The Magaliesberg, also historically known as the Macalisberg or Cashan Mountains, is a beautiful and ancient mountain range located in South Africa. Stretching for about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from east to west, it forms a natural border between the provinces of Gauteng and North West. Formed over 2 billion years ago, the Magaliesberg is much older than even Mount Everest! It's primarily composed of quartzite, a hard, white rock that gives the mountains their distinctive jagged look. The Magaliesberg is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including over 130 species of trees, a variety of flowers, ferns, and grasses, and fascinating creatures like zebras, giraffes, leopards, and over 300 species of birds. The area was officially declared a protected natural environment in 1977, recognizing its ecological importance.