Rustig Hiking Day Trip
Spend a day hiking in Rustig just 1.5 hours from Joburg. The farm is located just on the edge of the Gauteng-North West border. It has superb views of the surrounding Magaliesberg mountains. Rustig hiking will sure leave you coming back again and again! I’ve been twice already since moving to Joburg.
If 2 hours is too far for you, check out these hiking options in and around Joburg.
Rustig hiking
Bookings and pre-payment are essential to hike at Rustig.
Rates vary between weekdays, weekends, and public holidays. Check the site for exact pricing. An entry ticket for the day hike for one adult should be between R 65-80.
You can bring some of your own nibs. Rustig also offers takeaway food options for your hike.
Olivenhout Hiking Trail: 3 km
The trail takes about an hour and you must start by 12pm. See the map.
Witstinkhout Hiking Trail: 5 km
The trail takes about three hours to hike. There are some steep hiking areas, but this makes for beautiful views over the landscape. The trail also leads to a cave with a trickle of water. Watch out for baboons in the area too! You must start this hike by 11am. See the map.
The path was half-shaded, half in the sun. So, I would recommend a basic sun defense kit: hat, sunscreen, and a long SPF shirt. And plenty of water.
Karee Hiking Trail: 13 km (or 9 km)
This trail can be done in one day or overnight.
We did this trail in a day. There is an option to take the “chicken run” back to Rustig so that your hike is only 9 km. The full 13 km hike is absolutely beautiful! This is definitely my favorite hike around Magaliesberg as you’ll hike up to the top of the mountains and onto the plateau. You’ll also pass the cave (that is seen on the 5 km hike) and the overnight hut.
The hike will take around 4 hours if you power through and around 5 hours if you stop for snacks along the way.
This hike is moderate-difficult, mostly because there is a lot of climbing involved as well as loose rocks on the trails.
Overnight rates run between R 270-300, and there is the option to add on additional services. It is R 75 for one adult for the day hike option.
Magalieskraans Hiking Trail: 15-18 km
This trail takes 2 days to complete. The first day, you’ll hike 10km to the overnight hut. You must leave Rustig by 9am. The hut has water, electricity, braai, and lodging for 8 people. Only one group is permitted per night, so you’ll only be with your crew. The second day you’ll hike 5-8km back to Rustig.
Rates run between R 315-350, and there is the option to add on additional services. You can read more about the hike and book it here.
See the map.
Check all the updates (and rules) on Rustig’s day hike page.
Spend the night at Rustig
If you’re planning to spend the night at the cabin, it has a wonderful view and looks like a real house! When I peeked inside there was a full kitchen, a table, chairs… It looks like a fun spot!
You can also spend the night at the lodge. Rustig has several lodging options, including the original farmhouse.
