The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is much more than Mrs Ples and palaeontology: not that these things aren’t enthralling, because they definitely are.
But, in addition to the Cradle’s Visitor’s Centre, there are more than 400 activities and attractions to enjoy in the vicinity. And the Cradle is a lot closer than you think – just 40km from Joburg and 60km from Pretoria. That’s certainly close enough for a fun-filled family day trip or, better yet, a weekend adventure.
Things to do range from communing with nature and treating your taste buds to delicious sensations, to shopping for arts and crafts, furniture or fresh farm produce.
If retail therapy doesn’t float your boat, try hiking, horse riding, quad biking or camping under the stars. You can also abseil into the caves and explore the origins of our remote ancestors. At the other end of the spectrum you can pamper yourself at an exquisite boutique hotel or relax at a picturesque country lodge.
The list is just about endless, so here are just a few examples:
Leafy Greens is the place to enjoy a variety of delicious vegan snacks and meals in Muldersdrift. Operated by Antonia de Luca and Brendan Sowers, the Leafy Greens café and health food shop embrace the concept of eating locally and take it to the highest level.
They grow the produce organically so you know everything is as fresh as it can possibly be. They also sell sustainable, recycled, environmentally friendly, homemade and local products, so eating and buying there is not only good for you, but the planet too.
For the moment, Leafy Greens is only open on weekends so it’s best to call ahead of time at 082 882 7300 or 087 805 6221. Situated just behind the Casalinga restaurant on plot 328, Rocky Ridge Road, Muldersdrift, it may be a bit of a challenge to find, but well worth the effort.
Hollybrooke Farm, situated in the Skeerpoort Valley along the Magalies River, offers couples, families and corporate groups on-site adventure activities and accommodation. It’s a working farm with pecan groves and cattle, plus a variety of other farm animals for visitors to interact with.
Horse riding excursions and quad bike adventures are guided and can accommodate beginners as well as experienced riders. Trails follow bridle paths through the bush and along the river.
There are three paintball sites at Hollybrooke, while archery and air rifle target shoots are conducted at a shooting range under qualified supervision.
Mountain biking, hiking and bird watching are also available on the farm, with abseiling, sailing and microlighting close by.
Pets are welcome, so if your dog isn’t on guard duty that weekend, he also can enjoy a mini-break. You can bring along your own horse, which Hollybrooke will accommodate in a secure, watered camp.
For the less energetic there are more genteel, outdoor games adjacent to the swimming pool. Small farm animals, as well as horses and calves, can be fed and patted by kids of all ages. And, next to the cosy self-catering thatch chalets, the river offers fishing, swimming and boating.
The Kloofzicht Lodge in Muldersdrift is a five-star retreat in the foothills of the Zwartkops Mountains. Tranquil and luxurious, the lodge has an outstanding vista of seemingly endless stretches of water. It’s an illusion, of course, but the infinity pool appears to spill into the Kloofzicht dam, with the mountains providing a magnificent backdrop.
From the warm sumptuousness of the Little Foot Bar and Restaurant to the elegant and stylish suites – 42 of them – guests are indulged. Natural wood, thatched roofs, hand-cut sandstone tiles, lush fibres and leather combine to create a sense of timeless lavishness.
Dinner involves tucking into expertly prepared cuisine and the wide range of options on the menu may leave you in a quandary trying to make the best choice.
Meals are served in the main dining area or can be enjoyed under the stars in the “boma” overlooking the gorge. Here you can view glorious sunrises and sunsets over the dam. It’s a perfect place to relax and unwind.
The Maropeng Hotel in Magaliesberg has extraordinary views of the Witwatersberg and Magaliesberg ranges. This 24-bed, four-star boutique hotel is the home of comfort and just a five-minute walk from the Tumulus visitor attraction.
The Tumulus restaurant and deck offer beautiful views where one can savour cocktails followed by a gourmet dinner.
The Maropeng is ideal for a romantic getaway or for executives seeking a convenient conference venue with accommodation close to the city – yet far enough away to keep it contained.
It is also the perfect location for weddings with a variety of venues to choose from.
Maropeng is Setswana for “returning to the place of origin” and this was kept in mind when the interiors of the hotel were designed.
The four elemental forces of nature – earth, wind, fire and water – which kick-started our planet into supporting life around three billion years ago, feature prominently in the hotel’s overall look and feel.
Just 10km from the Sterkfontein Caves and the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Maropeng is central to just about everything in the Cradle.
Bill Harrop’s Ballooning Excursions, also known as the Magalies River Valley Scenic Balloon Safari, lift off from Harrop’s Skeerpoort Country Base near Hartbeesport Dam. Coffee, tea and biscuits are served in the Clubhouse Pavilion as guests watch the crew prepare the balloons for a sunrise flight.
Captain Bill piloted the flight I was on and much of his pre-trip safety talk was couched in a well-practised comedy routine.
“We’re a Civil Aviation-licensed, Non-Scheduled Air Service,” he said with a wink. “We’re fully compliant with Civil Aviation requirements for carrying passengers, so I have to point out where the emergency exits are.”
Clothing for the balloon ride, which lasts about an hour, should be warm enough to fend off the early-morning chill but also “peel-able” for when it heats up, so dress in layers.
As the sun and excitement rise, in addition to a glass or two of champagne, you will soon feel quite warm. “Country” footwear – no high heels or sandals – is recommended, and if you are a little thin on top, wear a hat. Don’t forget your camera and a data card with plenty of space, as well as fully charged batteries. Ballooning offers some of the most spectacular photo and video opportunities you’ll ever get.
Back on solid ground, we were taken by minibus to the Clubhouse Pavilion Restaurant where we enjoyed a cooked breakfast with more champagne.
After the meal, “Citations for Bravery” were presented with due pomp and ceremony. And, when it was all over, we left with a basket full of special memories.
To turn down an invitation like this, to experience the Cradle of Humankind, would be an abject act of self-denial!
Contacts: Leafy Greens vegan restaurant www.lgcafe.org 082 882 7300
Hollybrooke Farm, river crossing, Skeerpoort Valley 0861-266 548, info@adventurebookings.co.za; www.adventurebookings.co.za
Kloofzicht Lodge, Muldersdrift 011-317-0600
Bill Harrop’s Ballooning Excursions Telephone 011-705-3201, web www.balloon.co.za/Balloon/ - Sunday Independent