NATURE IN THE CITY
Situated on the Highveld, Gauteng is the smallest province by land area in South Africa. Although Gauteng accounts for only 1.5% of the country's land area, it is home to more than a quarter of its population (26%). Highly urbanised, the province contains the country's largest city, Johannesburg, which is also one of the largest cities in the world. Alongside Johannesburg, Gauteng is also home to Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa.
The bustling City of Gold (as Johannesburg is affectionately known) is surrounded by spectacular natural areas, making it easy to go on Safari in South Africa without having to leave the province of Gauteng. All reserves inside Gauteng are malaria free, making visits hassle free and extremely safe. Some reserves (those with non dangerous game) can be toured on foot, following well laid-out paths through the countryside and taking in the prettiness and variety of the local fauna and flora. Other reserves are best seen on guided or self-driven game drives, which are both easily accessible. Most of the roads throughout reserves require nothing more than a car, though a 4x4 vehicle can always be fun to rent and drive.
In addition to these major attractions, Gauteng boasts numerous art galleries, theatres, and heritage sites that showcase the province's dynamic cultural landscape. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Johannesburg, tracing the footsteps of early humans in the Cradle of Humankind, or immersing oneself in the vibrant culture of Soweto, Gauteng offers a wealth of historical and cultural experiences that captivate the imagination and inspire reflection.
Price: R8,000 per person based on two people sharing, or R10,000 for a single occupancy supplement.
Example Itinerary
We'll meet you at the agreed collection point and introduce you to your guide and driver, who will be with you throughout your tour.
For the next two nights, you'll stay at a hotel in Muldersdrift, a peaceful retreat just half an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Situated along the Crocodile Ramble, a scenic tourist route next to the Crocodile River, Muldersdrift offers a serene countryside experience.
During our journey, we'll provide an overview of the tour, a personalised itinerary detailing all your activities (including any you've chosen), and a brief history and overview of the province.
Arrive in Jo'burg
After settling in at the hotel, we will head for dinner at Bellgables. A gracious setting with a countryside atmosphere yet only 30 minutes from Gauteng, Bellgables offers those who are looking for something a little more extraordinary nothing less than a delight for the senses.
The restaurant is situated inside The Cradle Moon Conservancy which was created to focus on conservation and rehabilitating the land and wildlife in the area. Because of the new conservation initiatives that have been put into place, guests are now afforded the opportunity to experience wildlife roaming freely. Newly introduced game includes Giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, Sable, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Impala and Springbok.
Dinner at Bellgables
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit an eden hidden in the West Rand of Gauteng. Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens welcomes visitors with the sounds of rushing water from the Witpoortjie Waterfall which gushes from a height of 70 metres.
The garden is home to a pair of breeding Verreaux's Eagles (Black Eagles) which have become proud symbols of this majestic garden. Walking, hiking, picnics, exercising, bird watching, relaxing, nature appreciation, are some of the popular activities of visitors to the garden.
Wander round the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
Roughly 45 minutes' drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, surrounded by the beautiful Magaliesburg mountain range, Hartbeespoort Dam, or 'Harties' as it's known to locals, has become a hive of activity and is a very popular weekend getaway for the two cities.
The beauty of Hartbeespoort Dam is what draws people here and many regard this as a retreat from the concrete jungle of city living. The 1,620 hectare Hartbeespoort Dam functions both as a source of irrigation for farms in the area and as a resort for locals and tourists alike. The peace of the hills and valleys, the warmth even on winter days and the charm of the surrounding countryside, make this a beautiful place to restore the soul.
Explore Hartebeesport Dam
Now's our opportunity to see the dam in it's full glory. Hartie's cableway is Swiss-designed and installed gondola which seats a maximum of 6 guests and ascends to the top of the mountain in just 6 minutes.
As we travel upwards, we’ll pass above a nature reserve where you may be able to spot giraffe, zebra, and small antelope from your bird’s eye view. Once at the top, you’ll be able to choose from a number of restaurants. Why not have a drink at the Lookout Bar and sip a cocktail as you marvel at the spectacular view of the eastern side of the region. “The Dassie Walk,” a 1,200-meter walkway circles the circumference of the mountain and offers information waypoints along the way, is a great way to learn about the surrounding area.
Our personal highlight is always seeing the critically endangered White Backed Vultures soaring at eye level. Unfortunately, poachers kill white-backed vultures for their meat and in southern Africa, people use the bird for traditional medicine—so much so that one study suggests this continued practice will eventually lead to local extinction.
Ride on the Hartie's Cableway
Once we descend from the mountain top we will head to the nearby Ann Van Dyk Cheetah centre. Established in 1971 by Ann and originally known as the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre, the name was changed in 2010, to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre as a tribute to the woman who has devoted her life to the survival of cheetahs and other rare and endangered species.
The centre prides itself in its contribution to the conservation and survival of the cheetah species through meticulous breeding (ensuring genetic diversity) and the ability to release captive born cheetahs as and when suitable space becomes available. As a non-profit organisation that receives no government funding, the centre relies heavily on sponsorship, donations and income generated from tours and the adoption programme, to subsidise their various conservation projects.
The two hour guided tour offers visitors the chance to see the conservation efforts first hand along with many endangered and fascinating animals.
Dinner this evening will be at a restaurant in or around Harties.
Visit the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Sanctuary
See the Big 5 at Dinokeng Nature Reserve
Following breakfast, we will be heading to Dinokeng Nature Reserve which is the only Big 5 reserve in Gauteng and has the added advantage of being malaria-free and conveniently located just outside the city. Situated within the boundaries of a large metropolis, the Dinokeng Game Reserve has the potential to become a model for future conservation where people and wild animals live in harmony.
Alongside the Big 5, the reserve is home to many other animals such as the worlds largest antelope, the Eland, Burchell's Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Springbok, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Ostrich, Bushpig, as well as a number of Black Backed Jackal, Mountain Reedbuck, Oribi, Grey Duiker, Steenbuck, Brown Hyena, Porcupine, Springhare, Aardwolf and Banded Mongoose.
Hints of Africa offers guests a guided game drive on an open safari vehicle driven by a qualified guide. The game drive takes 2 to 3 hours during which you will stop for a drink and snack at a scenic spot on the way, where you can soak up the sounds and sights of Mother Nature.
Unwind at Irene Dairy Farm
After hopefully some wonderful game and bird sightings, we will make our way to Irene Diary Farm - the ultimate farm in the city. A picturesque gem that is nestled between the sprawling cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg, a visit to this old-style, storybook, working farm in the city is a must! On-site restaurants (including their famous buffet), a fully stocked farm shop, walking trails and the opportunity to get up close and personal with the herd, are just some of the highlights you will experience.
Time to say goodbye
Sadly it's now time to say goodbye and we will ensure your safe arrival back at your chosen drop off point.
Until next time my friend, take good care!