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.
The 20m abseil is technical and committing, and should only be attempted with an experienced party.
Brief summary of venue
Grootkloof is a shady, attractive kloof with a perennial stream, clear pools and unique rock formations, including a huge suspended chock stone with trees growing on it straddling the whole kloof midway between Sonderbroek and Trumpet. The rock, which in places reaches 60 metres in height, is generally excellent, and the kloof has a good selection of climbs of all grades. Black Eagles nest from April to October so please avoid the following climbs during this period: New Era Crack, Lilliput Ridge and The Crystal Ship.
This area is part of the Magaliesberg Protected Environment (MPE) and the Magaliesberg Biosphere.
Difficulty level
Hard.
Hike to top of the kloof is approximately 5km & only individuals with abseiling experience should enter the kloof.
The MCSA support actions towards protecting the natural beauty and wilderness character of mountains, therefore most paths are not marked.
Permit & permission information
MCSA-owned property. Non MCSA members must obtain a permit from the MCSA Magaliesberg Section. All visitors must carry a copy of the permit to avoid being treated as trespassers & avoid an unpleasant confrontation with patrollers.
No permits are issued to non-members for the first full weekend of a month, as we reserve that weekend for MCSA members and their guests only.
MCSA members do not need permits. One member one guest rule applies. Members must carry their membership cards with them.
Please see the FAQ: Permit Rules.
Access rules apply, specifically at the parking area, and dependent on your adherence to the 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 R50 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 allowed for MCSA members just above the junction of Grootkloof and Ysterhoutkloof. No facilities are available. No camping in the kloof please.
Water is always available as the stream flows strongly throughout the year.
There are facilities available at the Bartlett Farm, please leave it the way you want to find it. On the MCSA property field toilet manners apply. Please note field toilet manners apply, see the FAQ: What are ‘Field toilet manners?’.
Climbing information
There are 129 traditional climbs in Grootkloof, mostly single pitch routes, but generally of very high quality. A few highly graded routes were judiciously bolted, but some bolts are now very badly rusted. The grades vary from 5 to 28 with some really good classics at most grades. With climbs on both sides of the kloof, there’s always shade available. Descents involve either scrambling down various gullies or careful abseiling off of trees. Must do classics include: Chameleon Crack F2 (15), Sphinx F3 (17), and Isolation Pinnacle E3 (11). No bolting is permitted.
Please take note of eagle activity at the crags on the website home page.
Child friendly
Yes, for older children, as access into the kloof is steep. Children are only allowed with adult supervision.
Swimming
Yes, there are some lovely pools to swim in.
Camp fires
Strictly not allowed, as it is part of the Biosphere.
Other attractions
Grootkloof offers the best kloofing in the Magaliesberg; an unforgettable mix of abseiling, swimming, scrambling, bum-sliding, rock jumping and lots of fun. A word of caution to those attempting to go down the kloof in this manner, everybody in the party should be physically fit, and know how to swim and abseil; the large chock stone in the middle of the kloof results in a 20 metre abseil down a waterfall into a pool. Bring ample plastic bags to keep your stuff dry and beware of hypothermia, as the lower part of the kloof is completely shaded in winter.
The 20m abseil is technical and committing, and should only be attempted with an experienced party.
Dangers
Since September 2011 there have been a few robbery incidents in Grootkloof, including an armed robbery. Please go to Grootkloof in a group and be aware of your surroundings. Religious groups trespass to the junction pool at times but are normally peaceful. You may ask them to leave, as it is private property.
Slippery rocks near the streams and pools can be dangerous – take care & supervise children.
Visitors to the kloofs should be encouraged to recognise 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.