vertical-endeavour.com

I've often wondered how many members of this community have an interest in the Magaliesberg?

I happen to live close to this mountain and thoroughly appreciate its beauty, wildlife, fantastic kloofs, clear water, big pools and superb quality rock to climb on. I've never given this little mountain range much attention on this site because of the relatively small community interested in it and also because so much of it is privately owned and access so much more restricted. Information and knowledge on it is also fairly exclusive.

You may be aware that the Magaliesberg over the years has faced several significant battles as it concerns crime against hikers and climbers, and faces many environmental pressures and problems, several of which are downright criminal. These battles have caused me to consider dedicating some sort of Magaliesberg-focus on this site, especially as it concerns security and environmental issues (which is incidentally one of the foundational reasons why this site was started: security and environmental issues in the Drakensberg).

So, I'd like to hear how many from this site have any interest whatsoever in the Magaliesberg? Also curious to know how much info you already get from the excellent updates already posted on sites such as ClimbZA? The idea would be to support and supplement the commendable efforts already being made by several individuals.

I certainly have an ongoing interest in the Magaliesberg, primarily due to its proximity to jhb. The MCSA has access to a number of spectacular gorges for climbing, hiking etc and I will use this as an ideal tramping ground for my kids to get out into the hills.

There have been some unfortunate incidents that threaten the safety of certain areas and it would be good to have some place to get the objective versions of these. As you note, however, this is dependent on a crtical mass of interest.

It might be sensible to include a link (www.climb.co.za/forum/index.php) rather than replicate what is already there?

Spook

Would definitely support the idea, like yourself being based in the immediate vicinity ... land and access being my biggest headache - often have the inspiration to head for the hills on a Sunday morning, and then don't really know where to go ! Recently had the unpleasant experience of being read the riot act for trespassing by a local landowner, whilst having actually paid the neighbouring farmer an access fee to make use of his mountain bike trail, which incidentally crossed the angry guy's farm !

If I may take the liberty of raising the first question then (as a demonstration of the need for such a forum ! ) ... can anyone comment on the viability (access / ownership issues) of doing a day summit round-trip to Nooitgedacht Towers by parking at Mountain Sanctuary Park ? The first leg as far as Red Gulley is doable (MCSA member) but thereafter I am unsure of access issues ? Not to worry about the distance and navigation for now ...

Being based in JHB, I too find myself in the Magaliesberg on plenty of weekends. Mainly climbing at Chosspile (until all the recent security issues) but also the occasional kloofing trip - Grootkloof with the waterfall abseil is my favourite, especially as a full moon trip!

I agree that the climbing content on ClimbZA should not be replicated but perhaps some info about recommended hikes and kloofing trips could be included on this site? It would be important to include all permit and access details as we don't want to encourage any trespassing.

Yip, often climbing in the kloofs there, awesome! Be interested in Crime in Tonquani and Cederburg especially, Chosspile isnt worth the risk at the momement for me, Bronkies is about the same distance

Perhaps there can be a new sub-heading in addition to Drakensberg, Everest etc?