Castle Gorge

The information below is limited, for all details please contact the Johannesburg Hiking Club.

The MCSA as a land owner seeks to preserve the land in its natural state, therefore none of our properties have any facilities available. We have a long drop toilet just off the access road.

Castle Gorge is a hidden gem for hikers, featuring beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear pools and weathered rock formations that are great for swimming and photography. There are also a few good trad climbs for die-hard climbers. MCSA co-owns the property.

This area is part of the Magaliesberg Protected Environment (MPE) and the Magaliesberg Biosphere. Please see the FAQ: Permit Rules.

All non-members need to apply for permits with the Johannesburg Hiking Club (JHC). All visitors must carry a copy of the permit. JHC will also provide the directions and gate codes. Allow three days before your weekend outing for EFT payments to clear and emails to arrive.

MCSA members do not need permits. One member one guest rule applies. Members must carry their membership cards with them.

Please note the first Sunday of every month is set aside for MCSA members and the second Sunday of every month is set aside for JHC members. A limited number of permits are issues on these days. Please see the FAQ: Permit Rules.

Access to this property is across other land owners property. Access agreements with these land owners was established by the MCSA. The access rules in these agreements must be adhered to.

The access agreements with these land owners are sensitive and dependent on your adherence to their rules. The rules are available on request from the MCSA Johannesburg Section and will be provided with your access permit.

A breach of these rules (etiquette, gate times, etc.) could result in the MCSA permanently losing this convenient access route to its properties. The MCSA will also not hesitate to take action against offending members or permit holders.

Join the club here.

Travelling takes about 1 hour 15 mins.

Beautiful camping spot available close to the stream and pool. No facilities are available. No camping in the kloof please. Plenty of drinkable water available, please just take some for the initial uphill walk. On the MCSA property field toilet manners apply. Please note field toilet manners apply, see the FAQ: What are ‘Field toilet manners?’.

Castle Gorge has 23 trad routes between 30 to 45 metres long ranging between grades 7 to 23. A few of the routes are star graded and very worthwhile doing. Descents are via gullies. No bolting is permitted.

Yes, though the walk-in is long. Children are only allowed with adult supervision.

Yes, some great spots both above and within the Gorge.

Strictly not allowed, as it is part of the Biosphere.

A wide variety of birds, animals and plants; and fantastic opportunities for photographers and artists.

The areas above and below the waterfalls are slippery and dangerous, and accidents have occurred.

There are ticks on the hike up, bring some repellent.

For Permit Bookings:         https://www.jhbhiking.co.za/castle-gorge

For Permit Enquiries please email:  admin@jhbhiking.co.za

Tel: 078 885 6505

Office Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30am – 12:30; closed on weekends & public holidays.

Mountaineering (climbing and hiking) is de facto an activity which carries certain inherent risks. Neither the MCSA, nor any of its members or representatives accept responsibility for any deaths, injury or illness sustained or suffered by any person or for any theft, loss or damage to any property that result from participation in MCSA activities, no matter in what manner caused and whether allegedly due to negligence or not. Full indemnity is available here.