Magaliesberg: Canopy Zipline Tour in Ysterhout Kloof Reserve

Summary

Zip through Magaliesberg cliffs and forest with local guides

You’ll feel your heart race as you zip between rocky cliffs and tangled trees in Magaliesberg with local guides leading every step. Expect laughter on shaky platforms, stories about ancient mountains, and maybe a new respect for gravity by the end.

What’s the experience like?

“If you’re scared of heights, just look at the birds — they don’t worry,” our guide Sipho grinned as he clipped my harness to the first line. I’d barely squeezed my helmet on straight when I caught the smell of wet stone and something sweet, almost like wild honey. The Magaliesberg canopy tour starts right in Ysterhout Kloof, about an hour and a half from Johannesburg, but honestly it felt like we’d landed somewhere way older. You can see why they say these mountains are 2,400 million years old — there’s this hush between the rocks, even when someone’s laughing nervously behind you.

The first slide was shorter than I expected, but high enough that my legs went a bit jelly. Sipho kept up a steady stream of facts — apparently some of those trees have been here longer than most cities. He pointed out a bird (I forget the name; something with blue wings) and told us how locals used to watch for them before rain. The air got cooler as we moved deeper into the kloof, and at one point I swear I could hear water trickling below, thirty meters down. It’s weirdly peaceful up there, waiting your turn on a platform bolted into ancient rock. My glove squeaked on the pulley — embarrassing but nobody seemed to mind.

By the time we hit the longest zipline (140 meters if you care about numbers), I’d stopped overthinking it and just let go. There’s this moment when you’re flying over green and grey and your heart thumps so loud it drowns out everything else. One guy in our group tried to film but dropped his phone case instead — we all cracked up, even Sipho. The whole thing took about three hours but honestly, it felt both longer and shorter somehow. On the drive back through Magaliesberg Reserve, I kept replaying that feeling of weightlessness. Still not sure if I’ll ever get used to that kind of quiet adrenaline.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Magaliesberg Canopy Tour experience

• Arrive at Canopy Tour offices
• Attend safety briefing
• Get fitted with harness and helmet
• Begin canopy tour through Ysterhout Kloof
• Slide along 10 zip lines
• Enjoy views of Magaliesberg Mountains
• Complete tour in 2.5 to 3 hours

Top questions

How long does the Magaliesberg canopy tour take?

The tour lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish.

Is transport included to the zipline course?

Yes, transport from the Canopy Tour offices to the course is included.

Are children allowed on this canopy tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is safety equipment provided for the Magaliesberg canopy tour?

All necessary safety equipment is provided before starting the activity.

Where is the Magaliesberg canopy tour located?

The tour is in Ysterhout Kloof within the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve, halfway between Harteespoort and Rustenburg.

Can wheelchair users join this canopy tour?

Yes, wheelchair-bound guests can participate using an innovative sliding chair called Lettie.

Is this activity suitable for people with health issues?

The tour is not recommended for those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

How high are the ziplines above ground?

Ziplines reach up to 30 meters above the stream below in some sections.

What’s included

Your day includes all safety gear—helmet, harness, gloves—and transport from check-in at the Canopy Tour offices out to Ysterhout Kloof where you’ll start your ziplining adventure with trained local guides before returning at the end.