Magaliesberg

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.

Thanks for all replies so far.

Certainly the good updates on ClimbZA shouldn't be replicated, unless the authors want a broader web-publicity. This was the case with the dubious Kgaswane Lodge issue:
www.vertical-endeavour.com/general/53-environment/166-mpa-statement-on-kgaswane-lodge-august-2010.html
(which reminds me, I should get an update from them)

This is also why I am curious to know how many members on this site also follow ClimbZA.

There are definitely topics that could be covered here which are not addressed elsewhere.

Another issue, or consideration, is that some of the land-owners and stakeholders don't necessarily want the web-publicity and increased visitors.

Yes we could certainly create a dedicated for the Magaliesberg. In any case, this site already has a "General" section in the blogs, forums, downloads and galleries - and this is open for a broad range of topics and mountains.

Any further comments on this?

Right, here it is:
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/37-magaliesberg.html
Single category for now which can be expanded as it grows. drsnoobab, feel free to post your question regarding access there.

I think we can safely focus on certain areas and activities here without stepping on any toes. The areas that don't want publicity don't need to get it, and the others that do can get it. Good topics to cover are hiking, kloofing, security and environmental.

Categories will also be created in the galleries, blogs and downloads. So, if you have anything to share or write (like kloofing write-ups, Stijn, ), go for it.