Islands of nature in South Africa’s capital city

Abstract

The Magaliesberg mountain range is ancient, having formed well over two billion years ago. This makes it one of the oldest mountain ranges on our planet and significantly older than relatively recently formed mountain ranges such as the Himalayas. Part of this geological history is clearly preserved in the form of ripple-marked quartzite rocks that may sometimes be encountered when walking in various parts of the mountain range. These ripples, which were laid down under former marine conditions, are perfect reminders of the extreme age of the Magaliesberg and – in part – why the range is so special. Today the Magaliesberg is well known to many nature lovers, hikers, rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, due largely to its proximity to – and in parts surrounded by – South Africa’s densely populated administrative capital city, Pretoria in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.