Magaliesberg

The Magaliesberg runs about 120 kilometres east to west between Pretoria and Rustenburg, and it is old - quartzite laid down around 2,300 million years ago, which makes it one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth, far older than the Himalaya or the Alps. It was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2015. For Johannesburg it functions as the nearest real landscape: kloofs with waterfalls and pools, cliffs used by breeding Cape vultures at the Skeerpoort colony, hiking trails, and a dense cluster of guest farms and adventure operators. Hot air balloon flights launch from the Hartbeespoort side at dawn and drift over the ridge, which is the area's best-known activity. The Cradle of Humankind fossil sites lie along the southern foot. Weekend traffic from the city is heavy, and much of the range is private with access through reserves.

What you actually see

• The 2,300-million-year-old rock - among the oldest mountain ranges anywhere.
• The dawn balloons - flights drifting over the ridge from the Hartbeespoort side.
• The vulture colony - Cape vultures breeding on the cliffs at Skeerpoort.
• The kloofs - waterfalls and pools in the ravines cutting the range.

When to go

April to September. A day. Weekends are busy with city traffic; balloons fly at first light.

Honest expectations

Much of the range is private and access runs through reserves or guest farms. Weekend crowds are heavy. Balloon flights are weather-dependent and cancel often. Hartbeespoort itself is developed and can feel like a theme park.

Nearby

The Cradle of Humankind is south; Pilanesberg is west past Rustenburg.