Most Gauteng weekenders have heard of Magaliesburg. Fewer have heard of Hekpoort — and those who have tend to be protective of the fact. The Hekpoort Valley sits at the foot of the same mountain range, about 12 kilometres east of Magaliesburg village, quieter, less developed, and with a rural character that the more popular areas are slowly losing.
It’s not undiscovered — farmers, birders, and regulars have known about it for years. But it hasn’t been overrun yet, and for families, groups, and anyone who wants a genuine escape rather than a busy tourist destination, that matters.
Where Exactly Is Hekpoort, and What Makes It Different?
Hekpoort is a small farming community in the Mogale City Local Municipality in Gauteng, sitting on the R560 between the southern face of the Magaliesberg range and the lower-lying farmland to the south. From Johannesburg, it’s approximately 75-80km — about an hour in clear traffic.
The Magaliesberg mountain range is one of the oldest on earth — estimated at over 2.3 billion years old according to the Council for Geoscience, predating even the Himalayas. Staying in the shadow of these mountains gives the Hekpoort experience a quality that’s hard to articulate but easy to feel.
What Makes Hekpoort Especially Good for Families?
Families who’ve switched from Hartbeespoort to Hekpoort often describe the same realisation: you get more space, more privacy, and more genuine nature for a comparable price — without the traffic, the tourist infrastructure, and the sense of being on a busy day-tripper circuit.
- Space: Hekpoort properties tend to be on larger plots — kids can run properly
- Privacy: fewer properties sharing a small area means less ambient noise and more sense of having the place to yourselves
- Nature: proper bushveld, jackals at night, raptors during the day, guinea fowl wandering the garden
- Onsite activities: fishing, swimming, farm animals at some properties, braai culture — enough to keep everyone occupied without constant driving
According to Gauteng Tourism, the Magaliesberg biosphere area receives over two million visitors annually, making it the province’s most visited rural destination — but most of that concentrates around Hartbeespoort and the village, leaving the Hekpoort Valley comparatively uncrowded.
What Accommodation Is Available in Hekpoort?
Retreat and Venue Properties
Imbabali Retreat and Venueaccommodation units: Cottage One, Cottage Two, and Cottage Three — each sleeping five — plus the Wild Olive Chalet sleeping four, and the Grapevine House sleeping eight across four bedrooms. All units include braai facilities and are serviced daily. Dining by reservation at the onsite restaurant and sports bar is available for evenings when cooking isn’t the plan.
The property provides a wide activities programme including catch-and-release fishing, kayaking, a golf driving range, and mobile spa services. Team building programmes are available for corporate groups. See current specials or enquire about availability.
Farm Cottages and Self-Catering Properties
Several working farms in and around Hekpoort have cottages available for weekend rental — a more stripped-back experience at lower price points, well-suited to guests who want the bush, minimal facilitation, and the character of a working farm.
What Activities Are Available in the Hekpoort Valley?
- Bird watching — the valley hosts exceptional variety including Verreaux’s Eagle, African Fish Eagle, and numerous grassland specialists. BirdLife South Africa lists the broader Magaliesberg region as one of Gauteng’s most important birding areas.
- Hiking on the slopes of the Magaliesberg — several informal trails lead from valley properties into the mountain range.
- Catch-and-release fishing on farm dams — bass, carp, tilapia, and yellowfish throughout the valley’s water systems.
- Kayaking and paddling on farm dams, available at specific properties.
- Golf driving range practice and lessons with a professional instructor.
- Mobile spa treatments available by prior arrangement at several properties.
- Stargazing — the valley has very low light pollution. Winter nights in particular are exceptional.
How Do You Get to Hekpoort?
From Johannesburg: Take the N14 westbound through Krugersdorp. Follow the R563 south, then turn onto the R560 (Hekpoort Road). Properties will be signposted from this road.
From Pretoria: Take the N14 westbound, or come via the R511 through Lanseria and Muldersdrift. The R560 approach from the west (via Magaliesburg village) also works well.
Fuel up before leaving Krugersdorp or the R14 area. The Hekpoort Valley has no petrol station. Arriving on a quarter tank with evening plans is a poor way to start a weekend. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hekpoort the same as Magaliesburg?
Hekpoort is a distinct farming community within the broader Magaliesberg area, about 12km east of Magaliesburg village. Part of the same tourism corridor, but with its own quieter, more private character.
How far is Hekpoort from Johannesburg?
Approximately 75-80km from central Johannesburg — about an hour in light traffic via the N14 and R560. Budget for 90 minutes on a Friday afternoon.
Is Hekpoort suitable for corporate team building?
Yes. Imbabali Retreat and Venue offers comprehensive corporate team building programmes with 36 facilitated indoor and outdoor activities, combined with accommodation, dining, and structured activities in one venue. Enquire directly for group rates.
What wildlife might I encounter in Hekpoort?
The valley has jackals, porcupines, mongoose, monitor lizards, and various antelope species on some properties. Bird diversity is exceptional. Large dangerous game is not present — this is working farmland, not a game reserve.
The Hekpoort Valley is the version of the Magaliesberg that hasn’t been photographed to death yet. Get there while the roads are still quiet on a Friday evening.