Things to do and places to go while your staying at Idle Winds

Here’s some of the best spots to visit while you’re visiting Idle Winds.

We’ve included a few places where you can pop in and out if you’re pushed for time and also some where you can stay and “play”.

Whatever you’re looking for, be it fun, exhilarating, breathtaking, relaxing, educational or oh so African…the choice is yours.

For the City Slickers

If its bright light you need visit Johannesburg

Experience Italy in the heart of Joburg:
Montecasino, a premier entertainment destination

When visiting “Monte” (as we call it) you’d think you’ve gone back in time…and that you’re on a different continent. Montecasino is an authentic representation of a Tuscan village.

It seems like it’s been there for centuries. When entering the complex you get the feeling you’re outside in some places, but the whole building area and cobbled walkways are actually roofed and in some places the roof is as high as 14 metres!

There are different “neighborhoods” within Montecasino. In some sections you’re in the privileged, upscale part of town and in others parts it’s like you are in a poor ‘fishing’ village.

There’s something to do for the whole family with the Magic Company Family Entertainment Centre, a 15 screen Nu Metro Cinema Complex and a Boogaloos skate park. Then there’s the wonderful Montecasino Bird Gardens, a “have to see it” attraction. With trendy coffee shops, gastronomic restaurants, stylish bars and hip shops Monte is a must for any visitor. Then one can’t forget to mention the brand new Theatre that presents world class shows. Currently showing is the celebrated Lion King (on until the 9th of September).

Times Gone By

Soweto, you may have heard about it, now you can visit it. Feel the heartbeat of this viby black township and experience the excitement and spirit of the Sowetan people.

Then there’s also the famous Centre of Anti-apartheid Resistance to visit.

Strike Gold

Gold Reef City‘s Theme Park has the most exhilarating rides and slides. If that’s not for you, you can go to the bottom of an old Gold Mine Shaft and learn about mining way back when.

With so much to do you can spend the whole day at Gold Reef City

Museums

Get to know more about South Africa’s political history. Visit the Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Museum.

Our feathered friends the Birds:
Montecasino Bird Park, here you’ll see a bird show that is fascinating and most entertaining. There’s ample to see and learn about our feathered friends. Take a walk through a canopied bird enclosure resembling a small forest and see exotic birds from around the world.

Crafts

There are loads of markets that sell original African arts around Joburg. If you don’t have much time the Rosebank Craft Market is open daily and is centrally located.

Nature Calls

Take a walk in the picturesque Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens where you’ll find rare indigenous African plants growing among the hills and rivers. Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is home to a variety of wild birds, eagles being one of them.

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Go Wild

Lions

The Lion, Africa’s largest Predator. At the Lion Park you are guaranteed to see lions and you’ll be able to get quite close to this majestic animal. You can drive around the 300-hectare Lion Park, see the lions interact, feed and play and of course sleep (which they seem to do a lot of). If you’d like, you can also play with some of the lion cubs. There’s also a restaurant in the park which is open seven days a week.

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Country Life in and around Hartebeespoortdam

The Cradle of Mankind

We highly recommend a visit to the ancient Sterkfontein Caves (a World Heritage site). It is one of the world’s most rich and significant Paleontological sites. Over the years this ancient cave system has revealed a sequence of deposits with fossils dating from about 3.5 to 1.5 million years ago. Apart from being a Paleontological site a tour of the caves will have you in awe. Another thrilling experience, it taking an underground boat ride that will bring to life the history of humankind. This will be an entertaining, educational, interactive and absolutely mind blowing experience!

You can also book a guided game walk near the Caves and see where people lived 3 million years ago. There are two game parks where you can take walks and see Giraffe, Antelope and White Rhinos and after that you can sit down, relax and enjoy a picnic/braai in the veld.

Elephant Sanctuary

Here’s an opportunity to get up close and personal with Elephants! You can brush and groom them, walk trunk-in-hand with them, interact with them and even get an opportunity to feed them.
What an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about these special creatures.

There’s even an elephant riding program, recommended for the fit and adventurous.

De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre

Come and experience wildlife. Meet some of the most remarkable predators in Africa. Cheetah, the fastest animal on land, Wild Dog one of Africa’s most endangered animals and probably most misinterpreted too and the Brown Hyena. You’ll also see antelope, Suni, Nyalas, Blue duikers and various species of vultures and indigenous owls, right up close.

Animal and Reptile Park Zoo

Here’s plenty of Animals to see. You can book tours and see Lions, Pumas, Wolves and Jackals. Of course no Zoo is the same without mischievous monkeys. So go along, enjoy and once you’ve had enough chill out in the tea garden next door.

A bit of Pampering

Mangwanani African Day Spa

Need some TLC?

Then Mangwanani African Day Spa is a must, it’s situated in the magnificent Schurveberg Mountains on the banks of the Hennops River. You’re guaranteed to be spoilt, pampered and treated like a king or queen and know the true meaning of relaxation and de-stressing.

Go on let them reveal to you the true meaning of indulgence.

Horsing Around

On The Bit Riding Centre

Enjoy the outdoors on the back of these well-schooled and patient horses. A day everyone can enjoy no matter how experienced or inexperienced you may be.

Shopping with a difference

Welwitschia Country Market

Care for some shopping outdoors? Visiting Welwitschia Country Market is fun for the whole family, so you can enjoy shopping without the kids nagging. With 38 charming shops and a central aviary it’s sure to be a shopping experience with a difference.

With quite a variety of goodies to choose from there will be something for everyone. You can find African arts & crafts, candles, novelties, curios, leather ware, ceramics, glassware, cosmetics & toiletries, jewellery, furniture and clothing.

On week-ends you can enjoy the live entertainment while enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants. It’s open Tuesdays to Sundays.

Cheese Please

Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij

Experience the fascinating process of cheese making, according to Old Dutch Traditions and recipes.
You can picnic on banks of Skeerpoort River on the farm. (Picnic hampers can be booked)

Hartebeespoortdam Snake and Animal Park

They probably have the greatest collection of reptiles in Southern Africa and a huge variety of snakes from all over the world.

On Sundays & Public Holidays they have seal shows and snake handling demonstrations.
Lions, tigers, panthers, cheetahs, pumas, leopards, jaguars and chimpanzees are among some of the animals you’ll get to see here.

The Park is renowned for its breeding of threatened & endangered species, such as the Blackfooted Wild Cat, the Cape Vulture & the Cape Hunting Dog.

Hartebeespoortdam Aquarium

An aquarium with a thrilling variety of freshwater & tropical fish. They also have the Nile Crocodile which is indigenous to Africa, pelicans, seals, penguins and other aquatic animals.

On weekends you can enjoy live pelican, seal, penguin & crocodile shows.

A Cultural Experience

LESEDI Cultural Village

Allow the Lesedi Dancers to take you to the heart beat of Africa.
Enjoy the Greatest Feast & Dance Show in Africa.

As for the Feast, it’s called “Nyama Choma”, challenge your taste buds and sample traditional dishes from around the African continent.

Before you leave pop in and seen the traditional villages of the Zulu, Ndebele, Sotho, Pedi and Xhosa people.

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Golfing Around

Pecan Wood Golf and Country Club

Situated on the shores of the Hartebeespoortdam, and overlooking the majestic Magaliesburg Mountains, it is one of South Africa’s greatest 18 hole courses.

Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, it features similar holes to the finest courses in America. An outstanding course from it setting to its design and layout.

Gardener Ross Golf & Country Estate

Ernie Els’ first signature Golf course in Gauteng. Still under construction, this development has a special place in Ernie heart as his late grandfather Ernie Vermaak actually grew up on the 690 hectares of land. Then the farm was known as Knoppies Laagte. Oupa Vermaak played a huge role in Ernie’s love for the game of golf.

Once completed (end of 2007) this course will be one of the longest golf courses in the southern hemisphere being nearly 7,900 yards.

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For the more Adventurous

Hot Air Ballooning:
Bill Harrops Original Balloon Safaris

Imagine, the sun rising, sipping fine champagne while you’re hovering over a beautiful River Valley in the Magaliesburg with breathtaking views. All this while lazily drifting in a hot air balloon and upon landing you can tuck into a hearty breakfast.

Maybe Abseiling, Rock Climbing or Caving (Kloofing) tickles your fancy

GoVertical is a South African Adventure Company and they’re passionate about enjoying nature and its thrills. The choice is yours, take the plunge on a mighty abseil or experience the unique underground world of ancient limestone caves. There’s an outdoor adventure to suit you.

Fun in the sun

Sun City

Guess you’ve heard a lot about the famous Sun City, for the best fun under the sun. A kid’s paradise, they can spend a day playing in the water: from the Valley of the Waves, with its 2m waves that splash onto a simulated beach to rides on a 17m high chute. Other outdoor fun includes golf, horse riding, quad biking, riding an elephant, archery and flying in a Tiger Moth. As for the indoors there’s a games arcade, casino and so much more. Guaranteed fun for all.

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