convenient to Maalgat Walk

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Olifants River Valley Accommodation / Cederberg Accommodation / Biedouw Valley Accommodation

Biedouw Valley as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Biedouw Valley property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Things To Do
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.