We Love Cradle

WeLoveCradle

400 spots

million memories

make

Your adventure starts here ... This is YOUR guide

Whether you’re a foodie or adventure seeker, a historian in the making or a lover of all things artsy-fartsy … The Cradle offers you more than you can squeeze into one weekend.

The Cradle is an easy sho’t left drive that will keep you coming back for more, week after week, month after month.

On a high after a helicopter flip at Bru House

Hard hats, evenharder laughs outsideSterkfontein Caves

At Cradle Gin Fest, Glenburn Lodge

Someone’s tired of taking pics at Black Horse!

Welcome to The Cradle of Humankind, home to more than 400 lekka spots to chill, where millions of memories are made.

Me and my Messy Bun, with my Barefoot Ninja Moves (don’t ask!?) and my questionable fashion-slash-beauty routine, I really think I was born to be a homebody. See, I’m a self-confessed hermit. But when I learned that Maropeng and Sterkfontein isn’t the full extent of The Cradle, I kept going back to finish what I started (I’m a bit OCD too … sssshhh!!) My ‘going back’ hasn’t stopped since 2008, and my Bucket List keeps growing!

Only an hour’s drive from Pretoria, Johannesburg and the iconic Soweto, the Cradle is alive with colour, textures, tastes and landscapes that will have your toes curling, start to finish! Oh, and if you’re flying in, why not make Lanseria International Airport the place where you touch down? It’s the closest airport to all our lekka spots!

While Covid-19 brought with it some angst and uncertainty and a whole lot of Lockdown cabin fever, it reminded me that really, all we’ve got is each other. And the memories we get to make with the ones we love.

So please daahlins, love the ones you love. Tell them. Leave no kind word unspoken. Make memories, even if you’re singing offkey at the top of your lungs, or creaking those knees on the dance-floor, or taking a million out-of-focus pics…as long as you do it right here in The Cradle.

Stay safe, mask up and wash those hands.

Diane Naidoo

Editors Note

theILove Cradle

Messy Bun on the Run

A moment to breathe at Nirox Sculpture Park

Welcome!

Sawubona, Dumelang, Molweni, Hallo, Howzit!

With a population of around 15 million people in Gauteng, you are bound to hear many different greetings while you’re here. Especially while you’re in The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site which covers 47000 hectares of land.

Tourism in The Cradle of Humankind has been growing since it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, and it continues to grow. In just the last few months, many new establishments opened their doors for the first time, none of which would be possible without your support as return visitors and patrons of the area!

So expect to make many new friends while you’re leaving your footprints outdoor, indoor, and even underground right here in The Cradle of Humankind!

Tsamaya hantle! (seTswana for go well!)

Matthew Sathekge

Acting CEO: Cradle of Humankind & Dinokeng Projects

monda y thin g sIneedtodo Andoffwego!

Important Travel Info

We know that sometimes when you’re travelling, there are those unexpected hiccups. Emergency haircuts, a new pair of shoes (comfortable ones) or even a dental extraction may just be on the cards for you. We’ve got you covered!

Retail Therapy

Located at the N14 and R28 highway intersection, Cradlestone Mall is home to 160 shops, restaurants and with well over 4000 parking bays, and a facility that is disabled friendly, it’s one of our favourite places. A unique shopping experience in the heart of Joburg’s West Rand, we love Cradlestone Mall even more because of the energy-efficiency measures it employs. We’re all about sustainable tourism and hope you are too!

Medical Care

★ Flora Clinic – 14th Avenue, Roodepoort 011 675 1158

★ Munsieville Clinic – 1901 Gopane Street, Krugersdorp 011 660 8737

★ Netcare Krugersdorp – 70 Bell Drive, Krugersdorp 011 954 1023

★ Pinehaven Netcare Hospital – Pinehaven Estate, 1 Gateway Road, Muldersdrift 011 950 4500

South African Police Service

★ Muldersdrift 011 952 4600

★ Krugersdorp 011 951 1175

★ Hartbeespoort Dam 012 253 7000

★ Magaliesburg 014 577 5100

★ Hekpoort 014 576 9108

Towing Services

★ Affordable Group Towing 010 447 6547 or 082 617 0987

★ Shesha Skathi Towing Service 011 660 4863 or 076 168 6780

★ DC Towing 079 936 3990

★ Newlands Towing 082 447 9163

★ Trojan Towing 072 251 7785

Vet Services

★ Silverfields Veterinary Clinic 112 Carol Road, Krugersdorp 011 955 4338

★ SPCA – 1 Lotz Road, Krugersdorp 011 953 1135

★ Hartbeespoort Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) – Plot 82A Rietfontein, off R514 076 455 0322

TO DO:

What you can expect

While the health and safety measures will vary from place to place, here is what you can expect at your next Cradle outing, getaway, event or conference:

★ Prior to entry, visitors may be required to register for contact tracing purposes.

★ All persons entering indoor facilities will be health screened, checked for mask compliance, hand sanitised, then cleared for access.

★ Venues have the right and responsibility to ensure safe social distancing at all times.

★ Internal signage indicating Covid-safe measures to assist in maintaining a safe venue.

★ Hand sanitiser stations with supporting hygiene signage.

★ Cashless, no-touch payment systems, where possible

★ Designated areas for coffee/tea breaks, refreshments for conferences, exhibitions, markets

★ Safe operation and planning for toilet facilities

★ Increased visible cleaning and disinfecting in high volume areas

Keeping Cradle Covid-Safe

In preparing to welcome you back to theCradle, our product owners, restaurants,conference facilities and popular sites haveupgraded existing operational protocolsto ensure the health and safety of you,our guests and visitors, as well as ouremployees. Our Covid-safe protocols areguided by the following principles:

1. Complying with all COVID-19government regulations, and adoptingindustry hygiene best practice

2. Providing Covid-safe facilities to hostworld-class MICE industry events

3. Providing our stakeholders withCOVID-19 focused health and safety services

4. Supporting our visitors to host andattend Covid-safe events

OVERVIEW OF LANSERIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

LIA is situated approximately 25km north-west of the Johannesburg CBD and plays a key role in driving economic prosperity and tourism growth in Gauteng.

Over the past five years, passenger volumes have increased to over 2,4 million passengers.

Lanseria International Airport is also the key international port of entry for corporates and foreign governments visiting South Africa. The airport is able to facilitate code D-type aircraft to the size of the Airbus A319, Boeing B737800 and B757 mainly - and under special circumstances, the Airbus A330 and Boeing B767.

The airport’s unique geographical location, which is in close proximity to the northern suburbs of Johannesburg and business districts of Sandton, Centurion, Midrand and Pretoria makes it ideal for travellers.

The airport is a maximum of 20 kilometres or 25 minutes travel from the business districts and is also close to the much acclaimed tourism hubs such as The Cradle of Humankind, Sun City, Magalies Biosphere, luxurious golf courses (Leopard Creek and Eagle Canyon) and the Hartebeespoort area.

ACI AFRICA SAFETY AWARD

Lanseria International Airport was awarded second place: in the Airports Council International’s “Best Airport in Africa” Safety Category. This award is a testament to the highest standards of safety that the airport adheres to, thereby ensuring safety for all that make use of it.

NEW

The new Multi-Storey Parkade, (MSP) is the latest infrastructure addition to the airport with an additional 1000 parking bays, bringing the total to 3221 parking bays.

This facility is part of the airport’s greater vision of becoming a world class airport that provides a gateway into Africa. The new MSP was inspired in much the same way as all the infrastructure projects at LIA; by listening and engaging with passengers and giving them what they need.

The new MSP houses a retail node, which includes restaurants, car rental offices and shopping facilities.

What would The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site be without the stones and bones, the ones that offer us a glimpse into our human ancestors, dating back 4 million years?

Where is this? Wonder Cave in Kromdraai – It has an area of 46000 square meters and is 125m long and 150m wide

Stones & Bones

Hominin fossils, preserved in what could only be described as time capsules, were discovered in Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and the surrounding areas. Find out more about the two species, completely new to science, which were found in the area in the past decade: Australopithecus sediba (tongue-twister, right?) and Homo naledi The core of the entire site is dolomite which produces caves and sink holes, and makes for breath-taking underground views!

If skulls and skeletons, history and hominids are your thing, try these places in The Cradle:

Maropeng

A multiple award-winning world class exhibition, Maropeng is the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Enjoy a tour that will transport you through time, from the formation of the planet, all the way through the many fossil discoveries that date back millions of years ago. It’s an interactive edu-taining experience that includes and underground boat tour! Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, be sure to make your bookings online as tickets are not sold on-site.

Sterkfontein Caves

Askari Game Lodge

it’s a Game Reserve that is home to a variety of stone and iron-age artefacts, and wait for it, one of the largest private collections of ox wagons that may have you thinking you woke up in the Wild Wild West! While you’re at Askari, don’t miss the San Bushmen rock carvings which tell the history of the area, most notably, the Battle of Nooitgedacht. Visit the museum or book a guided bush walk to see art that rocks, literally! Those clever science and stone

them

The NatureCradleReserve

Cradle Nature Reserve

a 3000ha

reserve made up of pristine dolomite grasslands. The reserve offers wildlife walks and drives, that includes a pit-stop at their restaurant that serves drool-worthy

cuisine!

Kedar Heritage Lodge & Conference Centre

What many don’t know about Paul Kruger, the face of Boer resistance during the Anglo Boer War, is that he was a farmer who owned and worked several farms in the Rustenburg district. One of these farms was Boekenhoutfontein, which was declared a national monument in 1971. This property is now home to Kedar Heritage Lodge, Conference Centre & Spa, as well as the Country House Museum. Pop in for a glimpse of Kruger’s life, and the rifle he may (or may not) have used to kill a lion when he was only 14 years old!

Wonder

third-largest cave chamber in South Africa, Wonder Cave

believed to be 2.2 billion years old! Were it not for the miners years ago who were excavating for limestone, so they could make cement, this Wonder would never have been discovered!

Messy Bun on the Run at Sterkfontein with travel besties

Nature that Nurtures

Wholly owned by a trust that supports conservation and education, the Cradle Nature Reserve boasts a proud social enterprise model that sees both the Cradle Boutique Hotel and Restaurant’s reinvesting 100% of its revenues back into conservation and education.

The hotel and reserve support the funding of the African Digital Education Trust (ADET) which runs a number of training programmes, from primary school learners to pensioners. These programmes include English literacy, Grade 12 Life Science Teacher Training, Lego Robotics and Matific, maths training for Grade R-7 learners.

The programme we’re most excited about is Umsuka (‘origin’ in isiZulu), a public palaeoanthropology project, focused on stimulating interest in the field of palaeonthropology, particularly amongst

students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme is a joint venture between ADET and sponsor National

To find out about the NatGeo Umsuka Cradle Ambassador training, or to hear how you could volunteer or intern at the Cradle Nature Reserve, go to www.africandet.org or email info@africandet.org

Tshuku Tours

Want to spend a day or a weekend in The Cradle but don’t want to do all the driving? Need help with finding LIT locations that will build your selfie collection? Tshuku Tours offers a variety of options for getting around, doing your thing with your Squad while you’re in the Cradle.

OUR TEAM’S FAVOURITE TOUR IS ONE THAT OFFERS HIGHS AND LOWS (LITERALLY!), ALL DAY:

1. Sterkfontein Caves underground tour

2. Zip-lining over trees and valleys while you’re screaming your lungs off!

3. Maropeng, the official visitor centre where you’ll go down under for a boat ride

4. End the day at an authentic township chisa nyama (local eatery) for pap en vleis (traditional maize meal and meat)

the Ngamla (big boss) is Mpho Mache. As Chairman of The Cradle Tourism Company, he knows his stuff. He’s got the happiest smile, he knows how to find the coolest foodie spots, and he enjoys every tour, every time, as if it’s his first time!

268 9164.

Music. Dance. Eclectic arts. Rich Cultures. And inimitable Crafts, distinct in their South African influence. The crafts on offer inside The Cradle are as rich and diverse as the eleven official languages South Africa is home to. Prepare to have your senses awakened, your desire for aesthetic appeased and a distinct new spring in your step as you meander your way through The Cradle’s Culture and Craft route!

Where is this? Nirox Sculpture Park in Kromdraai

Culture & Craft

Dietmar Wiening Art Gallery

Dietmar Wiening built his own foundry in 1977 and is proud to cast all his work himself, using high quality bronze and casts, as well as the highly effective ceramic shell technology. Dietmar’s bronzes can easily be identified by his stunning mounting techniques and by his very own enhancing patinas. Each sculpture is hand-signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity. You’re in for a visual treat, so do pop in when you’re in the area – they’re not too far from Lanseria International Airport!

Garden World

It’s more than a garden. A attend a lecture, a workshop or a ‘make-shop’ where you learn how to level up your garden! Do all this over a cuppa and a scone at the Rustic Tea Garden, before you head on over to the Trading Post which hosts regular weekend arts and craft markets. Oh, and don’t miss the animal farmyard and playground which makes this a perfect kiddies party venue and a great day out for the whole family. gardenworld.co.za

Die Ou Pastorie

Set in idyllic gardens at the foot of one of the world’s oldest mountains, Die Ou Pastorie is a much-loved venue which hosts two boutique music events every month. Since 2010, the establishment has offered visitors the best of local music with intimate performances, to intimate crowds of no more than 50 people at a time. ‘Loop ‘n draai’ (pop in for a visit) for Sunday lunch ‘Under the Trees’ or if you want to stay a bit longer, spend the night in one of their six garden suites.

dieoupastorie.com

Greengrass Café

A tranquil garden, situated on the banks of the Wilgespruit River, Greengrass Café is a great addition to The Bridge Venue, a firm favourite setting for those ready to say “I do”. Don’t be mistaken, there is more to this spot than wedding bells – check out their website to find out about their art markets, they’re such a treat! Live music just adds to the appeal of Greengrass - Open on weekends and public holidays only. greengrasscafe.co.za

The Grumpy Cow Beer Garden

Support local artists, creators designers, farmers and entrepreneurs at The Grumpy Cow, located at Bosheuvel Country Estate. Enjoy a farm-to-table meal and the live moosic which is one of the best things about this little spot, fueled by our very own homegrown musician Graeme Watkins! The family farm with its rustic food and country atmosphere, we know, will see you coming back for more. You’ll need to book to secure a table – call 082 579 6882. Find them on Facebook to check their live moosic line-up.

Lesedi African Village

the essence of Ubuntu at Lesedi Cultural Village, where the song, music and warmth of our home-brewed hospitality will have you coming back for more! Discover South Africa’s rich cultures and traditions where you will visit five traditional homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes. Get a first-hand taste of tribal folklore and tradition at Lesedi.

Larrymash Fashions

Boltonia, Krugersdorp, Larrymash

on all the latest fashion news, and makes tailored African fashion pieces just for you.

Melon Rouge Art & Antiques

only one way to describe Melon Rouge, and that is lekker! When you’re in Magaliesburg, pop in if you need a bite to eat, a refreshing drink in summer, a hot one in winter. Shop vintage, art, pre-loved books, timeless antiques

quaint little gifts for loved ones! The sound

live music and banter fills the air

you decide to

your

up’

Ngwenya Glass Village

art pieces using recycled glass, plate glass, crystal glass resin, wood and steel.

curio shops

least

coffee

hour

Lion & Safari Curios & Collectibles

NIROX Sculpture Park

Set on 30ha of cultivated lawns on the banks of the Blaauwbankspruit River, and adjoining the Kkatlhamhphi Private Nature Reserve, Nirox is a special place to both locals and visitors alike. The mission is simple and yet so profound: to improve social justice and quality of life, through art and nature. The Park is open to the public on weekends and public holidays 10h00-16h00, and has hosted more than 50 exhibitions, music festivals, workshops and private launch events since opening its gates in 2006. Entry: R120 for adults / R60 for children.

and

easy

get lost

Editor’s Choice

In My Words

I call it my Own Private Eden. The waterways and wetlands, the hills and valleys, the music that feels like happy, the smiles that are so loud, the tangible connections between people … aaah yes, Nirox is the deepest part of my very own heart. The space breathes life into me, every time, so much so, that I find myself crying when it’s time to go! It feels like I’m leaving me behind.

Messy Bun on the run

NIROX Sculpture Park

been known to grab selfies with muso’s at Nirox: Bokani Dyer, Craig Lucas and Zoe Modiga.

In their words:

NIROX began in 2006, committed to advancing the arts, without any vision of how this might unfold … what we might become. We have (since) hosted more than 300 resident artists, many ambitious outdoor sculpture exhibition with curators and partners from across the globe, countless concerts and performances of all kinds …

We still do not know what lies ahead or how things might unfold …

Rest, relax & unwind

Tangaroa strawberry farm nestles in the beautiful valley at the foot of the Magalies mountain range, close to Hartbeespoort Dam.

Originally a sheep speculation farm dating back to 1881, this farm offers extremely fertile clay soil and soon found new life as a strawberry farm. The authentic farmhouse rooms were renovated to provide respite for overnight guests and over the next few years, as the strawberries in the fields blossomed in profusion, strawberry picking was born.

The Spa at The Strawberry Farm came into being some years later offering affordable treatments in a relaxed rustic atmosphere.

The original pick-your near Hartbeespoort

Spend a day in the country Strawberry Farm with great food and fantastic

reservations@thestrawberryfarm.co.za

strawberry

relaxing at the

good

into the country

Where

The Thoughtful Project women gardening project in Munsieville

The Cradle is home to a number oftownships, mostly located in the West Randarea, where domestic and internationalvisitors are able to get a real taste offlavours, feel the rhythm and experiencethe culture that is unique to our country!Meet Munsieville, one of these townshipswhich grew out of informal settlements,inhabited by mineworkers on the outskirtsof the original mining town of Krugersdorp.

Township Experiences

Munsieville

Munsieville’s story began in 1905 when it was declared a ‘native location’ whereby black people who did not reside with their employers, had to take up residence in the township. A makeshift housing plan was developed in 1913 and by 1923, around 220 men, 262 women and 325 children lived in 119 houses in Munsieville! Do the math, it was not pretty or livable by any standard. Only in 1934 were taps installed at street corners so that residents could draw water, and in 1937, ‘development’ included sewage systems, guttering and curbing of streets.

During the 1980s Munsieville residents faced the threat of ‘removal’ to the nearby Kagiso township, and Munsieville was one of only two townships who openly resisted this forced removal.

But today, as is the norm in most townships, children can be seen playing in the streets, mostly due to lack of sporting or recreational facilities. Local women are not only involved in craft-making – SEE pic of Mukondeleli Craft Suppliers – but they have also raised the bar on peri-urban home gardening.

Mukondeleli Craft Suppliers in Munsieville

Women dominate participation in the local Community Work Programme

While the township enjoys a vibrant social shebeen (local tavern) culture, Munsieville also retains a rich legacy of political activism.Nobel Peace Prize recipient Archbishop Desmond Tutu is one of Munsieville’s most well-known and world-renown residents of old. His father was headmaster at St Paul’s Anglican Mission School, and Tutu went on to become a school teacher before he joined the priesthood. Visit his childhood home while you’re in the area!

Started in Munsieville, The Thoughtful Path project conducts training sessions which equips women to establish their own home gardens. This sustainable project plays an important role in ensuring food security for many of the families, school learners and the aged in Munsieville.

A young Desmond Tutu

Call Kwame Moroeng, the local tour operator, who is more than happy to share with visitors, both local and international, the full-bodied history of the area. Do so over some umqomboti (home-brewed traditional beer) with pap en vleis (traditional maize meal and meat). Not only is Kwame known for carrying Munsieville’s heritage in his bones, but he is also a well-known advocate for developing the tourism economy of townships in the West Rand and he heads up the local tourism association. Contact Munsieville’s great storyteller on 083 990 4508

Kagiso

Former Sundowns and Bafana Bafana (national soccer team) coach, current coach of Al Ahly Pitso Mosimane. Afro-pop sensation Mafikizolo. Gauteng’s first female Premier Nomvula Mokhonyane. Local soccer legend Toyota ‘Toy’ Ramusa. Rev Dr Frank Chikane.

These are just a few of the greats who hail from Kagiso, a township in the West Rand which is over a hundred years old! Kagiso (‘peace’ in seTswana) township is home to around 200,000 people, many of whom, to this day enjoy participate in the community’s daily hustle and bustle.

From the many spaza shops and home-based artisans in the area, to KoBareng (meaning ‘the bar’) where ma gents (men) can be found exchanging stories over sorghum beer, Kagiso is a hive of activity. This is, after all, where the first annual Jive Nine Pantsula dance-off was held – a lekka (happy, cool) celebration of South African township street dancing like no other!

Mpho ‘Turbo’ Seforo wins at Kagiso Memorial & Recreation Centre

From sunrise to sunset, Sonap minibus taxi rank is the unofficial meeting place for locals, where you will find locals catching taxis to and fro, celebrating Bafana Bafana’s wins, or simply passing through to buy prepaid water or electricity vouchers.

Jive Nine Pantsula Dance

Competition took to the streets

For your next sporting event, consider the recently refurbished Kagiso Memorial & Recreation Centre which boasts two soccer fields, netball, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts. Also, check out the aerobics studio on the ground floor and the world class boxing facility directly above it.

While you’re at the Centre, you also learn more about the more about the contributions of struggle veterans and fallen heroes, as well as other luminaries from within Mogale City.

In need of retail therapy? Visit Kagiso Mall to ‘scratch that shopping itch’!

Culinary delights, from home-baked breads, bunny chows or kotas to crafty beers and, the boujee food and proudly South African worldclass wine pairing, The Cradle of Humankind offers an experience for every palate! Most of the eateries are located at sleep-over spots, where each of them have their own unique take on ‘tickling your tastebuds’!

Where is this? Cradle Boutique Hotel & Restaurant in Lanseria

Wine & Dine

And Then There Was Fire

“We want to share with you the atmosphere of this place, the food that the earth provides and the beauty that surrounds us.” That is exactly what is delivered on a plate or a pan or a fire, every time you visit this recently transformed pavilion at Nirox Sculpture Park. When Chef Bernardo was invited to bring his food stall from Maboneng to an event at Nirox for the first time, he says “It felt that we had stepped into heaven.”

a tapas, farm-to-table menu, Thursday to Sunday from 11h00 to 16h30.

Bidon Bistro

You’ll be forgiven for thinking you need a bicycle to enter the premises. On weekends, most cyclists who pedal their passion through The Cradle, assemble at Bidon Bistro after clocking their kilometres to grab a (long) breakfast, brunch or lunch bite. Call to find out when they’re hosting their next food market with live music, and don’t forget your favourite picnic blankie!

Black Horse Brewery Restaurant

Craft beers, seasonal cocktails and their range of Seven Deadly Gins are but a few of the reasons why Black Horse, in Magaliesburg, is a location that sees visitors return, week after week. Our team always enjoys the generous servings of Ribs and Chips that leaves fingers and faces basted in the most delicious sauce. Oh, and do order your salted caramel panna cotta when you arrive – it’s so good, it sells out faster than you can say, “Sjoe, maar dis lekker” (‘wow, that’s so good!’).

The Bru House & Diner

in the

where

of

and your chomi’s

pop in for a tasting or two. Relaxed indoor and outdoor seating gets even better when Bru House hosts live music to help ‘the medicine go down’, and whether it’s a burger, steak or salad, it’s all locally sourced

Bull & Buck Grill and Winelands Bar

the Lion and Safari Park in

Broederstroom, The renowned

and Buck Grill offers an incredible culinary

for the whole family with a wide variety of delicious dishes.

Café Cielo at Avianto

you’re sitting under their glorious oak tree or in one of Café Cielo’s wings, this popular spot will make you feel like you’re not in the same province as Joburg’s concrete jungle. For flavours that burst in your mouth and leave you

from ear to ear,

Pop in to recharge after your morning cycle, Grab a quick cuppa between meetings, Or make a feast of it with family and friends.

Bidon Bistro – where gardens, good food and happiness meet!

Follow us on Facebook for news on upcoming live music events and food markets.

THe Carnivore Restaurant

Known as the restaurant that offers Africa’s Greatest Eating Experience, Carnivore is made for meat lovers! Everything, from domestic meats such as the humble chicken, to exotic game, expect an unforgettable moment, that may well include meat skewered on Masaai swords.

The Cradle Restaurant

Set on the Cradle Nature Reserve, The Cradle Restaurant is trendy thanks to its great breakfast fare, long lazy lunches, afternoon nibbles and suppers that are accompanied by some of the most spectacular sunset views. This eatery’s food is themed Bush-Bistro which means every meal tastes like more!

Conservatory Restaurant at De Hoek

An exquisite dining room with glass doors that invite the outside pond area and lush gardens in! Sprawled with sculptures from local South African artist Deborah Bell, the landscape that surrounds Conservatory Restaurant in Magaliesburg makes this an unforgettable 5-star eating experience. Be sure to book, it’s a popular spot in these parts!

Fat Olive Restaurant

petting zoo. Boats for the kids to enjoy. A beach bar on the other side of the bridge. The cutest ducks you’ve ever seen! All this, before you’ve even taken your seat to enjoy some of the best local cuisine, served with love and the sweetest ear-to-ear smiles you’ll find at Fat Olive Restaurant.

Driftwood Café

stable,

its setting, which includes a children’s

party venue called Little Feet.

breakfasts, light lunches or suppers

the

every

Gilroy’s brewery

throw away from Lanseria

Airport, Gilroy’s is a loved-by-all pub lunch venue, where the Brewery maintains its fine art of making natural beer, to please even the most discerning beer drinker. Grab a bite before the brew master takes you on a tour of the Brewery, to sample their wares on your way.

Glenburn Lodge & Spa

The signature dish at Glenburn Lodge is its hearty oxtail, particularly sought after during the chilly winter months when patrons keep coming back for more! Its beautiful gardens, kiddies entertainment areas, walking trails, outdoor chess and putt-putt course makes this a must-see, through every season under the sun.

Kedar Heritage Lodge

The Armoury restaurant, at the historic Kedar Heritage Lodge, is where you’ll enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch after your morning game drive. The picturesque landscape will have you mesmerized, almost as much as the cocktails and sundowners you can sip on at the venue’s large swimming pool.

Greensleeves Medieval Kingdom

Enchantment, pageantry and medieval splendour, the boisterous thrill of feasting as they did in the good ole days of King Henry. Enjoy the fare, ceremoniously served with ditties and tales from the Baron and his minstrels. greensleeves.co.za

Lesedi Lodge & Cultural Village

sights and sounds of diverse African cultures welcome you as you enter this 160-seater restaurant, where the exotic buffet includes meat delicacies, even ostrich and crocodile. The venue is divided into three sections – East, South and North Africa – where the food experiences are as unique as the regions they are named after.

Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa

carte

get any better!

extensive buffet will redefine lazy Sunday

hand-selected wines at Little Foot

an ambient crackling fire on frosty

bound to extend your visit. Al fresco meals with brag-worthy views of the

hilly landscape, pop in for down-

Kloofzicht

Maropeng Boutique Hotel

the rack of lamb to the springbok carpaccio, Maropeng Boutique Hotel offers

upmarket dining experience you can enjoy while taking in views of the Witwatersberg and Magaliesburg mountain ranges. Be sure to order one (or three) of the decadent desserts on the menu!

Moltiva

A new member of The Cradle family, Molitva is an ‘Orthodox Mediterranean’ restaurant, surrounded by lush countryside and breathtaking mountain views in Kromdraai. The menu, centred largely around a range of mezze and tapas style foods, using fresh organic homegrown fruits and vegetables. Groups of seven or more travelling from Montecasino in Fourways can arrange a shuttle service. Open every day from 07h00.

Melon Rouge Eatery

If you love enchanted gardens, magical spaces with a whiff of a time long gone, pop in at Melon Rouge in Magaliesburg where you are surrounded by vintage, pre-loved and antique pieces! All this while you grab a bite to eat, and the local crooner ‘sings to your supper’ from his spot in the garden.

Oko

eat with our eyes first, but truth is, before the food’s arrived at your table, take in the

views, including those from the rooftop pool! Expect a fusion of flavour and oriental fantasy where East meets West on

plate

time!

Barreled

Ons Dorpshuis

A stone’s throw away from the local shopping centre and Rustenburg Golf Club, Ons Dorpshuis is a quaint guest house where, we’ve been told, the breakfast is legendary!

Random Harvest

Immerse yourself in a space where the songs of birds are the more-than-delicious condiments to accompany every meal. Farm-to-table freshness is your guarantee, and the scones are nothing short of addictive – people travel from afar for the jam which is a homemade luxury prepared by Linda. Don’t know Linda? Pop in to experience her and her famous jams!

The Place 2B

Located at award-winning Lanseria Country Estate, The Place 2B is a family restaurant that offers the best in South African country dining. Pop in for a craft beer or gin tasting too while you’re there and don’t forget to take pics of the goats – yes, the goats ‘that stare’ and strike a pose, are a special feature of The Place 2B! lanseriacountryestate.co.za 083 446 7663

Salsa Verde

no secret why Valverde Eco-Hotel won the Travellers Choice Award 2020! Not only is it set in an enchanted lush garden, it also boasts the Salsa Valverde restaurant, which offers fine dining that is a mix of European and local South African cuisine. Their oxtail stew is one for the books, their authentic Spanish paella too! And if you bump into the owner, fondly known as JP, ask him about the paella cooking classes, maybe he’ll share his family’s recipe.

Roots Restaurant

Located at Forum Homini Hotel, there is no question in our minds, Roots has earned its stripes as one of Gauteng’s finest dining experiences. It may be their impeccable food and wine pairing, or it may be that the wines are selected from South Africa’s top awardwinning estates. It may also be the fact that you

absolute royalty, the service,

setting

Stables cafe

Located at Forum Homini Hotel, there is no Next time you’re in Magaliesburg, pop in at Stables Café, located at Black Horse, open Monday to Thursday from 11h00 till 20h30. Whether it’s a cold craft beer or gin you’re after, a lunch or dinner, everything about the service and ambience at Stables defined by elegance. Overlooking Seekoiehoek Valley with breathtaking sunset views, the food tastes even better!

silverstar casino

Billy

Perfect for the family, Billy G is a buffet restaurant offering a variety of hot and cold starters, main courses and desserts. Catering for small and big groups, it is ideal for yearend functions, birthday celebrations and even romantic dinners.

Hussar Grill

With a Diner’s Club Platinum rated wine selection, and 28-day aged Class A grain-fed beef, Hussar Grill also offers a touch of olde-worlde charm, with vintage books, antique clocks to transport you to another time and place. Oh, and if you’re bringing your own wine, no corkage is charged. Even winters are great, as diners can cosy up to a roaring fireplace.

Vigour & Verve

Located at the hotel entrance on the casino floor, Vigour & Verve offers hearty meals, from falloff-the-bone lamb shanks and fillet steak to butter chicken and pizza. Whether you’re inside the restaurant or outside on the terrace, you can catch up with your bestie, sampling from the selection of freshly baked cakes that also makes Vigour & Verve a popular choice.

Tso’s Butchery & Pub

For an authentic township dining experience, be sure to include Tso’s Butchery, where the meat is prepared on the fire and the magic is served on many platters for you and your chomi’s (friends). While their steam bread will have you forgetting about carbs and calories, their chakalaka (pickle or atchar) will have you wiping the drool from the corners of your mouth! This chisanyama (traditional barbecue) spot is what keeps the wheels of Kagiso’s community turning, every day, every night.

Sweet Thyme Restaurant

If you’re into oriental-continental fusion food, Sweet Thyme is a must! What’s more, the meals are served in an intimate setting, prepared by internationally trained Chef Raymond Massey whose fillet with Belgian choc-chilli sauce is one for the books.

Vela Portuguese Restaurant

crazy chef at Vela, if you spot him is Milan Cerimaj, also co-owner of this contemporary spot, who you’re bound to hear expediting meals while mixing up a culinary mouthwatering storm before it arrives on your plate! Located in Harties (Hartbeespoort), Vela is a favourite local haunt, mostly because the food is as good as the service. Oh, and do order

of their seafood platters, with your

they

Here in the Cradle of Humankind, it’s the little things that count. They really are the big things. Dancing in the dark. Laughing out loud. Singing off-key. Messy buns. Sweatpants.

Welcome to our Tribe of LittleBig Things.

Pack your essentials, including yourbetter half (and) or your kids, andbook your next getaway in a touristdestination that has options, optionsand even more options. Whether you’rea bush-baby who loves roughing it,camp fires, tents, sleeping bagsand all, or if you prefer those fabthread-count Egyptian cotton fundisthat include spa pamper sessions,you’ll find it all in The Cradle.

Spend the Night

Askari Game Lodge & Spa

With décor pieces dating back to the 1800s, Askari Game Lodge & Spa offers a glimpse into ‘the way we were’ many many moons ago!

range of sleepover options range from executive, standard and deluxe rooms, with a full capacity offering of 96 guests. As if that’s not enough, Askari also boasts two garden cottages and twelve garden suites.

Avianto

The understated elegance of Avianto’s 30 luxury rooms and five suites offer the perfect setting to park off, refresh and recharge after a day of exploring The Cradle of Humankind. What’s really great is that the hotel is set apart from the function rooms so you can escape, and soak in the hot tub before starting the next day’s adventures.

Black Horse Brewery

in Magaliesburg, Black Horse offers

of rooms sprawled across this estate, each tastefully decorated, with a warm homeaway-from home feel. The restaurant and brewery rooms are just a few meters away from your room – happiness, after you’ve had a second or third round of craft beer or gin

Bushwillow Tented Camp

rustic tented accommodation comprises ten large comfortable walk-in tents, each sleeping up to six guests. While the boma is a lekka (cool) spot to gather around a fire for that authentic African safari experience, no need to worry about freshening up. Each of the tents are fully equipped with a hot indoor shower and a little kitchenette if you’re feeling a bit snack-ish during the night.

Blueberry Hill Hotel

Designed to meet the needs of today’s business and leisure traveller, Blueberry Hill Hotel is all about making you feel like you are at home, from the signature décor touches to the warm welcome as you walk through the door. Amenities include access to the business centre with free Wifi and a working space to keep your productivity levels at a peak!

Country Park Guest House and Campsite

Whether you’re a camping-fundi or simply a lover of the outdoors, the Country Park Guest House offers a mix of self-catering, camping spots and B&B to suit your getaway needs. countrypark.co.za/guest-houseaccommodation.php

256

Cradle Boutique Hotel

This four-star graded hotel offers rooms, each with their own private viewing decks, which come in handy as the Hotel is set on the Cradle Nature Reserve, with views as spectacular and as far as your eyes can stretch! Book one of their nature walks – a guided tour – and enjoy dinner from your deck at night. Free wifi available to all guests, so you can share as many selfies as you like when your day is done.

The Crooked Tree Campsite

Situated in the heart of Magaliesburg, The Crooked Tree Campsite is popular, mostly thanks to their ‘open door’ extended to fur babies! Your dogs will love you even more for taking them to this getaway spot where they have the freedom to run until their tongues are hanging on the ground, and to frolick with you in the river. If you’re ready for a weekend without electricity, Crooked Tree is the closest you’ll get to going off-grid!

ARRIVAL

TARIFFS INCLUDE

TARIFF CHANGES

Crystal Rose Lodge & Spa

you’re in need of a

a weekend

Crystal Rose Lodge is where you’ll feel like you’ve found your very own private retreat. An exclusive venue with the simple luxuries, warm comforts and inimitable service, many visitors, both domestic and international

come to expect

The Fairway Hotel

With world-class facilities on-site, the Fairway Hotel is ideally located on Randpark Ridge Golf Course, for those golfers who don’t know how to take a break without teeing off. A gym, tennis courts and spa services, as well as an awardwinning restaurant called Balata, all add to the relaxed ambience on offer at the Hotel.

De Hoek Country Hotel

boutique hotel on the banks of the Magalies River in Magaliesburg, De Hoek is known for its fine dining which is centred on an authentic, yet nuanced interpretation of FrenchContinental cuisine. Premium finishings in the suites and rooms are complemented by the estate’s manicured gardens and a spa on-site, making this the perfect getaway.

Glenburn Lodge & Spa

group,

rooms.

Glenburn Lodge

in every single one

its hotel suites

room

rooms

establishment

garden

a

Heaven @ Fountain Street

Fountain Street

a homeaway-from home experience at this guest house located in Krugersdorp.

a handson owner,

are bound to feel like family, and like you’re the family

with

Kedar Heritage Lodge

African-themed stone and thatched rooms and suites which are decorated with vibrant, hand-painted ethnic print fabrics and African artworks,

Kedar Heritage Lodge a great choice for big groups. The venue offers themed restaurants, private game drives, a large swimming pool and spa.

Estate

Premiere

Country Lodge, either self-catering

non-self-catering. You don’t need to travel

far to enjoy the countryside

been recognised

a welldeserved break with family, friends or your loved one. This lodge

Level 1

Lanseria Country Estate

estate has a variety of

ranging from either self-catering or nonself-catering to suit every pocket. An ideal location for an easy getaway, team-building or a romantic getaway, this award-winning three-star lodge has also been awarded for its Level 1 Mobility Universal Access

Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa

five-star Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa is set on a piece of nature where fauna are given right of way every time. With sweeping views over the Zwartkops mountain range and fly-fishing dams, Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa epitomises five star luxury

a relaxed country environment.

Lesedi African Lodge

Lesedi Cultural Village is located in the heart of the African bushveld amidst the rocky hills

the Cradle of Humankind. The Lodge is an intimate space with eight rooms, offering you an overnight stay steeped in the sights and sounds of South African culture.

Lovers Rock Family Resort

A special getaway in Magaliesburg that will have you forgetting all about the hustle and bustle of city life, Lovers Rock is ideal for those who prefer self-catering, whether it’s a chalet, a tent camp or a caravan! There are horse rides, a putt-putt (mini-golf) course and trampolines for the kids. For the adults, there’s more than enough space to gooi a lekker jol (‘throw a fun party’) with your chomis (friends) while you’re there!

them on Facebook.

Maropeng Boutique Hotel

The 4-star Maropeng Boutique Hotel is situated in the heart of The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and looks out onto spectacular views of the Witwatersberg and Magaliesberg ranges. Ideal for a romantic getaway or for executives seeking a convenient conference venue with accommodation not too far out of town. The hotel can accommodate a maximum of 48 people in its 24 bedrooms.

maropeng-boutique-hotel

Misty Hills Country Hotel

Misty Hills offers an experience of rich African hospitality, with 200 stone-built thatched rooms and suites, furnished to complement the indigenous South African surroundings. Handmade furniture, African prints and artworks are a signature of this venue. The elegant Royal suites and Presidential suite have enclosed walled-in gardens and private plunge pools, offering the discerning guest privacy, luxury and exclusivity. mistyhills.co.za

Mokoya Lodge

Lodge and Sweet Thyme Restaurant

founded by the Massey Mclean family in 2009 when Raymond Massey returned from Germany as a Master Chef. The decision to convert the existing buildings into a sleepover venue was a natural one and today its natural stone cottages and old buildings lend themselves to the appeal of Mokoya Lodge.

Mount Savannah Game Lodge

the comfort guests will enjoy in one of the exclusive deluxe suites, one of the main draws of this homely estate is the 2000ha reserve which is totally unfenced. Relax around the central campfire area, while watching (and listening!) for the wildlife, which include

kudu,

hartebeest, impala and zebra!

Nullarbor Cottages

Cottages offers selfcatering accommodation in beautifully appointed cottages in the quaint town of Magaliesburg - a perfect match if you need privacy, romance and luxurious but affordable accommodation. The 10 individually decorated wood and brick cottages also feature indoor fireplaces for those winter breaks, corner spa baths, showers built from natural rock, as well as individual outdoor braai areas.

Ons Dorpshuis Guest House

If you want the personal touch but a unique

setting, this is for you. Not one of their

4-star graded rooms are the same. Ons Dorpshuis offers a total of 24 rooms, including self-catering units, perfect for sports team getaways, contract workers and families.

Riverstone Lodge

Offering 51 spacious African inspired rooms, with all the comforts of home, from the General Manager to the restaurant servers, every member of staff will make you feel right at home. One superior suite boasts a private garden and splash pool, while 12 executive suites have a private balcony facing the Crocodile River. In addition, there are 36 twin rooms with semi-private patios, and a restaurant with a huge centrepiece fireplace for cosy chilly nights.

Random Harvest Cottage

If you’re on the look-out for 4-star accommodation that is both aesthetically pleasing and affordable, look no further than Random Harvest. Ideal for business or leisure, this little spot in Muldersdrift works well for midweek or weekend B&B stays.

Sibani Lodge

If you’re looking for a venue with sleep-over options, Sibani Lodge offers separate main lodge accommodation and two cottages with decks to enjoy incredible sunrise views. Furnishings, fittings and décor are Africaninspired, creating a gentle homely ambience in a natural bush setting. And if you’re in search of the camping experience with a bit of glam, Sibani also has four glamping tent facilities no more than 3km from the Main Lodge.

Rose well Country House & Spa

Rose Well Country House and Spa is within easy driving distance from Pretoria, Johannesburg, Hartebeespoort Dam and Rustenburg. They have 8 en-suite rooms fitted and are graded as a 3-star Country House.

400 3993

SleepOver Motels is a franchise chain of budget accommodation motels being established throughout South Africa to cater to the cost-conscious traveller.

Our motels provide comfortable, secure, affordable accommodation at a consistent quality. We are conveniently located at Lanseria Airport to cater to business and leisure travellers.

Our rooms are configured to sleep 2 adults comfortably or a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children).

There are braai facilities on site, a fully licensed cafe, snack bar, secure parking and all units are serviced daily. We offer free Wi-fi, safe accessible parking, all units fully air-conditioned, and all linen and amenities included.

The units have private verandas, overlooking well maintained gardens, with outdoor seating and work desk inside.

Catering to business travellers in and around the airport, or leisure travellers looking to beat the traffic for that early morning or late flight, we offer a safe, comfortable stay over. Come and enjoy a sundowner overlooking the Magalies mountains and get up for your flight relaxed the next morning.

For travellers wising to further explore the attractions and adventures in the Cradle area, conveniently located as a base for day trips out.

SleepOver Motels Lanseria, 1 Ashenti Road, Lanseria Airport, 010 110 9911

SleepOver Motel Lanseria

upcycled shipping containers have been converted into quaint rooms configured as twin single, Double or Family Rooms, each with a patio overlooking the lush gardens, right next to Lanseria International Airport. Braai (barbecue) facilities on-site, a fully licensed café and snack bar, the Motel is a firm favourite for both business travellers and local visitors.

Silverstar Casino

luxurious contemporary boutique sky hotel,

Sun Silverstar has 43 rooms with a

Bright and cheerful rooms that serve as a showcase of local mosaic art, the hotel offers a variety of entertainment throughout the casino complex. From movie theatres and a games arcade at Magic Company to a wide selection of restaurants, Silverstar is the West Rand’s stayover

Stornoway Lodge

located a stone’s throw away from Lanseria Airport, Stornoway Lodge is ideal for the business traveller, as well as couples in search of a romantic getaway not too far out of town. The spacious self-catering suites, with dark wooden furniture and contemporary African art pieces, have their own distinct feel and

Tsitsi’s Bed & Breakfast

Tusker’s Bush Lodge

luxury

Bush Lodge

Valley Lodge & Spa

chic meets modern elegance at Valley Lodge

in Magaliesburg. The standard, luxury and superior rooms have elegant

With the capacity to host up to 76 guests, Valley Lodge is great for family

friends, and bigger business travelling groups.

Warthogs Game Lodge

Warthogs Game Lodge can accommodate 20 guests in 10 thatched chalets, each with private viewing decks and wait for it…semi-outdoor showers, you have to feel the freedom! But if you’re really keen to do the authentic bush experience, there is a tented camp for you to test your ‘survival skills’. Before you leave, be sure to enjoy the boma, meet new people, have long conversations over a bottle of wine, the type that last even longer around a roaring fire.

Valverde Eco-Hotel

If you’re looking for an upscale country experience, where international cuisine is served, book your next getaway at Valverde Eco-Hotel in Muldersdrift. As the name implies, it is one of The Cradle’s proudest sustainable tourism offerings, with lush gardens and farm-to-table dining. The estate has 25 rooms, free Wifi and a spa too!

enjoyable night out

Is the quiet art of trout fishing or archeryyour idea of adventure? Or do you preferhorse-riding, or river-rafting, or perhapszip-lining and bungee jumping to please yourthrill-seeking self? The Cradle of Humankindoffers just the right mix of blood-pumping andheartwarming activities, for friends and familyof all ages. And all excitement thresholds.

Adrenaline Pumping

If flying through trees on zip-lines or earlymorning hot air balloon rides are what tickle your fancy, The Cradle of Humankind has a lekker mix of blood pumping activities for you. For your friends (otherwise known as your squad). For your children and grandchildren too. Jump in the car and head out to one of these cool spots:

Air to Air Africa

Even if you’re not an early bird, the unmatched views from the sky makes Air to Air Africa’s hot air ballooning a must-do adventure when you’re in The Cradle of Humankind. Air to Air offers you an unforgettable gameviewing experience from the sky, so make sure your camera is charged, these are memories you’ll want to look back on for the rest of your life.

Airboat Afrika

There are many ways to experience the Crocodile River, but Airboat Afrika must be one of the best gifts you can give yourself while you’re in The Cradle. Take in the breath-taking Magaliesburg gorges of the River from the old road bridge downstream into the panoramic expanse of Hartbeespoort. It’s easy to ‘get lost’ in the magic on water, but don’t forget to take pics!

Air Ventures Africa

Drifting over wildlife on the safari flight is just one of the special memories you can add to your photo album after a hot air balloon ride with Air Ventures Africa. You could book a ride for ‘just-thetwo-of-us’ if it’s romance you’re after, or even the bumper-balloon for 16 if you’re celebrating your birthday. Qualified pilots and friendly staff who serve mimosa’s on arrival and interesting snippets while in-flight, make the ‘crack-of-dawn’ wake-up call worthwhile. And don’t miss the scrumptious buffet breakfast served afterwards at one of the Cradle’s most prestigious spots.

Ama Zwing Zwing Zip Lines

Either you believe you can fly, or you just fly! Ama Zwing Zwing has a range of seven slides and ten platforms, ranging from 2m to 14m in height. Perfect for team-building, school groups or family outdoor fun, the ziplines will get your blood pumping, your heart racing and your adrenalin in overdrive.

Askari Game Lodge

Whether you’re an amateur or professional wildlife photographer, or even if you’re Nature’s No. 1 Fan, Askari has an array of activities on offer, including Big Five game drives, elephant touch-n-feed interactions, elephant walks, as well as mountain or petroglyph hiking trails. The Askari Game Lodge & Spa is situated within a pristine wilderness area of over 6 800 hectares with natural African bushveld and an abundance of flora, fauna, birdlife and wildlife located on the Plumari Private Game Reserve. askarilodge.co.za/activities-at-askari-game-lodge-spa

ama-zinnggg airboats

YOU WANT TO CHARTER AN AIRBOAT? COOL!

Experience South Africa’s only airboat and enjoy the thrill of a Ride and a Slide on Hartbeespoort Dam. Feel what it’s like to be inside ‘CSI Miami’ and discover Harties, the marvel of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve..

Airboat charters are always fully equipped, so you’ll get a pilot and all the required safety equipment for the airboat.

But wait, there’s more: we’ll deliver airboat and crew to wherever you want in Southern Africa.

Really? Oh yes, anywhere in SADC, you can enjoy airboat rides for whatever you want to do.

Now what could you possibly want with an airboat?

To give you some tips, you could enjoy: tourism, safaris, birdwatching, fishing, nature & wildlife conservation film shoots, music videos, advertising, fashion, tv shows, gps mapping, bathymetry, water sampling, weed control & environmental management, flood relief, food distribution, medical evacuation, search & rescue recovery, construction, cargo & personnel transport, law enforcement, border patrol, security services... or whatever!!

Of course, you know best, and I’m sure you already have an idea.

AIRBOAT AFRIKA IS A TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY AWARDS WINNER FOR 2020

The Travel & Hospitality Awards is proud to announce that Airboat Afrika has been awarded in its 2020 Africa Awards programme.

https://airboat.chrisgrosch.net/travel-hospitalityawards-2020/

Recipients of Travel & Hospitality awards in 2020 were scrupulously selected based on the aggregation of reviews from multiple third-party sources. Selected by a panel of experts who analyse submission material, review customer feedback and compare the facilities of each entrant. Our winners are those who can demonstrate their uniqueness, quality of services and facilities and exceptional levels of customer care across a number of categories.

What does a ride cost? Airboat Afrika @ Harties

Plan your ride based on facts. Know before you go, so there’s no mystery and no surprises. Getting there – having a snack on the way –diesel or petrol – it’s only money… The exhilaration of your airboat ride? PRICELESS!

Crocodile River

30 MINUTES

Explore the stunning Magaliesberg gorges of the Crocodile River from the

old road bridge downstream into the panoramic expanse of Harties. Close to the City – Out of this World!

Harties Explorer 60 MINUTES

Step inside ‘CSI Miami’ and feel the wind in your hair as you skim over the water’s surface. Enjoy breathtaking views over Harties. Close to the City –Out of this World!

Crocodile + Harties

90 MINUTES

Take it all in from the narrow Crocodile River gorges into the wide open panorama of Harties, jewel of the Magaliesberg mountains. Close to the City – Out of this World!

And they are not for hire. You can’t just get one and joll around on your own, ok? For that, you gonna have to buy one - call us and we’ll sell you one!

Avianto Cycling Routes

Cycling has so many perks – toning those legs

just one of them. But the camaraderie on the trails, the shared laughs and brekkies afterwards make the trails at Avianto a staple for locals. The beginner green loop is 6km long and consists of mostly jeep track and dirt roads, with a great intro to mountain biking. The blue intermediate loop

just over 19km and features some challenging sections with single-track, tougher

an old train track and tunnel.

Bill Harrops Balloon Safaris

With a fleet of six large hot air balloons, Bill Harrops Balloon Safaris caters to groups of 120 each. Bill is a legend in these parts, fondly known as Harties (Hartbeespoort). We’re probably a bit biased but the colourful stories Bill would tell was just about one of the best things about his hot air balloon safaris. balloon.co.za 011 705

Cashane Rangers Survival School

Ever watch Survivor and wonder if you’d make it through just one night and day in the wild? Well, no need to wonder any more. Cashane is a safe space where your children can learn about outdoor survival skills, from making a fire to purifying water! The Survival School is great for corporate team building events, birthday parties and school camps too. cashanerangers.com/wp

Cradle Bike Park

Designed according to UCI standards, the Cradle Bike Park is a smooth and exhilarating ride all at once. The tracks help riders improve their personal skills development and bicycle management. The Park offers both casual and hardcore BMX tracks for cyclists of all skills and levels, and also features a beginners track for those getting ready to remove their training wheels, even if you’re an adult late bloomer!

Ground Zero Adventures Lanseria & Harties

Call your squad, your wolf-pack, heck, get your family out for a day at Ground Zero Adventures! If you’re ready to pump those biceps and triceps, the river rafting is just the thing to get you going. Or if you’re a water-baby but don’t want to work those arms, try the tubing. But if staying on dry land is more your ‘groove’, you can try your hand at archery, or test your driving skills on the quad bikes or paint-ball. Maybe invite a few buddies for a ‘Braai Off’ to test each other’s skills. Or if you’re not in the mood, put your feet up while the Ground Zero team serves as your Fire-Starters, Marinaders and Braai Masters.

The Fairway Golf Resort

Those who love golf, LOVE golf! Even while on a business or leisure trip, life just isn’t the same without a round of golf. And Randpark Ridge Golf Club is the ultimate urban golf destination, par excellence! Randpark Ridge offers two of the best manicured courses - Firethorn and Bushwillow – offering golfers with varying (and sometimes questionable handicaps) an unforgettable experience. It is also the home of the SA Open, one of the oldest national open golf championships in the world, and is one of the principal tournaments on the Sunshine Tour.

fairway-activities

Harties Aerial Cableway

you’re keen to take in panoramic views

Magaliesburg, Hartbeespoort Dam and the surrounding landscapes, Harties Aerial Cableway is one stop you need to make while in the area. With excellent recreational and educational facilities, it really is one of those sho’t left experiences you can’t miss!

Happy Island Waterworld

the largest water park in Africa, Happy Island Waterworld has so many rides to choose from, you’ll need to spend the day! From the smaller options for little ones, to the bigger tubes and twisters, Happy Island offers world class water entertainment for locals and tourists

Harties Water Sport Centre

inside the Hartbeespoort

snake and animal park, Harties Watersports Centre offers a variety of exciting and unforgettable water sport activities. Enjoy the thrill of Hartbeespoort dam on board any of their water-vessels, from pleasure cruises to private cruises, from tuberides, speed-boat rides to parasailing

much more!

Lanseria Country EstateFly-Fishing and 4x4

Course

The Lanseria Country Estate has two well stocked dams which are well suited to both novice and experienced sport anglers. They offer catch and release only for trout between 1 April and 30 September – any time outside of these dates, you can ‘catch and keep’. Day fishing happens between 7am and 5pm, and if you’re staying over at the country establishment, feel free to cast a line from dawn to dusk.

The estate also offers a 4 x 4 driving experience, ideal for a solid, but bumpyfun introduction to the world of off-road adventure.

track obstacles are set in a natural environment,

difficulty increasing as they progress through the course. For the enthusiast, more challenging routes and recovery courses

steep gradients, side slopes,

ruts, ditch crossings

water

Magaliesburg Canopy Tours

No, there is no physical canopy, it’s the trees we’re talking about! Putting your feet up couldn’t be more thrilling than across the canopy of trees as you zipline from one platform to the next, set in magnificent natural surroundings. Conference groups keep coming back for more. Families too. Don’t miss this next time you’re out in

Rhino

Lion Nature Reserve Cycling

Road-based travel is so much better when you’re cycling! Or at least that’s what avid cyclists will tell you, especially when you’re in The Cradle of Humankind after the summer rains and everything’s green on either side of the road. The bike park also offers bicycles to rent so no need to schlepp your own all the way! Pop in at the kiosk

grab a cuppa at Thatch Café freshly brewed by their professional

Untouched for a number of years, Mountain View is a private property north of Lanseria airport on the R512. It offers breathtaking views over Johannesburg in the far distance and the hills of the Crocodile River Reserve. Its northern fence line is shared with the Lion Park.

45 minutes from Sandton and 10 minutes up the road from Lanseria International Airport. 8 km further up the road you will reach the Crocodile River

scenic Hartbeespoort Dam

The habitat offers a variety of bushveld, grassy savannah and a patch of riverine forest. The ground is mostly sandy with some rocks, and several stretches of Pelindaba rocks to navigate.

Pumba Pools, Zebra Plains, Ostrich Run, Eland Cove, Lionsgate, Outlook Koppie, J-View and Pelindaba Fields on your visit.

Mountainview http://bit.ly/airmview

safe outdoor trails + lots of game + even more fresh air only 10 min from Lanseria Airport bike, run, hike, sports, e scooter rides

run, hike, sports, e-scooter

Saddle Creek Adventures

Valley at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, Saddle Creek is an adventure ranch venue suitable for you and your sweetheart, or for the entire family. You’ll be spoilt for thrill-seeking choice,

go-karting, horseriding, quad biking, laser clay pigeon shooting, helicopter flips and hot air balloon rides. Phew, exhausting to write about, exhilarating just thinking about it.

Shepherd’s Fold Stables

Even if the only time you’ve ever seen a horse was on tv or in a magazine, the team at Shepherd’s Fold Stables will have you feeling like a natural even after your first ride. Their prize horses are well-trained, as are the guides who offer riding lessons, pony camps, trail rides and picnic outrides in their picturesque part of The Cradle.

Sundowner Fly-Fishing

The skilled and experienced guides at Sundowner

able to take you a variety of spots in and around The Cradle, even for first-time fishermen and women! It’s a great father-son bonding activity, uber-cool for corporate team events and guaranteed laughter, even if you’re out with your girl-squad. Seriously, you’ll feel ready for that epic scene in Legends of the Fall!

Wonder Cave

Discovered by Italian miners in 1898, Wonder Cave is the third largest chamber in South Africa, and is situated within the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve . No need to do too much cardio workouts but be warned, the entrance to the cave is an 87-step staircase which winds down at a 45-degree angle, and drops 22 meters below the surface! Then, take an elevator for an 18-meter drop, even deeper into the cave, where you’ll see cave pearls (yes, cave pearls are a real thing!), a rim stone pool,

Warthogs Bush Camp

beneath a canopy of trees in the African bushveld just two kilometres from Askari on the Plumari Private Game Reserve, Warthogs

Camp offers please of outdoor activities

choose from, such as trail walks and runs, as well as mountain biking. So please, no heels or

“Your friendly reminder to keep those masks on, your hands sanitized and safe social distancing while you’re out and about in The Cradle!”

Wildlife Wonders

Crème de la Crème Game Lodges

Askari Game Lodge www.askarilodge.co.za

014 577 2658

Bushwillow Tented Camp www.guvonhotels.co.za/bush-willow-tentedcamp | 011 668 1600

Glenburn Lodge & Spa www.guvonhotels.co.za/glenburn-lodge/ glenburn-accommodation | 011 668 1600

Kedar Lodge www.kedar.co.za/accommodation

011 950 6000

Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa www.guvonhotels.co.za/kloofzicht-lodge

011 317 0600

Misty Hillsy Country Hotel www.mistyhills.co.za

011 950 6000

Mokoya Lodge www.mokoya.co.za

078 248 5149

Mount Savannah Game Lodge www.dreamresorts.co.za/hotels-resorts/mountsavannah-game-reserve/explore/

011 267 8500

Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve www.rhinolion.co.za

011 957 0349

Sibani Lodge www.sibanilodge.co.za

087 012 5375

The Lion & Safari Park www.lionandsafaripark.com

087 150 0100

Tuskers Lodge www.tuskerslodge.co.za

012 258 9904

Warthogs Game Lodge www.askarilodge.co.za/warthogs-bush-camp

082 416 1340

The Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary

The Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary is one of only eight free-release primate

in the world. Covering approximately 7ha in one of the many kloofs of the

mountain range, the sanctuary is home to squirrel, spider and capuchin monkeys which were previously raised as household pets or bred for pet trade.

leave tours with the

be better suited to a natural,

not make good pets – monkeys will

Lemurs – You’ve seen them in that animated movie called Madagascar, and you’ve heard the song ‘I like to move it, move it’. But truth is, the word lemur is derived from ancient Roman mythology referring to ghosts or spirits, mostly because these primates move at a terribly slow pace!

Bushbabies – With a face only a mothercould love, this cute little critter is calledGalagos, or a bushbaby. Or as we call them inAfrikaans ‘nag-apie’ (night monkey). They’retiny nocturnal primates that are native tocontinental Africa.Monkeys – Monkeys are considered intelligent animals, so even the blonde-fur Spider Monkeys are as smart as their brothers, sisters, cousins or aunts with black fur! Oh, and the fact that this particular breed doesn’t have thumbs means it’s even better at swinging between branches!

The Elephant Sanctuary

Loxodanta Africana – that’s the cool scientific name for African elephants.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort Dam for an intimate experience with elephants that have been rescued, and domesticated through positive reinforcement animal management principles. Get to know these animals, feed them, experience a hand-in-trunk walk with the elephants and you’ll soon discover that each has a unique character, personality and temperament!

Elephant’s are natural ballerinas. The elephant’s foot is constructed in such a way that means it is virtually walking on tip toe!

Elephants only sleep for 3-4 hours a day, usually standing upright or leaning against a tree.

Just as well elephants don’t suffer body-image issues – they spend as many as 18-20 hours every day, eating and drinking!

Bull calves are kicked out of the herd when they reach around 12 years of age, when they join ‘bachelor herds’. These ‘rites of passage’ come full circle only when it is mating season and they join a female herd. Or when, like most men who nurture ‘pub-affections’, they connect with the females at a waterhole!

Lion & Safari Park

Just over 10km from Lanseria International Airport, the Lion Park has been loved by locals and foreigners for 50 years. Visitors are able to book a game drive, or enjoy a self-drive at the Park. Guests also have the opportunity to engage in the experience of hand-feeding a selection of animals, ostriches and other antelope species that roam freely on the 600ha property. Enjoy a meal while you’re there at The Wetlands Restaurant or Bull and Buck Grill for a bite to eat. And pop in at the curio shop to grab a few mementos.

out about The Little Rangers Adventure Club for kids aged 5-12 – the Club offers environmentally driven bush activities that are both creative and informative, including art in the park, feeding the giraffes as well as survival bush skills.

Open Mondays to Fridays

Sundays & Public Holidays

Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve

A privately owned game reserve spanning some 1600ha, the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve has been open to the public since 1990. Starting out with only two white rhinos and a few antelope, today the Reserve boasts over 650 head of game.

The Predator Camp is a special enclosure which is home to a pride of tawny lions. Alongside the lion enclosure are two smaller camps – one housing cheetahs, the other housing a pack of African Wild Dogs. Both cheetahs and African Wild Dogs are highly endangered, and the animals in these camps were born in captivity. Don’t miss the pride of rare White Lions while you’re there. Oh, and if you’re feeling parched after your game drive, pop in at Neck & Deck.

Open Tuesdays to Sundays

Public holidays

Book your nature reserve experience

bookings@rhinolion.co.za

From Walter with Love

Set on a 300ha estate, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden needs a picnic basket, a blankie and conversations that last all day! A popular location for weddings, special functions and picnics, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden features the spectacular 70m Witpoortjie Waterfall, which is regarded as the source of the Crocodile River which flows into the Hartbeespoort Dam.

Home to jackal, honey badgers, mongooses, buck and 240 bird species, the crème de la crème is undoubtedly the pair of Verreaux eagles (also known as black eagles) whose nest can be found on Roodekrans Ridge. The restaurant within the Garden has a camera on the nest 24/7, and if you’re lucky, you may just spot a bit of social activity from these aloof but majestic birds.

While 25ha are maintained as garden, the rest is an untouched nature reserve, with breath-taking cliffs made of bands of quartzite and shale rocks that tell the story of the incredible geological history that formed them.

The Garden is a bin-free zone – visitors bring their own refuse bags, so they can take their refuse back home to recycle it! Even big school groups who bring learners for educational tours, know well enough to ‘take back the trash’.

Open Daily: 08h00 – 17h00

Call: 0860 100 1278

Learn more: www.sisulugarden@sanbi.org.za

“How the hole

In the garden of my heart Grew a heart

To fill it.” - Alice Walker

Did you know?

The Garden is named after Walter Sisulu, a political activist who joined the ANC in 1941…?

Following the Rivonia Trial, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964 and spent 26 years in Robben Island prison, along with other senior members of the ANC, includingNelson Mandela.

This popular location has been a popular tourist site since the late 1800s…?

Visitors would hop off at Witpoortjie Railway Station in Krugersdorp andmake their way to the garden.

It was only officially established as a national botanical garden in 1982, nearly 200 years after it welcomed its first unofficial visitor…?

Iron Age archaeology artefacts have been found on the site…?

Archaeologists working on an excavation in 1998 also found stone tools dating back to the Stone Age, and yet, this is one of South Africa’s youngest national botanical gardens.

Why do birds suddenly appear, every time, you are near..?

with some of the most enchanting wedding settings, complete with chirping birds, vintage chapels and stars-in-your-eyes moments! What’s more, the décor teams who partner with wedding planners, brides and grooms, also know how to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences for love-birds from across the country.

Where is this? De Hoek Country Hotel in Magaliesburg

Wedding Bells

Askari Game Lodge & Spa

Just over an hour’s drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria, Askari offers a unique bush wedding venue where Africa meets antique Dutch, in an area steeped in history. Askari ticks all the boxes, including a spa menu to soak in before your vows have been made and way after the wedding cake is cut!

askarilodge.co.za/weddings-at-askarigame-lodge-spa

577 2658

Avianto

Avianto has become synonymous with ‘perfect wedding spot’. The garden setting and the other-worldly architecture come together to create all the magic you need for your big day!

in Muldersdrift, Avianto is a 20-minute drive from Lanseria Airport for those guests flying in from other parts of the country.

Black

wedding no-no’s

... according to our messy bun editor

1. Booking a DJ who’s just gone through a bad break-up. Actually no, not even a good break-up. Only happy DJs allowed!

2. Becoming a Momster-in-Law. She’s going to be the mother of your grandchildren, play nicely if you’re aiming to be Nana of the Year. Rein in those unsolicited pieces of ‘friendly advice’ and back-handed compliments.

3. Becoming a Bride-Zilla. Keep your cool, your cool is the best thing about you. The video and pics are going to last a lifetime, so let’s avoid ones where you’re breathing fire worse than Puff the Magic Dragon.

4. Asking your loose-lipped best man to propose a toast, especially if he know’s your ex.

5. Getting a face tattoo, playing with pet tigers or pet monkeys at your Bachelor Party, the night before your wedding. No, no, no!! Only Ken Jeong survives these situations. Intact. No-one else.

6. Booking a make-up artist who does eyebrows that resemble MacD’s golden arch. Get professional help, ask for pic references, it’s non-negotiable!

venue

The Cradle Boutique Hotel

a tract of land where the fossils are as

as time, the wedding venue options at The Cradle Boutique Hotel will have your big day recorded for the ages. Whether you’re after a cocktail setting or a sit-down affair, you’re able to invite up to 150 guests to witness your

Crystal Rose Lodge & Spa

intimate wedding

a warm atmosphere and picturesque gardens,

Crystal Rose Lodge & Spa which

The Fairway Hotel

Situated on the Randpark Golf Course, the Fairway Hotel is a sought-after venue not only for its sunset-viewing Vista Deck or the popular Windsor Ballroom. The service, the food and ambience after a ceremony at the stone-clad chapel work together so well to produce a wedding album worthy of sharing over and over again.

weddings-occassions

Glenburn Lodge & Spa

Voted one of the top wedding venues in Gauteng, Glenburn Lodge & Spa has three distinct wedding venues on the estate, with guest capacities ranging between 60 and 250 guests. Glenkyle overlooks a spectacular waterfall, and is situated on the Blaauwbank River, while Glencove is nestled on the Crocodile River in a beautiful country garden setting. Glenwillow is situated at the foot of the majestic Zwartkops Mountain in the Bush Willow Tented Camp.

guvonhotels.co.za/glenburn-lodge/ glenburn-weddings

668 1600

Kedar Heritage Lodge

Whether you choose a morning wedding and a scrumptious brunch menu, or an evening function with cocktails and dinner, Kedar has everything you need to make your vow exchange an unforgettable occasion.

weddings

6000

Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa

The dramatic scenery, natural vegetation and the abundant wildlife sets the tone for a bush-meets-boujee wedding! With a view of the lake perhaps for your ceremony, and an intimate setting indoors for your reception, at Kloofzicht you are spoiled for choice!

weddings-ocassions

Misty Hills Country Hotel

From the flowers, candles and exquisite table settings, a selection of mouth-watering meals to choose from, and luxurious accommodation for the bride and groom, as well as guests, Misty Hills ticks all the right boxes.

950

Mokoya Lodge

You will be hard-pressed to find the type of personalised attention from Mokoya Lodge’s events team to make your dream wedding a reality. With a Garden Riverside chapel, just off the banks of the Magalies River, it really is the perfect spot to say “I do”.

Riverstone Lodge

for a guest list, anywhere from 40-150 guests, Riverstone Lodge has three special venues and a team of extra-special people to ensure

every need is taken care

need to remember

Stornoway Lodge

five-minute drive from Lanseria Airport, Stornoway Lodge offers one of the most serene settings on the outskirts of the Cradle of Humankind. Everything, from décor to live music and the finest dining options, your dedicated event specialist will be sure to make your wedding an unforgettable experience.

Toadbury Hall

rose gardens provide the perfect backdrop for an outdoor picnic-style wedding. Choose from Toadbury Hall’s two chapels for your dream wedding, with a plethora of options ranging from a contemporary outdoor picnic wedding, elegant fine dining wedding to an intimate wedding at one of Toadbury’s prestigious venues.

Valley Lodge & Spa

Country chic meets modern elegance. Its riverside location makes Valley Lodge & Spa a wedding venue of choice for a day that is marked by its rustic elegance. The chapel with wood and burgundy décor, with enough room for 120 guests, is set in a space where the subtle sounds of nature will add a bit of romantic magic to your march down the aisle.

Valverde Eco Hotel

an eco-hotel, set on lush gardens, a family-owned business with yum-worthy food (always!). Valverde has that mojo to bring the magic to your wedding day, including a free food tasting for bride and groom. And if there is rain on your special day, they’re willing to invite you back to shoot your wedding pics on

day!

Meet & Greet

Askari & Warthogs Game Lodge - Magaliesburg

Points

or end your day

a bush skills

Avianto - Muldersdrift

Blueberry Hill HotelRoodepoort

Bushwillow Tented Camp - Muldersdrift

Event capacity 30-120 guests

x 6-sleeper tents

Points Watch as your meals are

in the thatched boma area, and wipe the drool from the corners of your mouth as the smell of authentic South African braai wafts through the

Cradle Boutique HotelLanseria

above

hotel

all located

Reserve where you can explore

book a safari

of

Cradle

foot

Cradle’s

Crystal Rose Lodge & Spa - Krugersdorp

Event capacity

Points

on-site.

chows,

guests

double rooms

have spa facilities and a Gallery

and they even serve kota’s or

authentic South African street-

The Fairway Hotel

Event capacity

villas

guests

luxury rooms,

Points Gym facilities, a spa and

golf course – based at Randpark Golf Club, home

– this spot also

the SA

up

sure you know

Hour!

Glenburn Lodge & Spa - Muldersdrift

Event capacity 6-150 guests

rooms

Points

your hand at fly-fishing while

there, take a break at the spa or snack on

homemade cookies in-between sessions if you’re attending a conference. The gardens are

a thing, especially when they’re hosting the

Greensleeves Medieval Kingdom - Hekpoort Road, Sterkfontein

Event capacity

Points

an immersive experience, soaked in medieval pomp and ceremony.

to be addressed as Sir, Lord, Lady or Dame as your local jester keeps you entertained, and your loyal subjects

delectable

Kedar Heritage Lodge -North West Province

Event capacity 100 guests

rooms

Points Book your own private game drive

you’ll see kudu, bushbuck, zebra, blue wildebeest and giraffe, for an authentic ‘out of Africa’ experience. It’s just 21km from Sun City

you’re in a tourist-friendly zone!

Messy

Kloofzicht Lodge & SpaMuldersdrift

Event capacity

guests

rooms

It’s the official ‘lift-off’ site if you’re keen for a hot air balloon ride! Don’t miss their fly-fishing events, or the five-star spa treatments on offer. And while you’re at it, ask the General Manager to show you the Cellar, it’s a wine-tasting treat!

Lanseria Country Estate - Lanseria

Event capacity 50 guests

Rooms/Guests 17 rooms

Plus Points Why not book a craft beer or gin tasting with your colleagues or friends while you’re at Lanseria Country Estate? Or test your driving skills on one of the 4x4 off-road trails?

better yet, try the quiet art of fishing at the Estate – just check when catch & release season

Lesedi African Lodge & Cultural VillageBroederstroom

Event capacity 25-120 guests

Rooms/Guests 38 rooms

Plus Points Visit the craft market, stock up on African art and curios and don’t miss the dance around the fire! Oh, if your palate is a curious one, stop by at Nyama Choma restaurant for tastes and flavours from Nort, East and South Africa.

Maropeng Boutique Hotel & Conference Centre - Mogale City

Event capacity 480 guests | Rooms/Guests 24 rooms, 48 guests Plus Points You can’t visit Maropeng without doing the guided tour for an underground boat ride, and fossil displays that make this entire area an unforgettable (science and educational) tourism experience. Also, check Hominid House a sustainable educational centre, popular for school learner and educator groups, with dormitory facilities, an organic veggie garden, solar rooftops and rainwater harvesting facilities. maropeng.co.za/content/page/maropeng-boutique-hotel

577

Misty Hills Country Hotel - Kromdraai Valley, Muldersdrift

Event capacity With 23 various venues, Misty Hills can accommodate up to 800 guests in their largest room

Rooms/Guests 800 thatched rooms Plus Points If you’re a big meat-eater, pop in at Carnivore restaurant for all kinds of meat, including exotic game. Oh, and after a long day of talk-shopping, try Spa in the Country, on-site, which has been voted one of South Africa’s top spas.

Mokoya Lodge - Hekpoort

Event capacity 35-45 guests Rooms/Guests 20 rooms

Plus Points Besides the walking and cycling trails, the volleyball and badminton courts, Mokoya Lodge also offers (on request) some side-splitting, unconventional team-building events that may just see you score a few brownie points!

Old McDonald’s Party Farm - Lanseria

Event capacity 50 Rooms/Guests 13 suites, 9 are self-catering Plus Points Based at Fat Olive Restaurant and Stornoway Lodge, there’s a petting zoo for the kids, boat rides, a candy floss stand and swings to keep them entertained all day! Oh, and the cutest little yellow things you’ve ever seen –ducks flitting about, paddling and posing for pics in and out the water.

Ons Dorpshuis - Rustenburg

Event capacity 50 guests

Rooms/Guests 30 rooms

Plus Points They’ve got the sweetest little spot called Candy Corner Shop, and the entire space is strewn with original art pieces and sculptures from local artist Hannatjie Visser. Do ask about the next Sunrise to Sunset 100km Magaliesburg Biosphere Women’s Walk – they’re proud sponsors of this event!

Random Harvest Cottages - Muldersdrift

Event capacity 30 guests

Rooms/Guests 6 cottages

Plus Points They have a nursery with South Africa’s finest selection of indigenous plants that will see you wandering about for hours and hours on end! Look out for their majestic 100 year old oak trees. randomharvest.co.za/Guest-HouseAccommodation-Muldersdrift

Riverstone Lodge - Muldersdrift

Event capacity 12-150 guests

Rooms/Guests 51 rooms

Plus Points Called the Place of Smiles, Riverstone Lodge will have you brimming from ear to ear, especially at the fireplace which is the restaurant’s showstopper on winter nights. Spa treatments on offer make this spot even more special, and on Friday pizza nights, you might just get lucky and catch a live band live at the venue!

Sibani Lodge - Mogale City

Event capacity

Rooms/Guests

guests

guests

Points Book a massage, book a safari

or order your picnic hamper

dining

Tuskers Bush Lodge

that real

Toadbury Hall - Muldersdrift

Event capacity

guests

10 rooms

Points We lurve the gardens, and can’t get enough of the tranquil setting

is just about as good as it gets, especially for a picnic party!

Hartbeespoort Dam

Event capacity

Rooms/Guests

guests

exclusive double rooms

Points Book a tour of the Monkey

Elephant Sanctuary while you’re there!

the elephants, walk hand-in-trunk

these majestic animals, and take as many pics as you can of the animated bushbabies, monkeys and lemurs.

Valley Lodge & Spa - Magaliesburg

and try one of the walking trails,

are tennis courts, boating

Valverde Eco-Hotel

- Muldersdrift

of Joburg’s

green and sustainable

Valverde

of your choice,

karaoke evening,

decorating

Stay safe remember to keep your distance

We Love Our Neighbours

We Love Magaliesburg

While Magaliesberg is a worldfamous mountain range, one of the oldest in the world, Magaliesburg is the quaint little town that offers a unique brand of hospitality, tastes, flavours and culture! Both are named after Magalie, the Batswana Chief who lived in the area during the 1800s – he was addressed as Kgosi (chief) Mogale wa Mogale.

The mountain range is the epicentre of life in these parts, and runs as a vein through the area, where one of Humankind’s oldest descendants, “Mrs Ples” started her ventures.

Local Bushmen or San people made their homes in the mountains, where they left their trademark rock art, or petroglyphs. If you travel down Hekpoort Pass or hike the Magaliesberg mountains, you’ll soon understand why stone age people made this their home.

Besides the magnificent scenery, the abundance of veld grass attracted game, including elephants, rhino, buck, hippos, giraffes and a colourful diversity of bird life. It really is a Birder’s Paradise, drawing ornithologists from far and wide who trek through these mountains, patiently waiting to spot the local winged beauties!

Visit Maropeng to see Mrs Ples, who was later pronounced Mr Ples. Turns out, the scientists had it wrong, this fossil was nobody’s Big Mama after all!

Statue of Magalie, the Batswana Chief, Kgosi Mogalewa Mogale

Hot Property, Hotly Contested

Domesticated animals such as cattle and sheep were a big part of the daily lives of the Tswana people who fell in love with Magalies, and are reported to have had ‘cities’ of around two thousand people in the area. Early travellers and passers-through would remark on the degree of sophistication and ‘civil life’ that would put early-London to shame, for its cleanliness and harmonious living. Tsk tsk…

This harmony was soon to be disrupted with the arrival of Mzilikazi and his followers, the Matabele tribe, who emigrated into the area, attracted by the abundance of grazing and wildlife. The Matabele were the harbingers of the Mfecane (Zulu tribe), the bully boys, if you like, who were there to either drive out the Tswana people, or to enslave them. No saint himself, Mzilikazi was fleeing the wrath of his former king and commander, Shaka, as well as his successor, Dingane.

The Matabele people were not the only ones to make their mark on Magaliesberg for its lush, fertile environment. The Boers started trekking from the Cape with large herds of cattle and sheep, with no GPS coordinates or Waze to direct them, imagine!?

Word reached Mzilikazi about the Voortrekker ‘rush’, and he gave the command to wipe out the Liebenberg and Erasmus parties who were en route to Magalies. The Griqua and Tswana people teamed up with the Boers who drove Mzilikazi out, forcing him to migrate north of the Limpopo River, to what is now Matabeleland, in present-day Zimbabwe!

All that glitters

As if these extended battles, commandos and laager attacks were not enough, the discovery of gold in the area spurred a new war between the English and the Boers! Godts, the first and second Anglo Boer Wars took place in the greater Magaliesberg, with the Battle of Nooitgedacht, regarded as the Boer’s greatest victory. The Jameson Raid also passed through Magaliesberg.

On a separate (bank)note, there was money to be made from the tusks of elephants who freely roamed the area. Colonialists latched onto this tusk economy very quickly, attracting even more hunters, prospectors and missionaries into the country, and into the area.

In the absence of cameras, artists were brought along on these ‘expeditions’ to capture the moment, and immortalise their feats. Ja, selfies took very very long in those days!

For more on the history and culture of Magaliesburg, grab a copy of Vincent Carruthers’ books: Magaliesberg: The Biosphere Edition or The Cradle of Life

Connect with Magaliesburg Historical Society, and the Magaliesberg Association for Culture and Heritage. These organisations offer field outings and bus tours. Visit the Magalies Business and Tourism website for more details: www.magaliesbusinessforum.co.za

messy bun ... on the run

La Veneziana Ice Cream offers flavours for every palate – even variants with mampoer or witblits, known in other parts of the world as moonshine! Check their Facebook page for more on their tasting events.

A visual journey, Melon Rouge has antiques, secondhand books, vintage pieces, live music and just the right setting for a lazy lunch. Also, there’s fun stuff for the kids so you won’t hear “Mom, mom, mom, M-O-MMMM!!” all the time

Kuier so bietjie (‘pop in for a bit’) at Black Horse Brewery, not only are their meals consistently delish, they have a craft beer & gin tasting room where you’re more than likely to overstay your visit!

Warthogs

We Love Harties

Located in the North West Province, Hartbeespoort, or Harties as locals refer to it, is situated on the slopes of the Magaliesberg mountain, and the banks of Hartbeespoort Dam.

So named as it really is the ‘gateway of the hartbees’ (a species of antelope), this town is home to an aerial cableway, the longest mono-cableway in Africa!

Both locals and visitors alike enjoy spending time at the Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary and the Elephant Sanctuary, where a walk, hand-in-trunk can be arranged.

Others visit the area for quad biking, 4x4 trails, horse trail safaris and river rafting, all on offer in Harties.

Visit the Van Gaalens Cheese Farm for a tour, or try a few of the mountain bike trails while you’re out there!

Greenleaves is also a popular wedding venue, complete with a hairdresser on site! The venue also hosts the annual Harties Animal Welfare Society ball, and encourages educational visits where learners can participate in not only petting the rescued animals, but also to get their hands dirty, cleaning the cages for the pets.

Pecanwood Golf Estate is pristine, golfers just can’t seem to stay away!

And if you’re more of a water-baby, pop in at the Hartbeespoort Boat Club or Kosmos Marina Club to hear how and where to go so you can set sail!

Cheese Tours and more at Van Gaalens Cheese Farm!

Vela Contemporary Portuguese Restaurant in Harties –their seafood is amaze-balls!

Airboats at Harties

We Love rustenburg

Located at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountain range, Rustenburg is best known as one of the official host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

In part, this city is owned by the Royal Bafokeng Nation who are extensive landowners who purchased their first tracts of land from colonial rulers in the late 19th and 20th century, some in exchange for serving in the Boer wars. Although the transactions were illegal, given the rule of law in South Africa at the time, the Royal Bafokeng are regarded as ngamla (boss) in these parts.

Besides Rustenburg being home to many AngloBoer and ethnic battle-sites, memorial graves and ruined forts, the area has archaeological remains from the Iron and Stone Ages…no, not Ice Age!

Today, the city is located on major highway routes and is a hub for tourist activities that include golf courses, mountain climbing, sky diving and the Ten Flags Theme Park. Visit Kgaswane Nature Reserve, Groot Marico Park, Pilanesberg Game Reserve and Madikwe Game Reserve while you’re in the area.

Don’t forget to pop in at Sun City which is located within the crater of dormant volcano (yes, volcano!) which is set on the slopes of a valley in the Pilanesberg Mountains. The resort features a casino, a shopping mall and the ‘Valley of the Waves’, which is about as close as you’ll get to a beach in the North West Province. The Gary Player Country Club hosts the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City.

Rustenburg Adventures, Tourism

Nedbank Golf Challenge

Pilanesberg

Sun City Valley of the Waves

Challenge

Rustenburg Skydiving

Royal Bafokeng Stadium – home base for the English team during 2010 FIFA World Cup™

Reserve

Ten Flags Theme Park

Why we love Lanseria International Airport

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES

FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

and security services operate all year round and comply with all South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements (ICAO). The LIA Fire and Rescue team is the best in its class and offers internationally recognised training to airports in South Africa and other African countries.

Category 7 Fire and Rescue vehicles with equipment

be upgraded if required to category

Welcome to Joburg’s Airport of Choice

When you fly through Lanseria International Airport, our new infrastructure and upgrades mean you spend less time taking your trip and more time enjoying your destination. So let Lanseria take care of all those airport woes so you can fast forward to the good part.

Fly from Lanseria International Airport. Joburg’s most convenient airport.

From kids screaming in the back seat to “we all scream for ice cream!”.

Get to the good part faster.

Welcome to Lanseria International Airport – Gateway to The Cradle of Humankind!