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With the holidays around the corner, Welcome Lishivha shares some adventures to get your heart pumping, and activities that will leave you feeling zenned out as you slow down from what’s been a hectic year.
Holidays and adventures aren’t only reserved for Cape Town or the overcrowded international destinations. There’s a lot to explore on our own doorstep – right here in and around Gauteng. From the historical Soweto township to the archaeologically rich Cradle of Humankind and the breath-taking views of the Harties, GP folks have options to unwind or get a thrill. Here are some places for Gautengers and visitors to explore:
1. Explore Lebo's Backpackers
Located in Pimville, Soweto, Lebo’s is a spot that’s worth an outing with family and friends. It offers an experience of Soweto that doesn’t feel too staged for international tourists. Locals can enjoy bike or tuk-tuk rides around Soweto. They also have a lapa area decorated with natural artefacts and offer some delicious home-cooked meals.
Visitors get to gather around a circle and pass on umqombothi while learning about the traditional beer, Soweto and its residents. Their pineapple juice is a sweet treat after a fun-filled day.
2. Go for a jol at Sakhumzi's Restaurant
Initially a hang-out spot under a tree, Sakhumzi’s now a restaurant offering a relaxed atmosphere for friends and family over food and drinks. The eatery also serves quintessentially South African dishes such as traditional steamed chicken and tripe served with a choice of starch and chakalaka, among others. Their Ubuntu ox liver is said to be legendary. The restaurant is ideal for a day out with friends and family, which can morph into a vibrant evening jol.
3. Visit Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves
For R190, you can get a tour of the Sterkfontein Caves which takes you deep into the caves, followed by a visit to the Cradle of Humankind Museum. The broader area, also known as the Cradle of Humankind, is home to some of the earliest evidence of human existence and evolution. The elaborate rock formations inside the caves make for beautiful artistic expressions, with the temperature sitting at a cool 18°C from the natural ventilation.
The Cradle of Humankind was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2013 for its unique biosphere and rich archaeological value.
4. Indulge your carnivore desires
As the name suggests, this is a meat lover’s paradise. Here, from about R295 you get to eat a variety of game meat – ranging from crocodile, venison, eland, zebra, buffalo and others depending on availability.
Upon arrival, you will get a flag, and the waiters will keep bringing out the meats from the grill until you drop that flag. I tried out crocodile meat which tasted like a flavourful combination of chicken and pork, but I still couldn’t wash off the not-so-delicious image of a croc. Afterwards, I stopped eating meat for a few days.
5. Take in expansive views on the Harties Cableway
If you love the serenity that expansive views offer, the cableway is a beautiful way to indulge in the breathtaking scenery of the Magaliesburg area. On arrival at the top, there’s a restaurant where you can hang out or you can take a stroll on the marked paths to enjoy a view of the Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounds. You should add this one to your list of the local adventures to do.
6. Zen out at Misty Hills Country Hotel
For a nature lover, this is a rejuvenating escape from the buzz of city life. I enjoyed getting lost trying to navigate the lusciously green maze to find my room. I stayed in one of their royal executive suites, which although they go for a steep R8 000 a night, were worthwhile because I didn’t want to leave. In the suite, you have your own small pool, beautiful lounge area, an outdoor shower with two shower heads and a bathtub that had me rolling around like a hippo. Their standard rooms are also not bad, and their spa is cute and has a green relaxing chill area outside.
7. Go for a picnic or a walk at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
One of the easiest and closest escapes from the city buzz into nature is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, which I feel is underutilised by Joburgers.
The gardens feature some stunning hikes, clean and safe picnic spots and luscious greenery all around. A waterfall enhances the ambience with the splashing water sound calming those anxieties. Entrance fee is R55 per adult, R30 for students while children and pensioners go in for free.
sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu/
8. Float above the Magalies area on a hot air balloon
You have to wake up early and be ready for take-off at 6am for this one. But catching the sunrise while floating on a colourful balloon is worth the wake, and the buck. Hot air balloon rides are ideal when trying to impress a loved one because they are a special treat.
You’ll hover over the Magaliesburg like a bird, except quietly and slowly. The scenic ride ends with the ceremonious act of drinking a mimosa before heading back for a complimentary buffet breakfast with more mimosa. For bragging rights you get a certificate that congratulates you for daring to do what mere mortals haven’t: flying.
9. Get an adrenaline rush at the iconic Soweto Towers
SCAD free falling inside one of Soweto’s two iconic towers was weird because I couldn’t see where I was going to land, or, as I thought at some point, smash. It felt long, scary and confusing, just like the falling dream. To my relief, the net caught me, and I didn’t end up as human paste on the ground. It’s a fun exercise that you can do for R600. It includes a video that captures your fall in the iconic towers built between 1935 and 1955 as cooling towers for a power station. Now, the towers are a unique architectural feature of Soweto, offering an adrenalin fix with activities from bungee jumping and quad biking to adventure bunnies.
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