MCSA member access and use of Hamerkop
More information on how non-beneficiary MCSA members can access Hamerkop.The MCSA (Jhb) has a legal servitude over the Hamerkop property to access the adjacent Grootkloof property and to climb in the Hamerkop Kloof.
Its members also have the right to park, camp or picnic on Hamerkop at any time in places designated by the Trustees, without having to request permission from anyone.
Because of the limitation on numbers in the Kloof, however, members need to check on the likelihood of overcrowding with the MCSA administrator before going out to be prepared to proceed to Grootkloof if necessary.
By Trustee agreement, these benefits have been extended to all members of the MCSA, irrespective of their section.
The area around the house, including the parking area, and the pool below it are out of bounds to non-beneficiaries.
The path from the MCSA parking to the Kloof and Grootkloof crosses the river below the house. This is an area in full view of the house and is frequently used by Hamerkop beneficiaries. MCSA members are requested not to linger and picnic there en-route to the kloof. The number of people in the Hamerkop Kloof is limited to 15 (at all times except during official meets).
As owners of unit weeks, both the Johannesburg and Magaliesberg sections of the MCSA are subject to the same rights as beneficiaries during their weeks, but are also subject to the same rules and obligations.
During official MCSA meets, the limitation on numbers in the Kloof is lifted to 30. Up to three such meets are allowed per year. Contact your section if you wish to participate in a meet.
Access
There is a coded lock on the gate to access the Hamerkop properties. Details can be obtained from the MCSA. Hamerkop Kloof is separated into a lower section and an upper section. The boundary of which is marked by a pipe leading water out of the Kloof.
The lower section of Hamerkop Kloof is owned by the Hamerkop Mountain Trust. Mountain Club member access is governed by the rules above. The upper section of the Hamerkop Kloof is privately owned and permission to access it requires permission from the landowner. It is owned by the Celliers family and it has a hiking trail on it which can be accessed from Kumbagana.
There are also multiple climbing routes on the upper section. Anyone wishing to access the upper section must contact Kumbagana Game Reserve for permission (kumbagana.co.za).
No permits are available for non-MCSA members.
Parking and camping
The designated parking and camping area is signposted under trees on the right side of the dirt road leading to the Hamerkop House about 1.2 km from the Hamerkop gate. The area is considered safe.
The MCSA path to the Kloof is approximately 100 m further down the dirt road from the parking area. No water is available in this area, so campers should collect water from the kloof. There are no ablution facilities, and campers are expected to treat the camping as they would when camping in the veld—digging holes to bury excrement and toilet paper. Campers are also expected to take all refuse away with them.
The MCSA path to the Kloof is approximately 100 m further down the dirt road from the parking area.
Swimming
The pools in the Hamerkop Kloof are too small to swim in but are big enough to splash around in to cool off, especially for children. There is a good constant supply of water throughout the year.
Accommodation at Hamerkop house for non-beneficiaries
Accommodation for MCSA members at Hamerkop house – or around it using its
facilities – is made available via the following:
MCSA weeks
Both the MCSA Johannesburg and Magaliesberg sections own weeks during which
members can join parties being accommodated in the house. Check Club communications for opportunities coming up.
Private deals with beneficiaries or the Hamerkop occupancy scheme (Occ-S)
Beneficiaries who are unable to use their allocated weeks are encouraged to make their time available to other beneficiaries or MCSA non-beneficiaries, either via their own private arrangements or via the official occupancy scheme (Occ-S), which charges the fixed rates listed below.
If you are interested in being informed as soon as Occ-S time comes up, get your name on a list with the Hamerkop occupancy administrator.
Free time for workers
Beneficiaries are required to inform the occupancy administrator one week in advance if their occupancy plans have fallen through, so that their time can be offered to any MCSA member willing to do some work needed at the time (weeding and maintenance are ongoing needs). If you would like to contribute some work while enjoying the benefits of occupancy and might be able to make yourself available at short notice, get your name on the occupancy administrator’s list to be contacted. Occ-S rates will not be applied by the management committee for this time nor can the beneficiary claim any compensation.
Rates for 2026:
- Full week (Tues night – Sunday night) – R6,000.00
- Weekends (Friday – Sunday night or part thereof – R3,000.00.
- Midweek per night (Tues to Thurs) – R850.00 & NB occupiers are required to bring their own bedding (preferably sleeping bags and pillows or at least sheets and pillowcases).