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Unlocking the treasure chest Choose an attraction or activity that you are interested in:
Isaac E Stegman Reserve, 12km from Krugersdorp Tel: (011) 956-6342 Tues-Sat: 8:30am - last tour begins at 4pm Sun: 9am - last tour begins at 4pm 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. - Read more about the Cradle of Humankind Telephone: (011) 957-0034 Open daily from 8am to 5pm Cave admission: R20 adults; R10 children Tours on the hour 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. Website: www.theramble.co.za Plot 72, Rietvallei Telephone: (011) 662-2786 Open Mon - Sun, 9am - 3pm 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. Telephone: (014) 577-1733/1845/1816 Fax: (014) 577-1732 email: maginfo@mweb.co.za Website: www.magaliesmeander.co.za 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. Telephone: (011) 957-0034 email: infotour@fast.co.za Website: www.valleyofancestors.co.za Minimum eight hikers required One or two-day trails can be taken through the stunning Kromdraai Conservancy, which lies in the Cradle of Mankind world heritage site - a wonderful outing for friends and family. Along the way stop off at the Wondercaves, the site of some spectacular discoveries about early man, as well as a crystal-clear underground lake. In addition to enjoying the beautiful surroundings, you can take a tour of a gold mine and visit the Rainbow Trout Farm. Cnr Hans Strydom and Old Pretoria Rd Telephone: (011) 460-1814 Open Mon - Sun, 8.30am - 5pm R75 per car with four passengers or R20 per person Do some big game viewing without leaving Johannesburg. The Lion Safari Park is home to more than 50 lions, as well as various antelope, ostriches and zebra. Take along a picnic or visit the restaurant and curio shop. Telephone: 794-3098 Booking essential 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. Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort Telephone: (011) 958-1750 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. Harmony Gold Mine, which borders Krugersdorp and Randfontein. Tel: (011) 888-1154 Fax: (011) 888-5394 Open on the first Sunday of every month The South African National Railway and Steam Museum boasts the largest collection of vintage steam engines and rolling stock in South Africa. Telephone: (011) 888-1154/5 Fax: (011) 888-5394 When: First Sunday of every month Departure: 9.15am Return: 3pm, same day 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.
Arts, crafts and culture
A guide to Mogale City's cultural attractions.Read more
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Useful links
FROM the early Batswana settlements to the bloody Anglo Boer War, the only history missing from the museum is that of the townships. But it is a work in progress, says the curator. Read more |
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