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Published: April 5th 2013
Should we take the low road or the high road? Driving to Mountain Sanctuary Park from home, the distance is shorter going via Breedts Neck pass than going via Hartebeespoort dam, probably by about 30km. The only trouble is the 'gravel' road over the pass. The last time we travelled that route was quite a few years ago and then already the road was in a bad condition. How much more had it deteriorated? Reports from the 4 x 4 forums and others that had travelled it in the last couple of months varied. We would just have to see for ourselves.
It has become a tradition to go to Mountain Sanctuary in the Magaliesberg at Easter time. Traffic is not as bad - always chaos down to Natal, chaos travelling north, with too much delay, tempers flaring and not worth the stress, south we would have to travel too far to get to a destination we enjoy, so northwest it is.
At the start of the pass there is a road sign warning us of the conditions of the pass but still on we go! From past experience we know the worst bit is
Magaliesburg
Our camping spot somewhere on those mountainsprobably only for about 100 - 200 meters, but that could potentially mean that we have to turn around if the road is washed away totally (part of it had collapsed the last time we drove there) - not really what we would like to do as our journey would then be far longer. The terrain is rough, in some areas only bedrock left and you have to take it slowly, especially with a trailer, complete with some axle twisters. Having said that if mountain bike cyclists can use the road, then so can we. After all, we can't be outdone by cyclists when we have a 4 x 4 AND an off road trailer! This has become a very popular road for cyclists to use as there aren't so many vehicles using the road. Truthfully, I was glad we were in a vehicle and not racing down the pass as some of the cyclists were doing. Imagine misjudging a rock and flying over the handlebars to land in that rough terrain? I admit I am a sissy in that regard! In some areas the clearance was a bit challenging and rocks had been packed in places to level off
Gravel road
The start of Breedts Neck Pass some areas, but we got through without a problem. Furthermore, on Easter Monday this would be a better road to travel, heading back home because of less traffic and it was passable so we were pleased that we took this route too see for ourselves what its condition was like. There is talk that they want to repair the road, but are looking for funding, so it could take a while before the road improves.
Mountain Sanctuary Park is a nature reserve, one of our old haunts that we have been camping at for the past 25 odd years. We love going there, and is always very nostalgic for us as it holds very fond memories of family and friends that have joined us over the years on camping weekends. It is home away from home for us as a family as our sons first started hiking there when they were younger. Short walks lead you to crystal clear rock pools to splash in with fantastic rock formations all around you. Many a panoramic photo has been taken of this area and it lends itself to some interesting and beautiful shots.
If you love
How bad?
Forewarned is forearmed nature, bird watching, walking and rustic camping, this is the place for you. From short walks to long hikes (permits are available from the Mountain club if you intend to walk further into the reserve – about 1000 hectares to enjoy at your own pace). Mountain bike trails, swimming, rock climbing or abseiling are some of the activities that one can enjoy. Or if you are lazy, simply RELAX!
Occasionally we have come across a few let's say, unusual people at the campsite. This is a place where they become 'at one' with nature. Once, while chopping wood, one of these nature lovers removed half his finger with an axe but he insisted he didn't want anything unnatural touching his skin, so no plasters or bandages or medication! I am sure he succumbed from pain and fell down one of the steep ravines, but that is just my theory. Or maybe he just relied on the herbal variety of painkillers and wound healers but it would have taken a whole forest of flora to help him! On another occasion we had a young gentleman camping next to us who also felt he wanted to be part of
A bit rough
Some cars have scraped there nature, contorted himself into a meditating position and started chanting at all hours then proceeded to blow down a didgeridoo – wrong country, mate! He might have been into nature, but he was certainly disturbing the peace for the rest of us. Fortunately the honorary warden walked past and told him to consider the rest of the visitors in the park, so we could all enjoy the peace and quiet.
Another aspect of the Easter weekend is listening to kids excitedly hunting for Easter eggs at the crack of dawn through thin canvas walls. In the early years our boys were convinced the Easter bunny came from Mountain Sanctuary, because they regularly spotted a rabbit hopping around at night. When it is quiet on occasion we have seen a shy mountain buck venture into the camp at night. Of course there are always monkeys and baboons that ravage whatever food is left outside by the unaware camper.
This time we invited Leonie and Athol and we spent a wonderful weekend with them, doing short walks, (apart from Athol who was like a jack rabbit, darting back and forth while we ambled along, bird watching
Cyclists
Rather them than me and bug hunting and covering about 5 times the distance we covered).
Once again Paul and I reiterated that we were so thankful to have found this place so many years ago. I am sure we will be back again!
There are more photos below and the next few pages.
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D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Maybe...Break neck pass
Love the bad road condition sign....you have been warned. Looks like a great destination. Love the butterfly photo.