The reason to go to Magaliesburg is what is around the town, not what is in it. The Magaliesberg mountains run east-west on either side, ridged with quartzite cliffs and laced with hiking trails. The Magalies River and the Skeerpoort River cut through the range and offer summer swimming holes. Several of the better-known South African adventure outfits — canopy tours, hot-air ballooning, fly fishing — operate out of farms in the valley.
Most travellers come for a single weekend escape from Johannesburg. Two days is plenty for hiking, a balloon ride, and a couple of meals at one of the country-hotel restaurants. If you stay longer, the Cradle of Humankind (40 minutes east) is the obvious add-on.