Popular Attractions
in
Muldersdrift The Cradle of Humankind is a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg. Aptly named the Cradle of Humankind for the fact that it is the site where many of the oldest hominid fossils have been found, some dating back as far as 3.5 million years ago.
Since 1947, when Robert Broom discovered the first hominid fossil, “Mrs Ples”, literally thousands of fossils have been found at Sterkfontein Caves and the other sites that make up the Cradle of Humankind.
Besides the novelty of hanging out where our ancestors lived, the Cradle of Humankind is a fabulous place to visit and it is close to Pretoria and Johannesburg. There are plenty of small wildlife reserves, caves, restaurants, craft shops and guesthouses to keep you busy for days. You could even go for a hot air balloon ride. The Cradle is also close to Hartbeespoort Dam, the town of Magaliesburg and the Magaliesberg Mountains.
Things to do near
Muldersdrift
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Nature Reserves
in
Roodepoort (6.1 km from Muldersdrift) The magnificent Witpoortjie waterfall forms the backdrop to this lovely botanical garden covering almost 300 hectares of both landscaped and natural veld areas.
Previously called the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden, the natural vegetation of the area is known as the "Rocky Highveld Grassland" and consists of a mosaic of grassland and savanna, with dense bush in kloofs and along streams. The variety of habitats accommodates over 600 naturally occurring plant species. seasonal highlights.
These fabulous gardens are also home majestic Black Eagles (Verreaux's Eagles), who nest on the cliffs alongside the waterfall. The garden has an abundance of wildlife. Together with the other 220 bird species, there are also a number of reptile and small mammals, including small antelope and jackal, which occur naturally in the Nature Reserve.
Take a stroll Several short walks run through the gardenand the surrounding natural areas. The SASOL Dam & Wetland has a boardwalk through the wetland and a bird hide. The JCI Geological Trail gives visitors the opportunity to not only walk along the Roodekrans Ridge and in the Nature Reserve portion of the Garden, but also to learn something about the fascinating geology of the area. Guided tours can be arranged for groups.
Need to know? The Garden is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, no entry after 17:00. R30 for adults, R25 for students (with a valid student card), R12 for scholars (children), R25 for pensioners and disabled. Children under the age of 6 and Botanical Society members (with valid cards) have free entry.
Nature Reserves
in
Lanseria (10.1 km from Muldersdrift) Get up close and personal with rare white lions The Lion Park offers terrific close encounters with lions, other predators and large herbivores indigenous to Africa. You can also expect some superb filming and photographic opportunities.The Lion Park is home to over 80 lions including the rare white lions and many other carnivores such as cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, striped hyena, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, side-striped jackal, and a wide variety of antelope which roam freely in the antelope area.Visitors have an opportunity to interact with some of the animals in the Cub World area. A giraffe feeding platform puts you at eye level with the tame resident giraffe creating a fun experience for all ages. The hugely popular cub interaction allows guests to touch the cubs and take photographs.Need to know? The Lion Park is open every day of the year. Opening hours: weekdays 8:30am to 5pm;Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 1 September to 30 April 8:30am to 6pm; 1 May to 31 August 8:30am to 5pm
Big Event Venues
in
North Riding (10.9 km from Muldersdrift) The Coca Cola Dome is one of South Africa's most versatile venues with features that are suitable for both large and small scale events. The ground level 12 500m² floor space can be adapted to present an amazing variety of exhibitions.
It is also a popular live concerts venue with space for 18 000 people standing or 12 000 people seated. Up to 4 000 people can be seated for banquets. The 2 500m² mezzanine level boasts five hospitality suites ideal for conference breakaway rooms, media offices, cocktail functions, VIP dinners or board meetings.
Popular Attractions
in
Magaliesburg (11.8 km from Muldersdrift) If you are looking for a romantic, luxurious and cosy adventure then hot air ballooning at Toadbury Hall is the perfect escape.
Toadbury Hall is only a 20 minutes' from Johannesburg's northern suburbs and is situated at the heart of the Crocodile River Valley. The balloon takes off just before sunrise and the flight is approximately one hour long.
There is a celebratory glass of champagne upon landing followed by a delicious buffet breakfast in Toadbury Hall's luscious gardens. Rates are available on request.
Animal Parks
in
Lanseria (12.2 km from Muldersdrift) Enjoy thrilling encounters with scaly creatures at Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park!
Close to the Lanseria International Airport and the Cradle of Humankind, Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park is worth a whirl. Brave folk will be given the opportunity to hold a baby croc and a variety of snakes. There’s even a tarantula! Don’t forget your camera.
Informative guided tours take visitors to see the range of crocs from tiny juveniles to the + 5m adults. After the tour, relax in the tea garden while the kids play in the shaded play area.
Open 09:00 – 16:30 daily including public holidays.
Popular Attractions
in
Magaliesburg (12.8 km from Muldersdrift) Hot air ballooning over the Cradle of Humankind is an experience not to be missed. The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is only a 20 minutes' drive from Johannesburg's northern suburbs.
The site includes the Cradle Game Reserve, Josh Nash Game Reserve, the Rhino and Lion Park, and the Sterkfontein Caves. The balloon takes off from the Cradle Game Reserve shortly before sunrise. You will fly over 48 000 ha of wild countryside consisting of 40 species of game.
During the flight, your guide will explain the anthropological, historical and geological significance of the area. The flight duration is about an hour long depending on the wind direction. Rates are available on request.
Popular Attractions
in
Hekpoort (13.1 km from Muldersdrift) The spectacular discoveries in 1947 at Sterkfontein, now part of the Cradle of Humankind are no secret and have gained South Africa the reputation as the birthplace of the human race.‘Mrs ‘Ples’, the 2.1-million-year-old Australopithecus skull, and 'Little Foot', an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton that is more than 3-million years old, were both found in the Sterkfontein Caves. These amazing discoveries and many other hominid and animal fossils found here date back more than 4-million years to the birth of humanity. ‘Mrs ‘Ples’ and 'Little Foot' tell us much about our ancestors, Homo sapiens.Daily tours at Sterkfontein Caves start above ground and then take visitors deep into the caves. The tours are run every half hour, seven days a week. Wear comfortable shoes when going into the caves and leave your handbags behind – there are a number of tight spots and stairs to negotiate. It is not advisable to do the tour if you are claustrophobic, suffer from acute asthma or have chest problems.
Galleries and Museums
in
Fourways (15.5 km from Muldersdrift) Jozi's best live music and entertainment venue, restaurant and bar is smack in the middle of Bryanston. Kick back to cool tunes and tuck into traditional Argentinean, Italian or homestyle fare.
Besides their a la carte menu, they have a variety of set, buffet, and snack menu's. They are fairly flexible with regards to the content of the menu, giving you the freedom to create your own meal.
There's so much happening at this vibey spot and the programme changes almost daily. Live performances are mostly from local musicians and stand up comedians. Tanz Café have over 12 years experience in booking all the top South African bands, DJs and stand up comics so you are assured of receiving top quality entertainment from South Africa’s best talent.
The Buzz Shopping Centre, corner of Witkoppen and Nerine Roads, Fourways.
Shopping Malls
in
Randburg (17.2 km from Muldersdrift) Brightwater Commons is the ideal family shopping destination, complete with over 60 stores, including restaurants, interior, fashion and gift stores.
A unique feature, the centre has a park-like setting with a large open outdoor area. One of the highlights of the centre is its' musical fountains, which operate from 19:30 to 20:30 on Mondays to Thursdays, and at 19:00 to 21:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The centre provides something for everyone.
Shopping Malls
in
Cresta (17.5 km from Muldersdrift) Cresta Centre is conveniently placed in the middle of the affluent residential suburbs between Sandton, Randburg and the Johannesburg CBD.The extensive, elegant mall features three levels – each one offering an extravagant assortment of contemporary products, services and entertainment.Upbeat and market driven, this proactive 33-year old shopping centre has sustained its reputation in an environment that has an overabundance of retail choices.Easy parking and accessibility, an upbeat atmosphere and a diverse selection of merchandise continue to make it a popular one-stop shopping experience all under one roof.Opening hours:Monday to Thursday open until 18:00Friday until 19:00, Saturday until 18:00 and Sunday until 15:00Public Holidays open until 15:00Selected major and national stores trade over and above the stated hoursEntertainment venues, restaurants and sidewalk cafes are open daily till late
Shopping Malls
in
Fourways (17.5 km from Muldersdrift) Shop till you drop, get a bite or catch a show.
Be spoilt for choice at Fourways Mall, a large retail shopping centre with cinema complex, supermarket, restaurants offering a unique and exciting shopping experience to the community and tourists alike.
Fourways is conveniently situated in the heart of one of Jozi's most prestigious suburbs with easy access to the N1 freeway connecting Johannesburg and Pretoria as well as excellent link ups to Johannesburg International Airport.
Bars Nightclubs
in
Fourways (17.6 km from Muldersdrift) For over-the-top theme parties and ridiculous drinks specials, Tiger Tiger in Fourways is your ultimate night club destination.
Tiger Tiger Fourways plays a varied selection of music to keep you dancing all night, including commercial, funky house, electro, and even a little bit of old school. Equipped with 8 bars and an outside deck, you can be sure you'll have a night to remember.
Age limits:
Thursday - 19/20;
Friday – 21/23;
Saturdays – 19/21.
Galleries and Museums
in
Cresta (17.6 km from Muldersdrift) Friendship, good food, wine and brilliant entertainment – the Barnyard Theatre in Cresta is where it all comes together.
The first Barnyard Theatre started as a homely, rustic farm theatre in Plettenberg Bay where friends and family could be entertained and eat, drink and talk into the small hours of the morning. It proved to be such a winner that more Barnyard Theatres started popping up all over the country.
There are currently 12 Barnyard Theatres in South Africa. While each theatre is a product of its individual setting, they all retain the quaint rustic charm of the original farm theatre’s humble beginning.
Popular Attractions
in
Fourways (18.1 km from Muldersdrift) Gauteng's premier entertainment destination, Monte Casino, is a distinctive complex with casino, shops, movies, fun arcades, restaurants, outdoor bird garden, Boogaloos New Generation Skate Park, Pieter Toerien theatre, Parker's Comedy & Jive venue and lots more. Styled just like a Tuscan village, the casino is in the centre with all the shops, restaurants, cinemas and theatres surrounding it.
Nature Reserves
in
Lonehill (19.7 km from Muldersdrift) The Lonehill Nature Reserve stands out as a lone hill on the northern border of Jozi's suburbs, some 28km north of the city centre. It is a reminder of what Johannesburg used to look like before it was settled: rocky veld with small streams trickling through it, dotted with shrubs, small trees and knee-high grasses.
A popular walk about 200m north of the hill is a small dam called Lonehill Loch. A short walk up will bring you to the top with views of the city. The area is fenced and locked, but unlocked on the weekends, allowing hikers and picnickers to climb to the hilltop, or just lay out a picnic blanket in the surrounding grassy area.
Lonehill is also an extremely significant Stone Age site – it has three Stone Age furnaces dating to 1600. Bits of slag have been found near the site of the furnaces, on large flat rocks with indentations in them, obviously used for grinding. Near the furnace site is another area where pottery was manufactured, fenced like the furnace area.