Deep in the earth

HOME to the first humans, Mogale City's Cradle of Humankind, which includes Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves, is an obvious starting point for visitors.

The Cradle is a World Heritage Site and it is here that visitors will discover their own origins as they explore the rich fossil record of the area, with its remains of the earliest humans.

The Sterkfontein Caves are famous for their palaeontological treasures, including Mrs Ples, the two million-year-old female skull discovered in 1947.

And in April 2010, an astounding find of an entirely new hominid species, Australopithecus sediba - which dates back almost two million years - was announced.

According to scientists, the find is believed to be the transitional species between Australopithecus and Homo. The australopithecines are believed to be the ancestors of the Homo genus.

Other treasures abound

Outdoors in Mogale City

Take in the local art scene with a leisurely drive through the Magalies Meander where glasswork and other fine art studios nestle between the koppies and ravines of the Magalies mountains and river.

Or, if you are in search of African curios made on the spot, then the Crocodile River arts and crafts ramble is where you should be heading.

For a genuine African adventure, there is the Lesedi Cultural Village, which is a remarkable fusion of charming, authentic, earthy Africa in the heart of the bushveld.

Visitors can enjoy African dishes, with lively music and cheerful chatter - a vibrancy that is uniquely township. Learn about the traditional Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi and Setswana cultures, and be entertained by traditional dancers, stories and songs in the living museums of this area.

For viewing the animals synonymous with Africa, there is the Krugersdorp Game Reserve, with a large number of species of mammal, including lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard on 1 400 hectares of bushveld. Game drives can be either self-drive on tarred roads or guided game drives in open vehicles.

Also in the area is the Rhino and Lion Park, with its more than 600 animals, where you will get a close-up of some of the magnificent Big Five.

The dining scene

Fine dining

Mogale City and its surrounds offer great eating experiences right in the heart of the bush.

A unique outing is Goblin's Cove, a fantasy restaurant where sculptures by Charles Gotthard make for interesting table conversation.

Or tuck into an ambrosial African feast while overlooking a waterhole at the Cradle restaurant.

Steak at the Silver Star Casino forewarns one of treats just perfect for meat-lovers. Then there is the award-winning Carnivore, in Muldersdrift, a franchise of the world-renowned Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi, Kenya.

While these options require some driving, Mogale City itself offers a variety of localised dining experiences, such as Die Boomhuisie.