Planning a Magaliesburg day trip from Johannesburg? People ask us all the time what they should do with a day out here. We’ve been on Bekker Schools Road since 2008, so we have opinions about the best things to do in Magaliesburg.
Our honest advice is to do less than you planned. Magaliesburg rewards the people who leave room for a second coffee. This is the day we’d give a friend visiting from Joburg.
Early: a balloon flight over the Magaliesberg
If you can face an early alarm, a hot-air balloon flight over the Magaliesberg is hard to beat. Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris has been flying here for decades and launches nearby at sunrise.
The mountains below are some of the oldest on the planet, and from a basket at dawn you really feel it. Dress in layers: it’s cold before launch and warms up fast.
08:00: breakfast and browsing at MelonRouge
We open at eight, every day. Come in for breakfast in the garden (the Full House or the Turkish breakfast if you’re hungry) or just a coffee to wake up properly.
Then take a slow lap of the estate while it’s quiet. Six shops share one country estate:
- BlueCheese Antiques for furniture, silverware, porcelain and odd little treasures
- WormWood Books for second-hand and rare books
- AvoRecords for vinyl, from classic rock and jazz to South African pressings
- TangyDressing for vintage clothing and accessories
- Artichoke Gallery for work by local artists
You don’t need to buy anything. Browsing is half the point.
Late morning: a Cradle of Humankind day trip
You’re in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so go and pay your respects to the ancestors. Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind, is a short drive away. The building rises out of the veld like a grassy burial mound, and the exhibitions inside trace the human story from the very start.
If you’d rather go underground, the Sterkfontein Caves are where “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot” were found. Tours run on a schedule, so check times and book before you set off.
Lunch near Maropeng: back to the garden
By now you’ve earned a proper lunch, and there’s no need to drive back to the city for it. Come back to The Eatery and find a table under the trees.
The Chicken Pie is the one people drive out for. The Boere Beefy Cheesy Lasagne is its serious rival, and there’s a vegan falafel wrap for anyone who wants something lighter. Leave space for a slice of milktart.
Bringing the dog? Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome in the garden. Kids can burn off lunch on the jungle gym while you finish your coffee.
Afternoon: the shops you skipped
Whatever you rushed past this morning, go back to it now. Flip through another crate of records, find the book you almost bought, or ask about that chair you keep thinking about. We close at five, so there’s no need to hurry, but don’t leave it to the last minute either.
Sundowners in the valley
You don’t have to head straight home. Black Horse Brewery is nearby and a lovely spot to watch the light go gold over the mountains with a cold drink.
Then take the long way back to the city with a boot full of vintage finds and one less reason to check your phone.
Planning your day? We’re open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 at T2 Bekker Schools Rd, Magaliesburg. Book a garden table or WhatsApp us with any questions. More ideas: things to do in Magaliesburg with kids and Magaliesburg for couples.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Magaliesburg from Johannesburg?
Magaliesburg is roughly an hour's drive west of Johannesburg, depending on where you start and the traffic. That makes it an easy day trip from the city.
What is there to do in Magaliesburg for a day?
Popular things to do in Magaliesburg include a sunrise balloon flight over the Magaliesberg, a visit to the Cradle of Humankind at Maropeng or the Sterkfontein Caves, hiking, and a long country lunch. At MelonRouge you can have breakfast or lunch and browse antiques, books, vinyl records, vintage clothing and local art in one place.
Where can I eat near Maropeng?
MelonRouge in Magaliesburg is a short drive from Maropeng. We serve breakfast and lunch every day from 08:00 to 17:00, mostly outdoors in our garden under the trees.
Is MelonRouge open every day?
Yes. MelonRouge is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 at T2 Bekker Schools Rd, Magaliesburg.
