Come walk with me on the oldest mountain range in the world. The Magaliesburg is almost 100 times older than Mount Everest! Widely recognised as the ‘cradle of Humankind’, the geology of the Magaliesburg supports a variety of habitats where an abundant diversity of wildlife species occur.
The warm North facing slopes nurture the plants of the dry bushveld while the shaded kloofs and clear perennial streams maintain a microclimate for a variety of ferns and flowers.
Let me show you some of the unique endemic plants which have adapted to withstand wind, fire and very cold conditions which often prevail at the summit, such the Turks cap (Aloe Peglerae) and Fairy Elephant Foot (Frithia pulchra), the flowers and leaves of which mimic the re-crystallised Quartz at the edges of the kloofs..
Many of the 130 species of trees which occur here have medicinal and other uses. An infusion of the leaves of the Wild Olive, (Olea europea) can be used to lower blood pressure, while the gum of the Sweet thorn (Acacia karoo), can be used to treat oral thrush. Take a pen and paper, or even better....... a camera, and let’s see how many of these species we can record.
Alternatively you can just sit on top of the mountain and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Imagine the history and the people that have been here in the past. Prominent historical figures such as Chief Mzilikazi, Robert Moffat (the famous missionary) and Andrew Smith (founder of the SA Museum). This is also where Cornwallis Harris hunted and discovered the Sable Antelope.
You have come all the way to visit the Magaliesberg. Now, come with me to the top of the world’s oldest mountain and feel it!
