Outing to Olifantspoort Valley, Rustenburg
By:
Vincent Carruthers
Date:
Sat, 09/05/2026 - 09:30
Branch:
Northern
Time: 09:30 for 10:00 – Brauhaus Afrika is about 1 3⁄4 hours from Johannesburg
Meet at: Meet at Brauhaus Afrika, just off the R24 before Olifantsnek. Maximum 25 participants.
Plus code = 56WV+RH Rustenburg
*Enter the plus code into google maps to get directions
Duration: About 3 hours.
Bring: Bring a hat, sunblock, and drinking water. Wear sturdy walking shoes as we will explore the ruins at Olifantspoort Iron age site.
Charge: R100 for members. R150 for non-members.
Booking: Please email Anne Raeburn on anner@mweb.co.za to book
We plan to have lunch at the Brauhaus Afrika at member’s own cost after the tour.
Information about the Outing
We plan to have lunch at the Brauhaus Afrika at member’s own cost after the tour.
Information about the Outing
Join us for a not-to-be-missed excursion to the Olifantspoort Valley, by the foremost expert on the Magalieberg, Mr Vincent Carruthers. The Olifantpoort Valley is the setting of a rich tapestry of historical events that shaped South Africa, from the earliest occupation of the valley by hunter-gatherers who settled in Kruger Cave, to the spectacular stone walling of the late Iron Age village in the hills just below the dam. Well-known South Africa personalities, like Robert Moffat, Andrew Smith, Cornwallis Harris and Mzilikazi all feature in the history of this valley. The Olifantspoort Valley was a key battleground during the Anglo-Boer War, the scene of General De Wet’s famous escape, and a site of the 1914 Rebellion. Learn about the history of the Retief family, on whose farm many of these events took place and who still live there today, as well as the history of the building of the current dam that has irrevocably altered the landscape.
Itinerary:
9.30 for 10.00 Arrive at the Brauhaus Afrika, just off the R24 before Olifantsnek.
10.00 – 11.00 Lecture by Mr Vincent Carruthers on the Brauhaus veranda.
11.00 – 11.30 Convoy drive to Olifantspoort Iron Age site. (Access to this site requires a 4x4, so please bring your 4x4 if you have one. There are a few 4x4 spaces available.)
11.30 – 12.30 Talk and exploration of the walled ruins.
12.30 – 13.00 Return to Brauhaus for lunch (at member’s own cost).
About the Tour Guide
About the Tour Guide
Vincent Carruthers is a renowned South African environmentalist, author, and biodiversity specialist, best known for his work on the natural and cultural heritage of the Magaliesberg mountain range and the Cradle of Humankind. He has authored numerous popular but influential works including The Magaliesberg and Cradle of Life, which highlight the region’s geology, ecology, and cultural significance. Carruthers played a pivotal role in the proclamation of the Magaliesberg as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015, promoting sustainable development alongside conservation. Through his writing, lectures, and advocacy, he has become a leading voice in biodiversity preservation and environmental education.
BOOKING CONDITIONS FOR OUTINGS
Contact Anne Raeburn to book by email on anner@mweb.co.za
Please deposit the fee in the NORTHERN BRANCH account given below (and NOT in the Cape Town membership account).
SA Archaeological Society, Standard Bank
Account number 001 945 920
Reference: SURNAME and EVENT.
Send the proof of payment (pop) to Anne Raeburn on anner@mweb.ac.za
If you pay by cash or cheque, you must please add R40 for bank fees.
PROTOCOL FOR OUTINGS
Please take note of the following guidelines for outings.
1. Arrive on time and immediately report to the committee member who has the attendance register.
2. Sign the attendance register and indemnity immediately.
3. Only people who have booked and pre-paid may come on outings, we do not accept bookings or
cash on the day.