Soweto & Johannesburg, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Sun City, Cradle of Humankind,
and Other Day Trips From Johannesburg

Situated about 2 hours drive northwest of Johannesburg, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is the ideal destination for people with a day to spare when in Johannesburg or Pretoria, and who still want to get a taste of the bush. This is a reserve which boasts the "Big Five" and a host of other game species. The Pilanesberg lies in the crater of an ancient volcano and has some unique scenery and geology. The establishment of this reserve saw the biggest relocation project ever of wild animals and the reserve now boasts "The BIg Five." We also do bird watching tours to the Pilanesberg.

Situated in the greater Pilanesberg, the Sun City complex borders on the Game Reserve itself. Sun City, the brainchild of hotel "guru" Sol Kerzner, is an amazing complex of 4 separate theme hotels and a myriad of lakes, swimming pools, walkways, bird aviaries, water theme park and entertainment complexes with casinos, theatres and restaurants. Sun City offers the visitor a complete "African Playgound" at a single stop.

It is possible, but not recommended, to spend a day at Sun City - but is ideally an "add-on" to a morning safari in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. To appreciate Sun City an overnight, or a two night stay is recommended.

The South Western Township (that's where the name originated) situated just outside the CBD of Johannesburg offers a unique and interesting insight into the lives of the urban city dweller. Soweto is a huge city in its' own right, and is an enormous sprawling urban complex of an estimated 2,5 million people. It is a buzzing, bustling urban mix of traders, taxis, restaurants, shops, shebeens, houses, informal settlements, millionaire's houses, local housing schemes and development projects.

• Pick up 09H00
• Short orientation through the Johannesburg Central Business District
• Drive through sections of Soweto including Diepkloof, Baragwanath, Kliptown, Pimville and Orlando
• Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum - showcasing the events of 16 June 1976 - "The Soweto Uprising"
• Lunch at a small locally-owned restaurant
• Afternoon visit to the Apartheid Museum (Closed on Mondays)
• Return approx 17H00 to hotel

The area now known as "The Cradle of Humankind", about one hour's drive north of Johannesburg, is one of South Africa's eight World Heritage Sites, (please take look at our World Heritage Sites Tour) and an enormously important archaeological and historical site. The area has several sites of importance, among which is the Sterkfontein Cave Complex. This is where the original hominid fossil of "Mrs. Ples" was found which was a hugely important discovery in the ongoing search for humankinds' origins. Excavations at the site are ongoing.

• Short drive to the Sterkfontein Caves
• Cave Tour
• Visit to the Fossil and Anthropological Museum
• Optional light lunch at the Sterkfontein Visitor Centre

The Magaliesberg Mountain Range on the Northern side of Johannesburg has developed as a fascinating mix of recreation, nature conservation and urban development. Picturesque Hartebeespoort Dam, sprawling curio markets, lots of restaurants and the opportunity of close interaction with wildlife make this area a unique destination.

Option 1

• Morning pick up at 09H00
• Visit Sterkfontein Caves
• Lunch
• Afternoon visit to "The Elephant Sanctuary" - tour commences at 14H00
• Return to Johannesburg via the Hartebeespoort Dam

Option 2 - Available only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

Pretoria - the capital city of South Africa, and a city steeped in the history of the Afrikaner Nation. A tour of Pretoria will give any visitor a great insight into the history and early European development of South Africa. The Voortrekker Monument as a starting point traces the history of the early hardy pioneers in their ox-wagons as they forged trails into the heart of what is now South Africa. The next visit to the residence of President Paul Kruger tells the story of the independence struggle against Imperial Britain. A short drive though the CBD and a last stop at the Union Buildings completes the tour.