Castle Gorge Day Visitor Access Permit - September 2021

Wed Sep 1, 07:00 - Thu Sep 30, 16:00

Castle Gorge, Magaliesberg

ABOUT

Castle Gorge is a hidden gem for hikers, featuring beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear pools and weathered rock formations that are great for swimming and photographing. We rate this hike moderate/difficult. New hikers with little-to-no hiking fitness and children will find it to be very challenging.

 

For die-hard climbers, 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.

 

This area is part of the Magaliesberg Protected Environment (MPE) and the Magaliesberg Biosphere.

 

Castle Gorge is private property - no day visitor access without a permit is allowed. Day visitor access is self-guided; you are responsible for your own safety. Venue access details and maps will be sent to you after purchase of your permit.


For safety reasons we encourage people to hike in groups of at least two people, however a minimum of three people is preferable.

 

The trail involves a fairly steep climb to start with, through indigenous forest with plenty of shade to rest in. Once on top you continue along a path which leads to a gate on the edge of the ridge. From here you can walk along a track and follow the signs to the rockpools. The track is not always easy, and getting back to the gate once more is quite a steep walk. Give yourself a good three to four hours walking time, provided you are reasonably fit. Start early as there is little shade once up on the mountain and it can become very hot towards midday.


You may swim in the pools, however the areas above and around the waterfalls are slippery and dangerous, and accidents do happen.


No camping is allowed. No fires allowed.


There are no toilet facilities and we ask that you help us to keep this pristine area clean and beautiful: bury all human waste, and do not litter. 

MORE - FOR HIKERS

MORE - FOR CLIMBERS

CASTLE GORGE RULES & REGULATIONS