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 – magaliesbergbiosphere.org.za Please see the FAQ Permit Rules.
Permit/ permission info
Contact the administrator for the fees. Non MCSA members must obtain a permit from the MCSA Magaliesberg Section. This is private property, managed by MCSA. Access and permits by courtesy of the owner. All visitors must carry a copy of the permit. Serveral other owners’ land is crossed on the way to the pools – please respect and be grateful 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. – Contact admin@mag.mcsa.org.za; tel: 083 845 1573 (weekdays 8 – 10am)
Approximate travelling time from Johannesburg
1 hour 15 minutes.
Parking information
Cars are parked on Mr Jan van Staden’s property. A R40/car/day parking fee is payable to the landowner and the MCSA register has to be found: both at the farm, upon arrival. Permitholders and members can obtain directions from the MCSA Magaliesberg Section. To date there haven’t been any problems with this parking area, but as always, do not leave any valuables visible inside vehicles. Parking is free of charge.
Info on walk in
The long walk in takes about 2 hours and is about 4 kms. It is a relatively easy walk if you are fit, with long uphill sections. Please note the path is not marked, remember to take the map sent by the Administrator.
Accommodation
Camping is available at the MCSA camp-site about 10 minutes walk upstream from the big pools. No facilities whatsoever, but clean water easily accessible. Please note that field toilet manner apply, see the FAQ: What are “Field toilet manners?
Availability of water for drinking
Water is available except for about the first 30 minutes of the walk.
Climbing route guide
Climbing routes at Dome Pools: www.thecrag.com.
Climbing information
Very few climbing routes at Dome Pools. Very easy grades, but trad climbing only.
Child friendly
Yes, as long as children can walk for two hours without a problem. Children are only allowed with adult supervision.
Swimming
Most definitely.
Camp fires
Strictly not allowed, as the area is part of the MPE>
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 and 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 / tel: 083 845 1573. Office hours: Mon – Fri 08h00 – 10h00; closed on weekends and 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.