Mogale City has a veritable treasure chest when it comes to places to visit, from beautiful nature reserves to mechanised steam train adventures, from extreme outdoor sports to gentle rambles around art studios.

VISITORS have a wide choice of places to visit and things to do around Mogale City.

Cradle of Humankind

The Sterkfontein Caves, one of the world's richest sources of knowledge about the development of man, were recently declared a World Heritage site. It was here that Dr Robert Broom found the almost perfect cranium of an adult, the specimen of Australopithecus africanus that became known as Mrs Ples. In the mid-1950s Dr C K Brain uncovered the first stone tools, and in 1998 the caves revealed the world's first complete hominid fossil skull and skeleton. The skull of Mrs Ples can be seen in the Robert Broom Museum at the site and the caves are a wonderland of magical stalactites and stalagmites.
Address: R563 Hekpoort Road, 12km from Krugersdorp
Open: Mondays to Sundays 9am - 5pm
Tel: 011 956 6342
Website: www.cradleofhumankind.co.za

Crocodile River Arts and Crafts Ramble

The Crocodile River Arts and Crafts Ramble offers the perfect opportunity for a family outing. More than 100 gifted artists and craftspeople show off their wares, often in their studios, and original paintings, sculptures and art objects can be picked up for a bargain. Various demonstrations take place, and visitors can watch the Swazi glassblowers of Ngwenya Glass at work. A tea garden provides a welcome spot to sit down and discuss the arts and crafts, all in the beautiful rustic surrounds of the Crocodile River.
Address: Plot 72, Rietvallei
Open: Mondays to Sundays 9am - 3pm
Tel: 086 172 6253
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Website: www.theramble.co.za

Magaliesberg Express

Take a relaxing train ride to Magaliesburg. Catch the train from Johannesburg's Park Station (Platform 13/14) on the first Sunday of every month. The diesel-hauled train leaves at 9.15am and arrives at Magaliesburg at 11am. Braai packs and picnic hampers can be ordered in advance, which can be enjoyed at grounds next to the Magaliesburg Country Hotel.
Tel: 011 888 1154/5
When: First Sunday of every month
Departure: 9.15am
Return: 3pm, same day

Magalies Meander

The village of Magaliesburg is at the centre of the Magalies Meander, which is a collection of artist studios, farm stalls and restaurants. Magaliesburg lies just below the southern ridge of the Magaliesburg mountains and the meander takes visitors from Rustenburg to Krugersdorp and the Haartebeespoort Dam. There is a wide variety of accommodation on offer as well as activities, such as rock climbing, horse riding, fly fishing, hot-air ballooning and microlighting.
Tel: 014 577 1733/1845/1816
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Website: www.magaliesmeander.co.za

Paddle Power

Paddle Power provides the opportunity to take full advantage of South Africa's natural beauty. You get to raft the Crocodile River in an inflatable two-man canoe, and enjoy horse riding, mountain biking and hiking along the river and mountain trails. Trips vary from half a day to overnight stays - accommodation can be arranged. Summon all your energy and get out there and do it.
Tel: 011 794 3098
Booking essential

SA National Railway and Steam Museum

The South African National Railway and Steam Museum boasts the largest collection of vintage steam engines and rolling stock in South Africa.
Harmony Gold Mine, which borders Krugersdorp and Randfontein.
Tel: 011 888 1154
Open: first Sunday of every month

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Pay the Witwatersrand Botanical Garden a visit to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of South Africa. It's a wonderful place to stroll around while breathing in fresh air. Find a nice spot for a picnic or eat at the restaurant. Wonderful bird life can be viewed from the hide - if you're lucky you might see the Black Eagles that have made the gardens their home. Local flowers and plants are for sale at the indigenous nursery.
Address: Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort
Tel: 011 958 1750

Wondercave

In the Kromdraai Valley, near Sterkfontein, you can take a surreal trip down the Wondercave into the magical world of stalagmites and stalactites. The Wondercave is about 10km north of Krugersdorp. The cave chamber, with a volume of 46 000m3, is believed to be 2,2-million years old. Visitors can enter the cave by elevator. Although the lower reaches of the cave were severely damaged by mining activities in the late 1800s, it contains drip stone formations as beautiful as those in the Cango Caves. There are beautiful formations up to 16m high.
Tel: 011 957 0034
Open: daily from 8am to 5pm
Tours on the hour
Website: Rhinolion