Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is route includes a segment of hiking on the reserve roads, followed by an off-trail segment that climbs the mountains. It is a short, yet intense hike up the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, via the Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve, overlooking the Hartebeespoort Dam and the town.

On the escarpment you'll have access to the cableway and its restaurants and pubs.

From the Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve offices, you'll take a eastward heading following the sandy 4x4 safari path (Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve 4WD Road) in the reserve. The road takes you into the reserve and it winds though the trees and bush veld; you can see some game grazing as you follow the sandy path. It tuns southward after roughly two kilometers toward the entrance gate at the foot of the mountain.

After reaching the entrance gate you'll maintain a southward heading as you ascend the mountain now off-trail; find the path of least resistance as there are no trails to follow. Reaching the escarpment of the mountain you'll have two options. Left will take you to the descent and right will lead you to the cableway where you can replenish your energy stores with local food and drink.

For the descent you'll take an eastward heading from the escarpment that'll lead you into the adjacent canyon that has a moderate descent and is easily maneuvered. Once you reach the canyon you'll take a northern heading into the canyon that is clear and easy to follow. At the bottom of the canyon use a gum-pole bridge that crosses a seasonal river and continue northward, passing reserve accommodations and a pool that leads you back the starting point at the reserve offices.

The Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve has a large collection of game that include Impala, Duiker, Zebra, Blue and Red Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Warthog, Nyala, Vervet Monkey, Ostrich, Giraffe and Lesser Bushbaby. The flora is very varied and includes Aloes, Wild Grasses, African Thorn Trees and large Naboom.

The Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve lies on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.