Best Places to stay in Magaliesberg ~ The Magaliesberg Mountains lie due north of Johannesburg, running north west to east – the horizontal line of a T-junction with the city of gold.
They’ve been around for even longer than the Himalayas…
The area, including the little town of Magaliesburg (a little further west) is a World Biosphere Reserve trying to balance the relationship between people and the environment as development encroaches ever closer to the Magaliesberg Mountains.
The Magaliesberg Area is a treasure trove of experiences, from bushveld game reserves to cottages sprawled along the Crocodile River, romantic little nurseries and farms up against the Cradle of Humankind to mountain hideaways.
Choose from our list of Best Places to stay in Magaliesberg
Phefumula Country Retreat
Three private, beautifully arranged self-catering cottages (we particularly love the modern cottage) on the R24 just beyond Maanhaarrand.
You can walk right up the Magaliesberg from here and wander along its ridge for amazing views. The farm has 10 km of mountain bike trails and you’re bounded on three sides by game farms.
Random Harvest Country Cottages
Some might already be familiar with Random Harvest’s indigenous nursery, but you won’t know about the delicious country retreat cottages (each has its own private patio opening onto indigenous gardens, the odd goose or chicken your only intrusion).
The small dairy herd that produces fresh milk, cream and butter (children can help with the milking), or the 21 hectares filled with vast numbers of indigenous trees that include 100 year-old oaks.
Askari Game Lodge
Only an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria you’ll find the Plumari Private Game Reserve giving you a Big 5 wildlife experience close to the city.
Askari Lodge overlooks the elephant dam with beautiful rooms that include slipper baths and handpicked antique furniture that hints at the interesting ox wagon, cart and animal drawn vehicle collection displayed in the Plumari Heritage Museum. Choose from a series of chalets or garden suites.
Blue Roan Country Lodge
On a tar road just outside the sleepy hollow of Magaliesburg you’ll find seven uniquely decorated self-catering cottages that give you beautiful views of the Magaliesberg Mountains from private patios.
Surrounded by rolling green lawns, pretty gardens, a spacious lapa alongside a rock swimming pool, and the chance to visit black and white spaniels (the farm breeds blue roans).
Sanctuary Life Guest Farm
Three appealing self-catering cottages available on this farm, on the Koster Road just outside Magaliesburg, known for its views, horses (they’ll stable your horse whilst you’re visiting) and views of the Magaliesberg Mountains.
King-size beds, comfort, your own patio and fully equipped kitchens. You don’t need much else for a perfect weekend.
Lethabo Estate
This Lanseria countryside estate lies on the banks of the Crocodile River offering a diverse range of breathtakingly decorated cottages, farmhouses and hideaways (think riverside hammocks, willow trees, fireplaces, jacuzzis and romance – honestly, you have to see the pics to understand).
They specialise in gourmet picnics from their Riverside Restaurant, offering ‘farm to fork’ dining.
Misty Morn Cottages
A collection of little cottages at the foot of the Zwartberg koppies, virtually on the doorstep of the Cradle of Humankind, Misty Morn offers farm-like accommodation with a difference – the cottages are flavourful, quirky and renovated for comfort.
They’ve been given names like breathing space and feel the country, and you’re encouraged to do as suggested.
Hartley Manor Guest House
Perched on the border of the Cradle of Humankind this working rose nursery smallholding on Clondyke Road includes a series of B&B units and self-catering cottages surrounded by lavender, rose and lawn.
Expect quiet, privacy and amazing gardens.
Puschka Farm
Stay on a working organic farm in either a four bedroom cottage (sleeps eight) ideal for families as children can easily wander up to the main farm to visit the animals.
Puschka Writer’s Cottage – a cosy little off-grid number on the other side of the Hex River with its own gas stove, splash pool and enough romance to inspire a novel or two.
Migdâsh Guesthouse
This Hartbeespoort Dam guest house has been included on our list of Best Places to stay in Magaliesberg as it offers a series of beautiful and graceful bedrooms (have a look at the pictures) named for flowers.
We particularly love the bath in the Rose room, and its river view.
Cradle Valley Guest Lodge
Country-style B&B units with a unique touch of whimsy and romance – you’ll love the attention to detail, the views of the Magaliesberg, the little patios, private entrances, comfort and luxury.
Breakfast is included in the rates, served in the main house or in the garden. They even do picnic baskets and dinner on request. They’re also a wedding venue.
Saamrus Guest Farm
Tucked away between a tranquil stream and the foothills of the Magaliesberg you’ll find this farm with its 10 little cottages, warmly decorated with little kitchenettes, fenced in gardens and an outdoor pool.
It’s cute and perfectly placed for your Magaliesberg stay. A worthy entry in our collection of Best Places to stay in Magaliesberg.
La Provence D’Afrique
La Provence is a find – romance with a capital ‘R’! Seven French suites on the Berg River just down the hill from Mount Grace, built inside the stone studio of sculptor Charles Gotthard – each suite runs out on to a little courtyard in the middle, each with its own cast iron table and chairs.
Expect antique Victorian baths, exceptional period pieces, hand embroidered linen and attention to detail. There’s also a Zen Forest Spa for those after extra TLC.
