FAQs

Anyone wanting to apply for membership of the Johannesburg Section (Jhb) of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) must have an active interest in the activities of the Club, support the objectives of the Club, maintain the spirit and promote the good name of the Club.

Read our Constitution and Code of Conduct and decide whether you agree in principle and will support the goals of the MCSA, and would like to become a member.

Prospective members must attend the MCSA Jhb Prospective Member Presentation in order to join the club. Click here to join MCSA Jhb.

By joining the Johannesburg Section, you effectively become part owner of all the properties and as such have a share in the responsibility for the maintenance and safety thereof. You have a choice to either participate in patrolling the properties or conservation (weeding the properties). While on the property we ask that you behave as an owner. eg. if you see a stranger, ask them if they are members or have a permit. Please report any suspicious behaviour or trespassers to Club Admin.

Patrolling: When on all MCSA properties, we require you to keep an eye out for trespassers and problems such as fencing or fires. We require all active MCSA members to participate in a patrolling meet every 12 months.

Conservation: You are required to volunteer for a Conservation Meet once a year. Conservation forms a major part of the MCSA’s responsibility towards the environment. Conservation meets typically involve weeding and removal of alien plant species, path maintenance and fire break work meet.

Temporary Membership (Guest fee): Non-members who would like to attend MCSA meets as a guest of a member must pay a guest fee. This may be paid to the meet leader. Please confirm the amount with your meet leader. Please also complete the Guest Permit form prior to attending a meet.

Parking fees: Much of our land is accessed through agreed servitudes or landowners allowing individuals to park and walk through their property. Many of these land owners make it worth their while by asking a small parking fee. A parking fee is often required and has to be paid in cash to the landowner at the designated parking area.

Transport: A contribution to transport costs is expected, if you are travelling with fellow Club members to a meet. Please find out beforehand what fees are payable and have the amount ready.

Our meets are a great opportunity to explore MCSA properties in a group and to get to know other Club members. Be sure to regularly check out the MCSA JHB Meets Calendar for information on upcoming Club meets and events. We also publish details of upcoming meets on the Newsletter and our social media pages.

Join the relevant meet WhatsApp group to RSVP. You can also contact the event leader for further information and any questions you might have. Please be advised that some meets do require you to have a certain skill level, particularly for more advanced climbing and kloofing meets. Social events are open to all members.

MCSA sections manage access to certain properties, for which permit fees are applicable. These are properties not owned by the MCSA. The permits fees are applicable to both members and non-members. Permit fees need to be paid directly to the MCSA section responsible for the relevant property. Permits can be obtained online via the MCSA sections.

• MCSA Johannesburg
• MCSA Magaliesberg

Non-members wanting to visit MCSA properties without a MCSA member must apply for a permit. Contact the Club Administrator for further assistance.

We do not issue permits to non-members for the first weekend of any month, as we reserve that weekend for MCSA members and their guests only. Access permits to MCSA properties are limited to 20 people per property per day.

Please check with the meet leader. Children are always welcome on condition that the event is suitable and safe for them. The safety of children remains the responsibility of the parent or guardian accessing MCSA properties.

Dogs are only allowed into certain areas that are accessed by MCSA members. Currently this only applies to Grootkloof and Wilgepoort.

• This privilege is only available to MCSA members, not permit holders.
• Dogs are not allowed on club meets.
• The owner is responsible for the dog’s actions at all times when on MCSA land.
• A one dog per handler ratio will be enforced, to ensure that the dogs can be controlled and managed properly.
• Dogs need to be on a lead/leash at all times.

MCSA properties are wilderness areas, and paths, campsites and access routes are unclear or unmarked. Visitors must be comfortable in wild areas and understand the risks of hiking, swimming, wild animals and the weather. Access is restricted to MCSA members, their guests and permit holders. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

• Please adhere to General Property Access Rules at all times.
• Always be considerate when accessing MCSA properties, respect the landowner’s privacy.
• Do not enter or leave the area before sunrise or after sunset.
• Close all gates after entry or departure.
• Cross fences at stiles only.
• Camping is only allowed on certain properties, as indicated. Please leave the campsite tidy and clean. No camping in gorges or riverbeds.
• Please utilize the Leave No Trace principles when using MCSA properties.