BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
The province of Gauteng might be small in size and not have an ocean, yet there is no shortage of tourist activities and destinations. Boasting the richest square mile in Africa, a rich history, art and lots for adventure seekers – there is something to Xplore for everyone this festive season. Here’s are some key destinations to kick off your provincial expeditions.
Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng
Egypt has the world celebrated pyramids, a resting place of Pharaohs while Gauteng has The Cradle of Humankind, where life began. This is where traces of the origins of the human race are. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this World Heritage Site. It has been adapted to suit all types of tourists, including children. It is a self-guiding museum with audio, ensuring that you walk through it at your own pace and take it all in. There are different sites and cases that piece together the different findings such as “Mrs Ples” and other magnificent archaeological findings discovered in this rich part of the country. We suggest that you block off a day to visit this area for sight seeing and then discover some amazing restaurants and pubs in the area.
The Maropeng Visitor Centre is open to the public from 09h00 to 17h00 every day. The last boat ride departs at 16h00. https://www.maropeng.co.za/content/page/maropeng-visitor-centre
Soweto
Not only is it one of the largest townships in South Africa, Soweto is a complete vibe and a tourist Mecca. It is home to the struggle history, to adventure and food and drink tourism. You just cannot rush the experience, particularly the warm reception from the colourful people of Soweto. Take a guided drive or better still, cycle or walk with tour groups to be one with the people. Always remember that Soweto is a number of townships in one, each one township visit leaves one yearning to know more. so take time and plan your trip to include the different aspects you want to experience. Ensure you have booked a table at one of the thriving restaurants or buy a kota from a corner shop to enjoy the unrivalled, explosive taste of Soweto.
Gold Reef City
If you are an adrenaline junkie and are also young at heart, make Gold Reef City theme park a regular stop to let your hair down. Get lost in their iconic rides, including the heart-pumping Anaconda. Themed around the gold rush of the early 20th century in the Reef, you will get a taste of what the old Joburg looked like when the Randlords rushed in. If you have kids, this is one of the best things you can do with and for them in Johannesburg, and they will always want more. There are restaurants to explore from fast food carts, chain restaurant as well as the Gold Reef City Theme Park hotel that offers great meals. December is peak month at Gold Reef City, it is best to book online and arrive early to avoid long queues on rides.
For bookings, visit www.goldreefcity.co.za/theme-park/
Constitution Hill
You may have been living and working in Johannesburg for years, but an all encompassing tour of the city is a great investment to get personal with what the city offers to tourists. It opens your eyes to some of Jozi’s greatest treasure troves. One of them is the Constitution Hill because of its rich struggle history and is also home to the Constitution Court. To ensure that this iconic spot, which also houses a museum, does not become a white elephant, it was opened to host diverse events such as music and art festivals. The best way is to book a ticket and get into the city red bus and make it a day trip. These can be booked in Rosebank’s The Zone Mall, the first stop for the bus and just enjoy the ride.
For more information visit www.sightseeing.co.za/en/joburg
Happy Island Waterworld
Gauteng is an inland province but the sweltering heat means that you sometimes need to get into your best bikini and enjoy one of the best swimming experiences. Happy Island Waterworld is a hidden gem in Muldersdrift. The owners went all out to make it a great water park that can be enjoyed by all families. It has all sorts of slides and different types of swimming pools, depending on your appetite for adrenaline. You can sit back, relax and tan in the sun. It is best to check the load shedding schedule before setting out to Happy Island Waterworld, to avoid disappointments.
For bookings, visit www.happyislandsa.co.za
