DOME POOLS
MCSA members can access the Property at any time (the one-member-one-guest rule applies). For more information contact the Club Administrator (admin@mag.mcsa.org.za).
If you are not an MCSA member you can also visit the Dome Pools, but a limited number of permits are issued per day to limit the number of people accessing the property for conservation reasons.
Permits are obtained via email at admin@mag.mcsa.org.za. Office hours are 08:00 – 10:00 weekdays only!
You need to arrange a permit by email before going to the property; access will be denied without a permit or a MCSA club membership card.
The MCSA as a landowner seeks to preserve the land in its natural state as wilderness areas. None of our properties have indicated paths, nor are there any facilities on our properties. There is no picnic/braai area at the parking.
No dogs are allowed on this property.
The hike up to the pools is of intermediate difficulty: approximately 4km to the pools and 4km back with steepish ascents and descents, and takes 1-2 hours one way.
We recommend you start your hike early in the daytime. Whilst you may start your hike at any time during the day, please refrain from starting or leaving in the dark.
Parking fee is R60 per car per day, payable in cash to the farmer who owns the land on which you park. The register MUST be completed at the parking before your departure for the hike.
Water is available except during the first 30 minutes of the walk.
Fires are strictly not allowed anywhere in the Magaliesberg as the Magaliesberg is a protected Biosphere. This includes all open flames, including the burning of candles.
Mountaineering (climbing and hiking) is 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.
Please note
The information below is limited. For all details please contact the MCSA Magaliesberg Section.
The MCSA as a land owner seeks to preserve the land in its natural state, therefore none of our properties have clearly indicated paths, nor are there any facilities on our properties.
No dogs are allowed at this property.
Brief summary of venue
Dome Pools is a wilderness hiking venue, involving an easy walk over a hill and along a stream to some of the biggest and deepest rock pools in the Magaliesberg, making it a fantastic venue for swimming in the summer months. The path is not marked – it is essential to follow the route on the map. You will receive a copy of the map from the Administrator upon confirmation of your permit application.
This area is part of the Magaliesberg Protected Environment (MPE) and the Magaliesberg Biosphere.
Difficulty level
Easy – intermediate.
Hike in to the Dome Pools is approximately 4km and takes 1-2 hours.
The MCSA support actions towards protecting the natural beauty and wilderness character of mountains, therefore most paths are not marked.
Permit & permission information
Non MCSA members must obtain a permit from the MCSA Magaliesberg Section. This is private property, MCSA managed. Access and permits by courtesy of the owner. All visitors must carry a copy of the permit to avoid being treated as trespassers & avoid an unpleasant confrontation with patrollers. Please see the FAQ: Permit Rules.
Several other owners’ land is crossed on the way to the pools – please respect and be thankful to them for allowing us the privilege.
MCSA members do not need permits. One member one guest rule applies. Members must carry their membership cards with them.
In order to control trespassing, parking fees are now payable at the Dome Pools parking area.
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 Magaliesberg 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.
Parking Fees
Parking fee is R60 per car, payable in cash, and you must sign the register.
Approximate travelling time from Pretoria
Travelling takes about 1 hour 15 mins.
Accommodation & facilities
Camping is available at the MCSA campsite about 10-minute walk upstream from the big pools. No facilities whatsoever, but clean water easily accessible. Please note field toilet manners apply, see the FAQ: What are ‘Field toilet manners?’
No camping in the kloof please.
Water is available except for the first 30 minutes of the walk.
Climbing information
Very few climbing routes at Dome Pools. Very easy grades, but trad climbing only. No bolting is permitted.
Child friendly
Yes, as long as children can walk for two hours without a problem. Children are only allowed with adult supervision.
Swimming
Most certainly.
Camp fires
Strictly not allowed, as it is part of the Biosphere.
Other attractions
Pleasant, shady lunch spots available near several of the rock pools. No monkey cages.
The usual variety of Magaliesberg birds and animals may be seen. The animals most likely to be encountered are baboons and klipspringer.
Dangers
Slippery rocks near the streams and pools. Bum-slides at the pools are fun but can be dangerous – take care & supervise children.
Visitors to the kloofs should be encouraged to recognize the inherent danger in entering wilderness areas and avoid dangerous situations.
Contacts
MCSA Magaliesberg Section
Email: admin@mag.mcsa.org.za
Contact: 083 845 1573
Office hours: Mon – Fri 08h00 – 10h00; closed on weekends & public holidays
Disclaimer
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.