With rolling hills, secret swimming holes, and the Magaliesberg mountain range standing vigil to the north, this small town in the northeast of South Africa is known for being the home of the oldest mine in Gauteng. The large cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria are only about an hour away, making it a popular weekend getaway.

Just outside of town, the Plumari Preserve is big with adventurers who come to boost their adrenaline with rock climbing, ziplining, and hot air ballooning. The Hartbeespoort Dam at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountains is also a big draw for birders who flood the walking paths in search of owls, falcons, and black-headed heron. The town of Magaliesburg has enough to hold your interest in between hikes, with shops, arts and crafts studios, and working farms.

Magaliesburg’s location in the southern hemisphere means that its seasons are opposite to North America’s. Generally, the best months to book your Magaliesburg accommodation are during summer, from December to February, when the days are long and warm. You will see more rain during this time of year, so be sure you are prepared with an umbrella and proper shoes.

Fall and spring are both warm but not too hot; this is the perfect time to take advantage of the area’s outdoor activities. Winter is from June to August and brings mild, dry days with abundant sunshine and cooler nights. You will rarely see rain during this time of year. The annual Rock the Cradle event in August features handmade products, artisan treats, and craft brews.

Sterkfontein Caves

Just 25 minutes east of Magaliesburg, you’ll find a series of limestone caves considered the most productive paleo-anthropological site in the world, and one of the most important discoveries about human evolution — some fossils discovered here are over four million years old. The site offers access into the caves and walkways for viewing the excavation site where these fossils were discovered.

Askari Lodge Museum

This museum showcases one of the largest collections of 19th- and 20th-century animal-drawn vehicles, such as ox-wagons and carts. The Main Lodge building was built in the mid-1800s and has recently been restored. The museum also tells the history of the area with talks about how it evolved, and there are exhibits featuring Stone Age tools and carvings.

Schoemansville

One of the oldest suburbs of Magaliesburg, the charming village of Schoemansville is located next to the Hartbeespoort Dam. Meander around this lovely town, eat lunch at one of the lakefront restaurants, or take advantage of the excellent kayaking on the lake.