Early explorers describe the abundance of wild life that existed in the Magaliesberg as unbelievable, but unfortunately this has declined in terms of the species and the size of various populations. In the mid-nineteenth century, it was not strange for someone to shoot a giraffe for only one strip of its neck to make a trek-whip. It did not take long for vast herds of animals to be wiped out. New species, like the Sable antelope, were even detected by early pioneers. Although during the last 150 years, many species of the large mammals have disappeared from the mountain area, there have, from time to time been certain animals that have been re-introduced into certain nature reserves like the Sable antelope that has now been re-introduced in the Silkaatsnek Nature Reserve. Unfortunately there are many species like elephant, lion, black and white rhinoceros, buffaloes and hippopotamus that are still extinct in these areas. The Magaliesberg was also the most southern limit where the Sable antelope roamed naturally The unique mountain ecosystem range is a dividing factor between the hotter bushveld and Highveld grasslands and is also a dividing factor between many animal sicknesses, for instance "hartwater". Due to the remoteness and the lack of food on the crest of the mountain, only certain species are attracted. Because of the constant supply of food on the lower part of the northern slopes and the natural beauty of the kloofs, a number of animal species are attracted to these areas of the mountain and are seen regularly while hiking. Common duiker, grey Reebok, mountain reedbuck, bushbuck, black-backed jackal, baboons, vervet monkeys, klipspringers and rock dassies are a few of the animals that are occasionally seen while hiking in the Magaliesberg Mountains. Leopards have also been seen in the kloofs and in spots like "Leopard Link" (where its name originates from). Although sightings of leopards are very rare they may be dangerous when cornered, but like all wild animals, usually avoid confrontation with man. Kumbagana Game Park has also introduced new animal species to our game park, such as zebra, wildebeest, rooihartebeest, blesbuck, ostriches etc.

More than 300 species of birds can be seen and explored by bird lovers in Magaliesberg. Black eagles, cape vultures, hawks, hornbills and woodpeckers are only some of the wonderful creatures that glide through the air with grace and ease.

The Magaliesberg range, is habitat to many wonderful poisonous and non-poisonous reptiles. Snakebites are always a possibility while hiking in wilderness areas. To avoid confusion between poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, hikers must treat all snakes as poisonous and avoid confrontation. It is a good policy for hikers to familiarize themselves with the treatment for snakebites. The puffadder usually lying motionless in pathways is the most frequent cause of snakebites in the Magaliesberg. It sometimes gives a warning by making a hissing sound, but most of the times, not. Other adders are the horned and night adders. The Mozambique spitting cobra and Rinkhals are from the spitting species. This species can deposit its venom from the fangs by simply opening its mouth. It aims accurately over a distance of plus minus 2 meters, usually at the eyes of the victim. If the venom is deposited into the eyes it causes great pain and could cause permanent blindness if the eyes are not rinsed immediately. The Egyptian cobra does not spit its venom but does bite like the Mozambique spitting cobra and Rinkhals when stood on or trapped. Their bite can be fatal to humans. These snakes are usually found in rocky areas and in areas of human dwellings.

The Boomslang and southern twig snake are snakes usually found in trees. The Boomslang is green or brown while the twig snake blends in with dry twigs and will remain motionless when disturbed, camouflaging itself to be a twig (hence the name). Both these snakes are lethal to humans. There is anti-venom for the Boomslang but can only be ordered by doctors on request. There is no anti-venom against the bite of a twig snake.

One of the most wonderful reptiles of the Magaliesberg is the southern African python and rock lequaan. Pythons grow up to 6m or more in length and are not poisonous. They constrict warm-blooded animals that they detect with heat-sensitive receptors.

Hikers must under no circumstances feed, remove or disturb any form of fauna from the mountain range (leave only your footsteps).