Permits and Huts
9 January 2024 Security Statement
Dear MCSA Members,
We are heartened to inform you that since our last security advisory, there have been no further security incidents on our Tonquani, Castle Gorge or neighbouring properties. This positive development is not only a result of our improved security measures but also due to our collaborative efforts with neighbouring properties to enhance their security, thereby increasing the overall safety of our area. In light of these efforts and the current stability, we have decided to cautiously reopen our properties.
Enhanced Security Measures:
- We have conducted comprehensive armed security patrols in areas where incidents occurred. These patrols have helped ensure that, for now, these areas are free of immediate threats.
- To maintain this level of security, we will implement armed observation posts and patrols during weekends throughout January.
- Additionally, we are in the process of installing security trail cameras at key access points. We anticipate this will be completed by the end of the month and allow us to monitor suspicious activity.
Reopening of Properties:
- With these measures in place, we have decided to cautiously reopen our properties for our members and official club meets.
- We urge members to remain vigilant. Please only travel in large, organized groups or attend official meets organized by the club. Information about these meets will be communicated in our newsletter.
- Camping remains suspended for the time being. Day visits in groups are permitted, and the club will continue to organize official meets.
- Permit holders’ access will remain restricted until all security measures are fully operational.
Personal Safety and Responsibility:
- We encourage each member to assess their comfort level and decide on visiting the properties based on personal judgment.
- Safety is a shared responsibility, and we must all continue to be cautious, even as we take steps towards normalcy.
We understand that these are challenging times, but we are optimistic about the measures we have put in place. Your safety remains our top priority, and we are committed to continuously improving our security protocols.
Thank you for your understanding, support, and cooperation as we navigate these circumstances. We look forward to seeing you on our properties under safer conditions.
Stay safe and vigilant, JHB Section Committee Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA).
Security Advisory
There have been a number of serious security incidents on both the Tonquani and Castle Properties during the last ten days of December 2023 involving a gang of armed perpetrators. Effective immediately, we strongly advise all members to refrain from visiting our properties. Patrolling duties and permits have also been canceled until further notice. This decision has not been made lightly, but the escalating nature of these incidents necessitates a temporary halt to all activities on our properties.
The current situation demands heightened caution and preventive measures to ensure the safety of our community. We are actively working with local authorities and security experts to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.
We urge you to heed this advisory seriously and avoid visiting the properties for your safety. We are committed to resolving these security concerns and will notify you as soon as it is safe to return.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in these challenging times. We look forward to welcoming you back to our properties as soon as conditions allow.
Huts
The MCSA owns a number of huts around the country, the JHB section owns the Wolkberg hut. For info about other huts around the country and access to them, please contact the administrator.
Wolkberg Hut
The JHB section owns a small property and hut in the Wolkberg Wilderness Area near Tzaneen. The hut is awesomely situated next to a stream with pool and magnificent view of the so-called 4 sisters, with Serala (2050m) dominating the horizon. The hut has a special charm with members returning there year after year. Possibly it is because of the rustic nature of the hut, the ambience and the good memories one brings home.
The hut is only available to members of the MCSA and their guests. 1 member may take 4 guests.
More info on Wolkberg here
Bookings through the MCSA JHB Section Administrator – Contacts
Permits
The MCSA owns, partly owns or administers various properties in the Magaliesberg and other areas. The areas below are open to non-members who have applied and paid for permits in advance.
Please make sure when booking and paying for a permit, that you allow sufficient time for Proof of Payment and office staff to issue the permit. Cut off time for permits issued by the JHB Section for the weekend is 4pm on the preceding Friday.
Please see which organisation to contract for which area as per below:-
Upper Tonquani, Lower Tonquani, Cedarberg, Boulder Kloofs
Tonquani is probably one of best known and awesome kloofs in the Magaliesberg. Not only does it have memorable trad climbing routes, it is also a cool place to hike, chill out, drink tea and swim. The MCSA administers the Tonquani complex which consists of Upper and Lower Tonquani, Boulder and Cedarberg Kloofs.
Access for non-members is via Mountain Sanctuary Park or Calabash.
More information about Upper Tonquani here, Lower Tonquani here, Cedarberg here and Boulderkloof here.
Permits available from MCSA JHB Section Administrator – Contacts
Wilgepoort
A trad climber’s crack climbing dream, combined with lovely camping, a gigantic pool in the Wilge River, swimming, some hiking, slack line bolts near a cascade and the chance to try out deep water soloing (DWS). A bit east of Bronkhorst Spruit. Previously seen as a winter-only trad venue, but great for summer morning trad climbs combined with DWS, slack-lining and swimming in summer.
More information here.
Permits available from the MCSA Magaliesberg Section – Contact
Grootkloof
Another excellent kloof with good climbing, walking and kloofing.
More information about Grootkloof here
Permits available from the MCSA Magaliesberg Section – Contact
Mhlabatini
One of the western-most properties in the Magaliesberg, offers the keen climber good challenges and a cool camp site.
More information about Mhlabatini here
Permits available from MCSA Jhb Section – Contact
Castle Gorge
Beautiful kloof, especially good for hiking and moderate climbing and an excellent pool.
More information about Castle Gorge here
Permits available from Johannesburg Hiking Club – Contact
Dome Pools
Probably the easiest child-friendly wilderness day hike in the Magaliesberg. Not much shade, but a nice undulating journey to a lovely set of sun-warmed pools.
Permits available from the MCSA Magaliesberg Section – Contact
More information about Dome Pools here
