21 July, 2005

By Mamello Makgana

CITY folk are heading off to the Magaliesberg, within reach of Mogale City, to share in the tourism treasures of the Magalies Meander.

The Magalies Meander is a non-profit organisation that markets and preserves the Magaliesberg area as a tourism destination. It started off in 1998 with 45 business members and has grown to 95 active members.

These business partners provide services that will make tourists' visits more pleasurable.

They include accommodation facilities, ranging from four-star lodges like the Masibambane Guest House and Conference Venue to hotels; small business enterprises that are mostly run by locals, like self-catering country cottages and holiday resorts; to camping and caravanning sites.

Shopping for curios and souvenirs is not the only activity on the meander, though. There are several adventure trails and places to enjoy fly fishing, hiking and golf. Resorts and restaurants serve cuisine prepared by professional chefs.

Members on the meander pay a once-off enrolment fee of R1 200, and there is an annual subscription of R1 060. This pays for marketing the area.

According to Erick Skipper, the chairman of the Magalies Meander, tourism is growing rapidly, allowing greater job creation at the various meander members.

A visitor's centre has been built at the Sterkfontein Cave, part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Here tourists can walk along paved paths and wooden walkways for better access to the excavation site where the famous Mrs Ples was found in 1947.

There is still excavation work going on at the cave and the new upgrades allow tourists to watch scientists at the dig and at work in the fossil preparation lab.

A short eight kilometres from the cave is the new Interpretation Centre complex. Once completed it will boast a large conference venue, restaurants, visitor attraction with a kiddie's cave, a destination retail store, a bar and a viewing deck.

Accommodation for tourists and learners will be available.

Furneax Steward Gapp Consortium, consisting of eight companies, won the concession to design, build and develop the area over a period of 10 years. In the words of the newly appointed manager of the consortium, Anton Post, the developments serve as a mechanism for job creation and economic empowerment through tourism development.

Magaliesburg village itself is surrounded by well-preserved African bushveld with beautiful views of the Magaliesberg mountains.

Visit the beautiful Magaliesberg

Unlocking the treasure chest

Magaliesburg is a haven of peace and quiet