Exquisite Maropeng – a story in pictures – Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves

The Magalies Meander Lifestyle Photographic Challenge, which ran from 1 December 2012 to 28 February 2013, is a hotly contested competition with top prizes for those who capture the sights of the Magaliesberg and surrounds on camera.

Amateur photographer and Maropeng fan Francois van Jaarsveld took second place in this year’s challenge, and won a two-night stay at Maropeng for two, plus a double ticket to the Sterkfontein Caves.

“It was an absolutely superb and wonderful weekend at Maropeng! My wife and I really enjoyed it! It’s certainly a place and area I would strongly recommend for anyone to visit,” he says.

Most importantly, Van Jaarsveld thoroughly enjoyed his stay at Maropeng and continued to capture on camera the most amazing sunsets, picturesque scenery and the stunning architectural design of the Maropeng Hotel.

A lovely view of the sunset from the Maropeng Hotel. All photos courtesy of Francois van Jaarsveld

The world-famous stalactites and stalagmites that reside in the Sterkfontein Caves

The orange sun sets between the shadow of the Magalies and Witrivier mountain ranges, creating a landscape of autumn hues

Enjoy a quiet dip in the pool at the Maropeng Hotel. Sunsets are free

The stunning architectural design of the Maropeng Hotel, which looks out into the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site