The 100km Magalies Biosphere Woman’s Walk was the brainchild of Alna van der Walt, Director of RATA NPC, who has experience with the Spanish Camino de Santiago and the Lighthouse to Lighthouse 100km walk between Hermanus and Struisbaai. Alna, a businesswoman from Rustenburg with a passion for ecotourism and a generous heart, helped establish the inaugural hike in 2017 along with the other RATA directors. The event was a huge success, drawing visitors to the area, showcasing local tourism products, and raising funds for local charities.

This ladies-only hike takes place annually in March, over four days in the magnificent UNESCO Magaliesberg Biosphere. Participants average around 25km per day. After long days on the trail, an ice bucket station, massage therapists and a reflexologist await at the guesthouse to treat tired feet and aching backs. Hikers carry only daypacks with food and water and are treated to four-star accommodation and restaurant-style meals each night.

The Magaliesberg Biosphere offers breathtaking beauty and camaraderie on the trail.

My Story

Day 1 – The Wet Day

The walk began under less-than-ideal conditions of steady rain and thick mist. After an early morning blessing and lunch-packing session at the Rustenburg Kloof Resort, we set off. The organisers had hoped the rains would have stopped by March, but nature had other plans. As one hiker, Ansie Swanepoel, so perfectly put it: “The Magaliesberg is an altogether different girl when she’s taking a shower.” Visibility was limited to 20 metres, testing our navigation skills, determination and ankles alike.

Day 1 was wet, misty and full of perseverance.

Despite the rain, we covered our first 28.4km, though with very soggy feet. Chocolates from a sponsor lifted our spirits at a surprise rest stop, giving us the boost we needed to push through. We didn’t get to see much of Kgaswane Nature Reserve’s scenery, but the route – and the weather – made up for it the next day.

Enduring the rain together created lasting memories.

Day 2 – The Ray of Sunshine Day

After a soothing massage session and a dinner fit for queens, we awoke to a 4am call – nursing blisters but hopeful for a dry day, which we got! The mountain streams were flowing strongly, creating a spectacular sight seldom seen in the Magaliesberg.

Rushing streams and clear skies lifted our spirits on Day 2.

The previous night’s rain had made one section near the waterfall too dangerous, but our experienced organisers quickly adjusted the route. Their mountain knowledge ensured a safe yet equally rewarding path to our destination – and our distance goal for the day was met in high spirits.

The Magaliesberg rewarded us with glorious sunshine and views.

Day 3 – Almost There

According to most participants, Day 3 was the toughest but most rewarding. The cumulative kilometres and blisters began to test our good humour and willpower. Thankfully, local landowners brightened the day with fresh watermelon and words of encouragement. “Almost there” became our mantra. We also gained valuable insight into the local flora thanks to Susan Steyn from Rainhill Farm, a self-taught fauna expert who shared her lifetime of mountain knowledge with us.

Day 3 tested our limits but rewarded us with connection and beauty.

Day 4 – The Final Stretch

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than (s)he seeks.” – John Muir

On the final day, we discovered just how much we were capable of. The organisers secretly contacted our loved ones before the hike, asking them to write letters of encouragement. These were handed out when spirits were low – a touching surprise that moved many to tears. Reading those heartfelt words high on the mountain gave us new strength to finish strong. As “Chariots of Fire” played at the finish, we were greeted by family, friends, and organisers at a heartwarming medal ceremony.

A triumphant finish and memories for a lifetime.

Indeed, a true bucket-list experience!

Trail Info

Distance: 100 km
Beauty: 5/5
Difficulty: 7/10
Technical Rating: Short scrambles; use of hands for support in some sections; not always on a path; steep inclines and declines; multiple stream crossings.

General Info

A 50km Couples Walk is planned for July this year – a weekend event allowing couples to join without taking leave days.

For participation or sponsorship enquiries, contact rustenburg.rata@gmail.com, call 081 817 9416, or visit the official Facebook page: Magaliesberg Biosphere Women’s Walk.