Destinations / Gauteng Surrounds >>

Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest province. Before the discovery of gold, this was just wild bushveld and rolling hills. However, we think two places are definitely worth a day visit from Johannesburg or Pretoria.

De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre is the genuine article when it comes to protecting endangered species. You can attend a brief, but informative, lecture on the history of the centre as well as learn more about this amazing animal. You then take a tour to see the different age groups and sub-species including the opportunity to interact directly with the big cats if you want. As good are the other rare species they are trying to rehabilitate, including some rare birds of prey and a large number of wild dogs.

At The Cradle of Humankind you can pay your respects to Great Aunt ‘Mrs Ples’, a ancient relative of yours who died here more than 2 million years ago. Situated to the north of Johannesburg, Maropeng in The Cradle of Humankind is a modern museum chronicling the evolution of humankind from its earliest beginnings in this region. At the nearby Sterkfontein Caves you can take a guided hike through the caves to see sites where many of the specimens and tools were found.

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