Top 5 Gauteng Road Trips
2012-10-10 14:33
Looking for a short trip away from the hectic Johannesburg life? Oh well, checkout these possible road trips and get the relaxation and open-road fix that you need without having to drive too far...
1. Magalies Meander
The Magaliesberg Mountains is estimated to be 100 times older than Everest. Extending from Rustenburg in the west all the way to Bronkhorstspruit Dam, just east of Pretoria , getting away from the busy city life is just an hour away. Visit the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve situated 30 minutes from Johannesburg, which will also treat you to sightings of 4 of the Big Five. Hot Air Ballooning is also a major attraction in the area. If you’re in the mood to do something spectacular, this would be it. An old favourite, of the area, albeit not as elaborate as ballooning, would be the Hartbeespoort Dam Cable Way. With amazing views of the Magalies and surrounding areas it is a definite treat for the entire family.
Contact info:
Website: www.magaliesmeander.co.za
2. Johannesburg/Pretoria to the Dinokeng Conservancy
Photo: www.gauteng.net
It's less than an hour’s drive away from Johannesburg. The heart of the Dinokeng region is the Cullinan village, home to the world-famous diamonds mine. The Dinokeng Game Reserve is also Gauteng’s only free-roaming “Big-5” game reserve. Allow the African bushveld to come alive in this malaria-free area, and its close proximity also goes a long way to reducing your carbon footprint.
Contact info:
Website: www.gauteng.net
3. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, south-east of Johannesburg
About
an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, you’ll find 60kms of tar roads
within the 13 000 hectare Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve – so named after
the Transvaal suikerbos, or sugarbush found all over the reserve. It’s a
good idea to stop in at the Diepkloof info centre, located in the
Northern Part of the Reserve to familiarize yourself with the different
trails. You can opt for a two-hour circular drive which gives you the
opportunity to spot the reserve’s cheetahs and exquisite birdlife. You
can also expect to see zebra and kudu. The greener choice would be to
make your way across some of the 66kms of hiking trails – allowing you a
closer look at the diversity of plant and animal life.
Contact info
Tel: +27 (0) 11 904 393
Fax: +27 (0) 904 2966
Website: www.gauteng.net
4. Johannesburg/Pretoria to Cradle of Humankind
Photo: www.shutterstock.com
Just
45-minutes outside Pretoria and central Joburg, you’ll find the
historical Cradle of Humankind - the only World Heritage Site in
Gauteng. The 47 000 hectare site has the Sterkfontein Caves which is the
site where the famous pre-human skull known as “Mrs Ples” was
discovered. With over 175 places to stay and 113 restaurants in and
around the area to choose from, the road trip to the Cradle of Humankind
is informative and entertaining.
Contact info:
Maropeng Visitor Centre
Tel: +27 (0) 14 577 9000
E-mail: info@maropeng.co.za
Website: www.maropeng.co.za
5. Golden Gate National Park and Clarens
Photo: www.shutterstock.com
Just three hours from Jozi, this area is famous for its sandstone cliffs, caves and churches. Clarens is also home to a thriving artistic community with an abundance of crafts and art shops as well as restaurants dripping with small-town deliciousness such as the Vulture Restaurant. The more energetic can do a guided walks through the glorious Cathedral caves or hike up the Ribbokop. Otherwise choose between horse riding and mountain biking as you enjoy nature at its best.
Contact info:
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Tel: +27 (0)58 255 1000
Email: goldengate@sanparks.org
Website: www.sanparks.org
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