I decided, after my 16 hikes in the first half (odd) of the year, I needed another hike. Yes, despite the heat wave. So, ending the year at 17 hikes, the Crazy Singles Hiking Group (Gauteng) had a trip to the Dome Pools MCSA hiking spot, in Mooinooi just north Magaliesburg, south of Marikana.
With a booking, then parking at the Dome Pools Parking, R60 cash per car, it’s a wonderful under 5km hike to the pools themselves, then just under 5km back. I ended up hiking for around 10.6km for my fun photographic hobby. There are a lot of ups and downs in elevation, so it can be intense in the heat. We were lucky, this time, that there was enough wind.
One note is from home it was an hour and a half trip there, whereas just south of the hills a few weeks before it was around an hour. It’s a slightly longer route than the hikes to the south/south-east from JHB. The other tip I can give is to take a look for the next stone marker to stick to the trail, in places the grass grows a touch too much – not a problem at all, only a note. Final note, when at the pools, in the dip, there is no signal on cellular devices, just remember that, so if you need to phone for help and you’re down there you’ll have difficulties. Stay safe!
One note, it gets very hot when in a heat wave, so make sure you have enough water. We were luckier to have a cooler day, than the one before, but I still emptied my 2L water bottle just before the end of the hike. Stay hydrated!
The map above is the entire hiking trail from parking to the Dome Pools, and almost back. I should remember to charge my devices before a hike, at times.
As a note, we spent a long time relaxing at the pools themselves. We had around a 3-hour fun experience together.
Dome Pools Hiking Trail: December 17 2024
As you can tell, it’s a beautiful experience. A ton of fun and be sure to take a towel with so you can enjoy a splash, or slide, on the pools. Be sure to stay as safe as possible, like usual.
