Magalies Canopy Tours
Magalies Canopy Tours
Rates from
Opening Hours
- 365 days a year
What we offer
About Us
The Magaliesberg Canopy Tour is located in the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve – 1 ½ hours from Joburg and 1 hour from Pretoria.
Eleven platforms have been built against the cliff and rock faces of the spectacular Ysterhout Kloof, a beautiful gorge carved out of the mountainside, and are joined by long steel cables that you slide along to reach the next platform. Much like a “foefie” slide, the canopy tour essentially involves zigzagging down the kloof while stopping at each platform to admire the expansive views and surrounding ecology.
The Magaliesberg mountains are home to a wide variety of plant, animal and birdlife – watch out for the shy klipspringer jumping from rock to rock below you or look up to spot an endangered black eagle circling above. Two trained canopy guides assure the safety of each participant while describing interesting facts about the indigenous plants, bird life, ecology and geology of the area.
Q. Is it scary?
Many people are nervous about the prospect of their first Canopy Tour® and some are just plain scared of heights. For those who don’t think they can do it on their own, we offer a tandem tour which allows you to take in the whole experience while safely attached to a guide who controls your speed and ensures your safety. Canopy Tours are certainly not a high adrenaline activity like bungy jumping and we find that most people, even those who are slightly nervous at the start, quickly adapt to the concept and have no problem at all on the slides.
Q. Who should go on a Canopy Tour?
Canopy Tours are ideal for the nature lovers, individual thrill seeker, family getaways, group or student excursions and corporate team building events
.Q. How many people in a group?>
Maximum of 9 people per group. Bookings for 10 or more people will simply be split into smaller groups that follow one behind the other along the canopy tour. Larger group bookings of up to 150 people per day for corporate and team building events are available on request.
Q. When is it open?
In general Canopy Tours depart between 8am and 3pm, but these hours are often extended upon demand at summertime. Tours can depart every 30 minutes and are conducted in most weather conditions. Please book in advance to secure your place!
Q. How long does it take?
Each tour lasts between 2 – 4 hours, depending which particular Canopy Tour it is and how many people there are in your group. Have a look at the About page on the website to understand exactly what happens on a canopy tour.
Q. What do we need to wear or bring?
You should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear. Open sandals are not suitable as they will simply fall off. Shorts or long pants are fine but mini-skirts are not. Running shoes, takkies, and veldskoene are perfect and strap-on sandals will do. Don’t forget to bring your camera as there are many excellent photo opportunities along the way. And if it looks rainy we recommend you bring a raincoat and/or change of dry clothing.
Q. How safe is it?
All the Canopy Tours® have been designed and built by a qualified civil engineer. Each group is escorted by two guides with a lead guide and safety guide monitoring your progress at all times. Your safety is paramount and we have strict procedures in place to ensure that you are constantly connected to either the cable or the platform. We use full body harnesses and all our pulleys, carabineers and other equipment carry standard safety certification ratings. All that’s left for you to worry about is having a good time!
Q. How old or fit do I need to be?
Our brochures say that anyone between 7 and 70 is welcome on the canopy tour. However the current youngest and oldest client records stand with a 4 year old and an 85 year old! The Canopy Tour® is not very physically demanding and as long as you are able to walk out of the forest over uneven ground we will probably be able to provide you with the Canopy Tour® experience. Those who do not have the ability to regulate their speed on the slides will be able to go in tandem along each cable with one of our trained guides. If you have a medical condition or disability please enquire with our office staff before booking a tour.
Q. What if I’m scared of heights?
It is quite normal to be afraid of heights. Many of our clients arrive at the canopy tour a little nervous and are often quite anxious on the first slide. The experience may even be a bit scary. But for most of you by the end of the tour these fears will have disappeared and been replaced with an immensely rewarding sense of achievement. You can even take home your own Canopy Tour completion certificate if you need to prove it to your friends!
Q. What if I weigh 150kgs?
Then your nervous guide will probably suggest you take a short stroll around the forest instead. Our recommended weight limit is in fact 120kg.
Q. What if I’m pregnant?
Congratulations! But in the best interests of you and your baby we would prefer to err on the side of caution, and recommend you return to do a Canopy Tour once you have welcomed the new arrival. Until then, take it easy and try get as much sleep and rest as possible!
Important Information
Where:Hartbeespoort/Buffelspoort
Q. When is it open?
In general Canopy Tours depart between 8am and 3pm, but these hours are often extended upon demand at summertime. Tours can depart every 30 minutes and are conducted in most weather conditions. Please book in advance to secure your place!
Q. How long does it take?
Each tour lasts between 2 – 4 hours, depending which particular Canopy Tour it is and how many people there are in your group. Have a look at the About page on the website to understand exactly what happens on a canopy tour.
Q. What do we need to wear or bring?
You should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear. Open sandals are not suitable as they will simply fall off. Shorts or long pants are fine but mini-skirts are not. Running shoes, takkies, and veldskoene are perfect and strap-on sandals will do. Don’t forget to bring your camera as there are many excellent photo opportunities along the way. And if it looks rainy we recommend you bring a raincoat and/or change of dry clothing.
Q. How safe is it?
All the Canopy Tours® have been designed and built by a qualified civil engineer. Each group is escorted by two guides with a lead guide and safety guide monitoring your progress at all times. Your safety is paramount and we have strict procedures in place to ensure that you are constantly connected to either the cable or the platform. We use full body harnesses and all our pulleys, carabineers and other equipment carry standard safety certification ratings. All that’s left for you to worry about is having a good time!
Q. How old or fit do I need to be?
Our brochures say that anyone between 7 and 70 is welcome on the canopy tour. However the current youngest and oldest client records stand with a 4 year old and an 85 year old! The Canopy Tour® is not very physically demanding and as long as you are able to walk out of the forest over uneven ground we will probably be able to provide you with the Canopy Tour® experience. Those who do not have the ability to regulate their speed on the slides will be able to go in tandem along each cable with one of our trained guides. If you have a medical condition or disability please enquire with our office staff before booking a tour.
Q. What if I’m scared of heights?
It is quite normal to be afraid of heights. Many of our clients arrive at the canopy tour a little nervous and are often quite anxious on the first slide. The experience may even be a bit scary. But for most of you by the end of the tour these fears will have disappeared and been replaced with an immensely rewarding sense of achievement. You can even take home your own Canopy Tour completion certificate if you need to prove it to your friends!
Q. What if I weigh 150kgs?
Then your nervous guide will probably suggest you take a short stroll around the forest instead. Our recommended weight limit is in fact 120kg.
Q. What if I’m pregnant?
Congratulations! But in the best interests of you and your baby we would prefer to err on the side of caution, and recommend you return to do a Canopy Tour once you have welcomed the new arrival. Until then, take it easy and try get as much sleep and rest as possible!
Important Information
Where:Hartbeespoort/Buffelspoort
Open/Close: Always
When: Everyday
Weather: Weather dependent
Age: 7-70 but we take older
What to wear:Comfortable clothes and shoes
What to bring:Camera
What is included: Packages vary
What is excluded: Refreshments and lunch
