1.THE MAROPENG VISITORS CENTER - JOHANNESBURG
Human origins and the development of humans the past few million years are on exhibit in the center. Also on display is fossilized hominid remains of early Stone Age tools. You can also take an underground boat journey that takes you back through the history of humans. The center is ideal for the whole family.
2.ARNISTON - WAENHUISKRANS
Arniston was formally known as Waenhuiskrans and was later renamed to the ship Arniston that was wrecked here. The enormous Waenhuiskrans Caves is the main attraction of the Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve. The cave is only accessible during low tide - it is damp due to the tide filling the cove and is filled with rocks, pebbles, little pools of water, and graffiti on one of the walls. The view from the cave over the sea is breathtaking. Walking through the reserve is restful and peaceful.
3.PILGRIMS REST
During 1873 the town was declared a gold field and soon after that gold deposits was found in Pilgrim’s Greek by Alec Patterson. By the end of the year there where about 1500 diggers in the field. Today the town is a living museum and was declared a National Monument. The Beta Mine was closed down in 1971 but was reopened in 1999 with active gold mining. To learn more about the history of the Transvaal Gold Rush visit one of the many small museums: Digging Museum & Gold Panning, Dredzen Shop and House Museum, Historic Cemetery, Joubert Bridge, Poniekranz Stables and the Printing Museum. Relaxing at the TGME Golf Course or go for a walk one of the Village Walking Trails.
4.THE JOHANNESBURG OBSERVATORY
The observatory is currently in the progress of refurbishing, however the first phase to the public opened in 2008. The observatory offers facilities including science and computer laboratories, indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visitors can learn the different concepts of science and technology such as astronomy, astrophysics and optics through displays. For the younger once activities such as identifying shapes, puppet shows and building blocks to help stimulate interest in science. The Innes Telescope is still used every second Wednesday to observe the skies together with members of the public and schools. For those interested in astronomy activities, night tours are available.
5.KIRSTENBOCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, CAPE TOWN
Not only is the gardens part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also the best known of South African’s nine national botanical gardens. Walking through the diverse flora and themed gardens with a spectacular view of Table Mountain. The garden is home to over 7000 plant species of which many are rare and threatened species. Collections of bulbs, alpines and ferns grow naturally and can be found in the main section. Make sure you also visit the Fragrance Garden, The Water-wise Garden and the Peninsula Garden. The best time to visit is from mid -August to mid – October when the proteas is in full bloom.
6.TSWAING CRATER – PRETORIA
The crater formed by meteorite that crashed here over 220 000 years ago is one of 170 impact craters in the world and one of South Africa’s invariable tourist attractions. The lake is surrounded by dense bush and wetland and filled with rainwater and a spring. For 44 years salt where mined in the old salt factory until it was closed in1956 – the remains of the factory still stand near the lake. Evidence of the Stone Age and Iron Age settlements have been found around the lake. Tswaing is also rated as the top birding destination in Gauteng with over 320 bird species. ßThree trails are available of which one will lead you to and from the crater rim. Facilities available: picnic sites, guided walks, group accommodation, camping and venue hire.
7.THE BIG RED BARN – CENTURION
The energy packed adventure is recommended for the whole family. There is something for everybody, from Acro-Twigs Bungee (ages 3 to 6 years), Monkey Moves (ages 7 and older), Swinging Tarzan (ages 7 and older), High Flying (12 years and older) and the Big Zip (17 years and older). If you are looking for something else to do, rent a bike and explore the countryside with you family. Routes available for the: casual rider, intermediate and advances riders only. You can also visit the rose center and experience for your senses. The venue is also available for kiddies parties, functions, weddings, etc, or enjoy a scrumptious meal in the Olifants Café. Catering is available!
8.DITSONG NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM – PRETORIA
The museum is regarded as the country’s leading natural history museum. The original museum was founded in 1892 and housed in a tiny room next to the clock tower of Parliament House. The museum was moved into a magnificent sandstone building due to the increasing number of donations. Exhibits include hominid fossils – including Mrs Pless (which is about 2.1 million years old) one of the countries top celebs, fauna, fish, reptiles and plants from the Karoo. Children can enjoy ‘a hands’ on experience of natural history at the Discovery Center. The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History Library is also housed in the museum. Also visit one of the exhibition halls: Genesis of Life I and II, Austing Roberts Bird Hall and the Geoscience Centre. The museum is also available for venues and conferences.
9.TIFFINDEL SKI AND SNOWBOARDING RESORT – SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG
South Africa’s only ski and snowboarding resort was numbered number 19 in 2014 by CNN Travel’s “World’s best ski runs”. The resort was founded in 1993 and has since grown to become a true Alpine resort for all seasons. For passionate snow lovers there is something for everybody from skiing, snowboarding, building a snowman and throwing a snowball. If Mother Nature can’t provide, we have the best snowmaking machines in the world. During summer, spring and autumn you can experience of our track adventures. Activities include high altitude hiking, mountain biking, grass skiing, mountain boarding, photography, rock art, birding, fly fishing, squad biking and the 8 passes route for motorcycles and 4x4’s. The unique alpine flowers bring flora enthusiast from all around the word.
10.GOLDEN GATE HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK, FREE STATE
As South Africa’s only Grassland National Park, and situated in the western foothills of the Lesotho Maluti mountains, and is equidistant from Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein. It is well known for its extraordinary landscape colored in multi-hued bands and eroded by sand and rains of time, the abundance of caves, sandstone cliffs and outcrops and shelters. Many years ago volcanic activity capped the landscape with dark peaks, and mineral-rich soil gave rise to the more than 50 species of grass in the park. Wildlife includes black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell’s zebra’s is grazing the pastures. One a guided walk, explore The Cathedral Cave where the San hunters once gathered and the Basotho worshippers and Anglo-Boer war refugees once sought shelter. Other activities: hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, game drives or stop and absorb the panoramic views and magnificent stillness.
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