Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve, Biosphere reserve between Pretoria and Rustenburg, South Africa

The Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve spans two provinces and combines mountain ranges, rivers, wetlands, and varied habitats that support diverse wildlife populations. The mix of geological features, woodland areas, and open landscapes shapes the ecological richness across this protected region.

The mountain range belongs to some of the oldest geological structures in the region and consists of rock formations from the Transvaal System. These ancient mountains played a role in shaping the geological character of southern Africa.

The reserve's first core zone is the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, made up of 13 listed fossil sites and some 400 unexplored caves. Its record of human evolution spans about 4 million years and includes one of the most important Stone Age sites in the world, plus a large share of all hominid skulls found on the planet.

The protected area has multiple hiking trails and viewpoints that provide access to different habitats and landscapes. Visitors should prepare for changing terrain and bring appropriate gear depending on the season.

The reserve records 443 bird species, 46.6% of all bird species in the southern African sub-region. Among them are the Cape vulture, secretary bird, great white pelican, martial eagle and African grass-owl. Birders often overlook that this figure covers the whole reserve, from the Moot Plains Bushveld to the Northern Afrotemperate Forest.