1 Maropeng Visitor Centre is an impressive centre jam-packed with informative exhibitions about the journey of mankind. Housed in the Tumulus Building, likened to a giant burial mound, it showcases the evolution of life, fossils, formation of earth’s continent and stone tools. The creative and interactive displays will captivate both young and old.
Call 014 577 9000 or see the website, www.maropeng.co.za
2 Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, which is just 40km from Johannesburg, offers game viewing of species such as white rhino, lion, hippo, wild dog, bengal tiger, blue crane as well as a live snake display. At the reserve’s animal creche, the public can touch and take photographs with a lion or tiger cub. For those wanting to stay longer, the reserve also offers accommodation.
Call 011 957 0349/0106 or see the website, www.rhinolion.co.za
3 Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris will get you soaring over the scenic Magaliesberg in a hot air balloon at sunrise. It can be a romantic journey for two or an experience for the whole family to savour. And when you touch ground again, enjoy a delicious champagne breakfast at The Clubhouse.
Call 011 705 3201 or see the website, www.balloon.co.za
4 Lesedi Cultural Village showcases the traditional cultures of some of the country’s well-known tribes. Visitors can immerse in a day’s experience of browsing in the Ndebele village and craft market, a guided tour of five homesteads –Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho, Ndebele and Pedi – and a song and dance of all five villages. A taste of African dishes is served at the Nyama Choma restaurant. Lesedi also offers accommodations decked out in tribal themes. Bookings are essential.
Call 012 205 1394 or visit the website www.lesedi.com
5 Roots Gourmet Restaurant, located within the Forum Homini boutique hotel, has won awards for its delectable dishes inspired by French, African and Asian flavours prepared by chef patron Philippe Wagenfuhrer and his team. They are complemented by the finest South African wines and tranquil views of its tiny lake and highveld.
Call 011 668 7000 or visit the website www.forumhomini.com
6 Sterkfontein Caves is famous for yielding the “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot” fossils. The site, about 50km north-west of Johannesburg, has enabled experts to piece together the path of humanity and its environment. Visitors can immerse themselves in a guided tour of SA’s most celebrated fossil site.
Call 014 577 9000 or visit the website www.maropeng.co.za
7 Gilroy’s Brewery serves up fine home-brewed beer. Visitors to this award-winning venue can also see the brewing process – tasting the grains, smelling the hops and watching the beer being created.
Call 011 796 3020 or 073 357 2897 or see www.gilroybeers.co.za
8 Van Gaalen’s Cheese Farm makes more than 30 cheeses, and shows how it is made. Visitors can also enjoy an a la carte menu from their garden restaurant, while children can be entertained by the farm animals and the jungle gym.
Call 012 207 1289 or see the website www.vangaalen.co.za
9 Woodlands Spa, a tranquil retreat, offers a range of natural and organic spa treatments as well as yoga classes, meditation and detox plans. One of its most therapeutic areas are its water treatment spaces such as the sensation showers and flotation room.
Call 011 668 1918 or 011 957 3269 or see www.healingatwoodlands.co.za
10 Lethabo Estate Lodge, on the banks of the Crocodile River, is a 150-acre estate providing a serene getaway for couples and families. It offers a lovely venue for wedding functions, romantic picnics, conferencing and team-building sessions.
Call 082 654 1690 or see the website www.lethaboestate.com
11 Ama Zwing Zwing Lines, located at the Amanzingwe Lodge, provides a thrilling experience for ages 7 to 75. With professional guides to ensure your safety, you can enjoy sliding over the treetops on steel cables, while taking in the Magaliesberg view. The zip line is made up of seven slides, and continues over 10 platforms.
Call 082 803 7731 or 071 670 0238 or see www.amazwingzwing.co.za
12 Brookwood Estate boasts some of the biggest rainbow trout in the province in its five dams. Spend the day fishing or stay longer in self-catering chalets. It also has a tackle shop and a pub. Camping sites are available, and the picnic site is located on the banks of the Blaaubank Spruit river.
Call 011 957 0126 or see www.brookwoodtroutfarm.co.za
13 Forum Homini Boutique Hotel, on a private game estate, is a 5-star refuge. The luxury suites, with roofs covered in veld to blend into the landscape, echo motifs of the Cradle of Humankind, such as stalactite light fixtures and handprints on walls. The grounds have artworks symbolic of humanity’s journey in Africa.
Call 011 668 7000 or see the website www.forumhomini.com
14 Cooper’s Walk is a guided tour of Cooper’s Cave, a 1.5 million-year-old fossil site, enriching you on the origins or mankind, how the landscape and its vegetation changed, and the predators and the prey. You need to book.
Call 083 679 0686 or see the website www.ihominin.net
15 Wild Cave Adventures will get your blood pumping with a combination of hiking, abseiling into a cavern and exploring in dark caves These excursions are also used to make visitors more aware of preserving the environment. Booking is essential.
Call 011 956 6197 or see the website www.wildcaves.co.za
16 Kloofzicht Lodge, huddled at the foothills of the Zwartkops Mountains, evokes tranquillity and relaxation. Guests can also enjoy the view of the Kloofzicht dam. It is also home to animal species such as zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, eland and gemsbok.
Call 011 317 0600 or see the website www.guvonhotels.co.za
17 The Cradle Restaurant is said to offer one of the best views of any restaurant in the country. Situated in a 3 000-hectare nature reserve, The Cradle provides a relaxed and elegant setting for your Italian-influenced country meals.
Call 011 659 1622 or see the website www.thecradle.co.za
18 Go Vertical Adventures and its experienced guides will teach you how to abseil against the cliffs of the Magaliesberg. All equipment is provided and no experience is needed. It’s an adventure that both adults and children can revel in. Booking is essential.
Call Garth or Lee-Anne on 082 731 4696 or see www.govertical.co.za
19 Hollybrooke Farm, set in the bush in the Skeerpoort valley on the banks of the Magalies River, offers activities such as paintballing, quad biking, guided horse trails, and nature walks.
Call 082 552 1285 or see the website www.hollybrooke.co.za
20 Leafy Greens Café serves up healthy and organic food so you can try being a vegan for the day. With a mission to live off the planet lightly, the café uses sustainable methods like a wood oven and solar dehydrator.
Call 082 882 7300 or see the website www.lgcafe.org
l For more information on the bucket list, visit www.mybucket.co.za - The Star