Hiking & MTB Trails
60 km+ of manicured single-track across 30 private farms in the Skeerpoort Valley. Reed tunnels for families, red routes for the brave.
View the trails
Skeerpoort · Magaliesberg · Kaas naar Nederlandse tradities
Traditional Dutch Gouda, Magaliesberg trails.
A woman's vision that turned into a second-generation family business.
Since 1994, the Van Gaalen family has made traditional Gouda at the foot of the Magaliesberg, and built one of South Africa's finest trail networks around it. Ride, hike, tour the kaasmakerij, and stay for a long lunch at Terrace @ Van Gaalen.
1994Familie bedrijf
Skeerpoort
Skeerpoort
Plan your visit
Prices & opening hours at a glance
Trails
- Hike & trail runningR50
- Mountain bikingR60
- Children under 12Half price
- Toddlers under 4Free
Mon–Fri 08h00–17h00 · Weekends & public holidays from 06h30
Trail detailsCheese Tours
- AdultsR190
- Children & pensionersR140
Wednesday 10h00 · Saturday 10h00 · Sunday 11h00
Terrace @ Van Gaalen
- OpenWed – Sun
- Hours08h00 – 18h00
Farm-style dishes, wood-fired pizza & fresh sushi.
Riverside Picnics
Booked to order. Call or WhatsApp 083 226 7834.
Pre-booked only, 50% non-refundable deposit.
Picnic detailsFarm shop: Wednesday – Sunday 08h00–17h00, and public holidays · Restaurant 08h00–17h30 · Trails from 06h30 on weekends
At the R560/R512 crossroads in Skeerpoort, about 45 to 60 minutes from both Johannesburg and Pretoria. Common questions →
A full day on the farm
Four good reasons people keep coming back
Cheese Tours
Watch traditional Gouda made from milk to coated cheese wheel, running since 1996, then taste the results and enjoy coffee and Dutch apple cake.
Book a tour
Terrace @ Van Gaalen
Farm-style cuisine with a spectacular view of the Magaliesberg silhouette: a variety of Dutch and South African favourites.
Kids & Families
Zipline, tractor rides, jungle gym and a farmyard with goats, sheep, geese, emus and bush pigs. Party packages on request.
Plan a partyWhat visitors say
Worth the drive, every time
"Great place for an easy scenic stroll, ride or trail run. Well maintained routes with something new and exciting at every turn. From the raging river alongside the hiking trail to the child friendly pets on the farm, to the cheese journey and food, it's the perfect getaway for a fresh breath."
"Absolutely loved this place. We took my 1 year old and he had the time of his life. You can go for walks, there are farm animals along the way for your little ones to feed. They have a play area with slides, jumping castle and bikes that the kids can play with. The food is absolutely amazing! Can't wait to be back."
"The van Gaalen Cheese Farm is an absolute gem. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed into a lekker, relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer."
"A beautiful hiking trail, with an amazing restaurant. ... Really worth a visit if you are in the area."
"We did the 11km hike route to the Greek Church and loved it. Did 18kms by choice. Very well marked and relatively easy with ever changing scenery of forest, open areas and views. ..."
"If you're looking for an unforgettable cheese experience, this farm is an absolute must-visit. From their young, creamy cheeses to their beautifully matured vintage selections, every single bite is packed with flavor ..."
"This was a great experience for my family we did a guided 60-minute cheese-making tour showing how milk becomes cheese Includes tasting of different cheeses. After the tour they serve you with coffee/tea/juice + Dutch apple cake ..."
"Loved it! We sat on the stoep, enjoying a beautiful view and delicious food. I had a traditional Dutch dish ..."
Familie bedrijf · Est. 1994
About the farm
Rustic on purpose. Heritage by birth.
Plenty of places call themselves a farm experience. Van Gaalen actually is one. A working Dutch kaasmakerij where the Gouda you taste was made metres from where you're standing, and the trails begin where the pastures end.
Good old country hospitality, no gimmicks, no rush. Just the river, the mountains, and thirty years of craft.
Read our storyWhat's on
Events at Van Gaalen
Nothing scheduled right now. Follow us on Facebook for what's coming up.
Make a day of it
Ride at sunrise, tour the kaasmakerij at ten, lunch at Terrace @ Van Gaalen till late. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Book your table, tour or picnic ahead.