You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a day out in the country … the marvellous Magalies Meander is about an hour’s drive away. Wherever you travel along this route, expect to see spectacular, sweeping views of the beautiful Magaliesberg mountains. There are so many things to do and see …We’ve highlighted five of our favourite stops.
A taste of farm-life bliss
If you ever need a day out that just fills your cup, you have to pop into The Donkey Dairy. It’s honestly the ultimate farm experience.
The moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the cutest crew; donkeys (of course), llamas, alpacas, guanacos, dwarf goats… and that’s only the start. And go hungry, because their farm-style dining is ridiculously good. Think famous Wagyu boerie rolls and burgers, or even a veggie braai-style boerie, all sizzling away with a proper Magalies view. Then wander over to the farm shop … it’s packed with handmade jams, rusks, sweet treats and their iconic Donkey Milk skincare range (the perfect spoil-yourself moment).
You can do gentle donkey or horse rides, sip on a donkey milk tasting (yes, it’s nature’s liquid gold), nibble a donkey-milk brownie, bottle-feed baby goats, and head out on one of their scenic trails, Jack’s Trek or Brayer’s Eye. Trust us … it’s pure countryside joy. Oh, and if you’re not ready to leave? They’ve got lovely accommodation options too. Booking is essential. Details: thedonkeydairy.com
Pour yourself a little happiness
If you’re looking for the kind of place where you can really slow down, Black Horse Brewery is a gem. Picture yourself settling in with a cold craft beer or a smooth gin, sunlight on your face, mountain views stretching out in every direction, and that easy, open-air feeling that makes you just … breathe.
The brewery has a relaxed, welcoming vibe with long tables, tasty bites to match your drink, and a way of making even a quiet afternoon feel special. If you’re curious, you can also pop into their tasting room or take a behind-the-scenes tour to see how the beers and spirits are made, but honestly, just soaking up the scenery with a drink in hand is enough to make the day unforgettable. Take friends, take family, or enjoy a peaceful solo sip – either way, it’s a proper escape from the city. Details: blackhorsedistillery.co.za
Up, up and away
If you’re after a larger-than-life moment, the kind you’ll talk about for years, then
Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris should be on your Magalies must-do list. Tucked in the heart of the valley, this is where adventure meets absolute tranquillity. Picture it. It’s sunrise, the world is still waking up, and you’re floating effortlessly above the treetops. The only sounds?
The whoosh of the burners and the distant call of a bird somewhere far below. It’s peaceful, surreal … a little bit magical. One minute you’re skimming the Magalies River Valley, the next you’re drifting high above the mountain range as the sun spills gold over the horizon.
It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you have to try. And once you’re back on solid ground, a delish breakfast awaits at the Clubhouse Pavilion patio, the perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure. Details: balloon.co.za
For the love of cheese …
This may sound cheesy (we had to!), but a trip to Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij is truly something special. Start with a tour of the cheese farm, a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at how their famous cheeses are made, complete with a tasting that’ll have you saying ‘just one more bite’ more than once.
Prefer to linger? Grab a spot under the trees at the Terrace Restaurant, where those gorgeous Magaliesberg views pair perfectly with gooey, creamy, crumbly cheeses and beautifully cured meats. Sip on a glass of wine, slow down, and just enjoy the farm atmosphere. They also offer so much more than cheese …Think tractor rides, hiking trails, farm animals, and a jungle gym to keep the little ones happy. Picnic hampers are available too. And before you head home, pop into the Farm Shop for a lineup of Dutch favourites. Details: vangaalen.co.za
Elephants, bush and bliss
African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa situated on the Plumari Private Reserve has a gentle, easy charm, wide open bushveld, gorgeous silence, and little moments that just settle your soul. The elephant experience alone is worth the drive.
Damara and Nzewe are absolute sweethearts, and standing that close to them … it’s something you don’t forget. Then there are the game drives, the spa treatments that make you want to cancel the rest of your day, and the guided walks where you stumble on ancient rock art like it’s the most normal thing in the world. And the lodge?
Lovely rooms, proper good food, beautiful views … the whole package. It’s only an hour from Joburg or Pretoria, but it feels like you slipped away to somewhere special.
Details: africanhillslodge.co.za
Nature, thrills and views
If you’re in the mood for something a little wild and wonderfully out of the ordinary, the Magaliesberg Canopy Tour is such a rush. Imagine this … eleven platforms tucked high into the kloof’s rock faces, ten ziplines stretching up to 140 metres, and you, soaring 30 metres above streams, waterfalls, and lush forest canopies.
The air is fresh, the trees are calling, and the views across the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve are just wow. Trained guides keep you safe while sharing fascinating snippets about the mountains, wildlife, and the area’s 2 500-million-year-old history. It’s fun, it’s family-friendly, and it’s one of those “why didn’t we do this sooner?” experiences. Details: canopytour.co.za/locations/magaliesberg/
