Nature Reserves
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Roodepoort 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.
Things to do near
Roodepoort
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Galleries and Museums
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Orlando West (11.6 km from Roodepoort) The photo of Hector Pieterson, one of the students killed in a storm of bullets during the 1976 Student Uprising in Soweto, is an image etched into the hearts and minds of many.
This picture made Hector a symbol of youth resistance to Apartheid after a peaceful protest march on 16 June 1976 turned deadly.
The inspirational museum is a small redbrick building that blends in with the humble neighbouring community homes. A sensitive display follows the timeline of the buildup to 16 June, starting with the school-by-school strike among Soweto's scholars.
Today, 16 June is National Youth Day, honouring young people who gave their lives in the struggle for democracy and freedom.
Galleries and Museums
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Orlando West (11.9 km from Roodepoort) Visit Nelson Mandela's humble house in Orlando West, Soweto, also called the Mandela Family Museum. This interesting museum brings to life the history on the world's most famous former prisoner.
The four-roomed house contains an assortment of memorabilia, paintings and photographs of the Mandela family as well as a collection of honorary doctorates bestowed on Nelson Mandela from universities around the world.
Visiting Hours:
Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day
+27 (0) 11 936 7754
www.mandelahouse.com
Shopping Malls
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Cresta (12.2 km from Roodepoort) 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
Galleries and Museums
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Cresta (12.3 km from Roodepoort) 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.
Big Event Venues
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North Riding (12.3 km from Roodepoort) 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
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Soweto (14.3 km from Roodepoort) Located in Soweto, the disused Orlando cooling towers has been converted into a vertical adventure facility and tourist attraction for adrenalin junkies.
Aimed at drawing local Gauteng adventure enthusiasts, as well as adventure tourists, the site has become one of the most popular attractions in Gauteng. A suspension bridge stretches across the two towers, offering bungy jumping, power swinging, internal swinging and abseiling. Visitors are also welcome to simply enjoy the viewing deck.
Open weekends only (please contact to organise corporate groups).
Times: 10:00 to late.
Shopping Malls
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Randburg (14.8 km from Roodepoort) 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.
Golf Courses
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Randfontein (16.6 km from Roodepoort) Well established 18-hole wooded parkland golf course. Six holes favouring a draw, four a fade and the remainder, relatively straight shots.
Sports Stadiums Clubs
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Nasrec (16.7 km from Roodepoort) Home to South African football, Soccer City is the stadium where the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony took place and where the final whistle was blown. South Africa’s national football stadium, Soccer City was built in 1987 and is headquarters to the South African Football Association.
Host to the 1996 African Cup of Nations, Soccer City is South Africa’s prime football venue and it will be the most important venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup – the kick-off site for the opening and the final match. The original seating capacity for 80 000 people was enlarged to accommodate 94 700 people.
Along with this, the precinct now has a fully functional transport hub including a railway station. The rail system will serve future industrial, commercial and residential developments planned for the area after the football tournament. Besides the rail station, the transport hub has taxi, bus and rail drop off and pick up points. The total public transport capacity of the hub is projected to be 23 280 an hour.
Why we love it? Soccer City is the main match venue for South Africa’s football squad, Bafana Bafana, as well as the simmering contests between local Soweto club rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Golf Courses
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Rosebank (17.3 km from Roodepoort) 18-hole parklands course.
Par 73.
6571m
Nature Reserves
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Lanseria (18 km from Roodepoort) 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
Popular Attractions
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Parkview (18.6 km from Roodepoort) Zoo Lake is a large urban park, a favorite among Joburg residents and is the venue for the annual Jazz on the Lake and Carols by Candlelight events. It is also the monthly venue for the Artists under the Sun open-air art exhibition.
Zoo Lake boasts the Coronation Fountain, a Johannesburg heritage symbol. The park is a popular spot for picnicking, walking your dog, or taking a leisurely boat ride. It has its own information center and has one of the popular African-themed restaurants, Moyo. The Zoo Lake Sports Club is another favorite with residents, offering a variety of sports amenities, a restaurant and pub.
Shopping Malls
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Hyde Park (18.9 km from Roodepoort) The personal-shopping service is tailored to the needs, taste and budget of the client.
Whether one is in need of a fashionable, trendy look for an event, a new professional look, an exceptional gift idea beautifully wrapped, or high-end home accessories, this mall offers the client the expertise of Allana Finley and Tracey Rosevear.
They will assist customers with navigating what is on offer at the stylish and exclusive shops. Choose to shop with them by appointment, or let them know by phone, fax or email how they can assist.
Shops
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Fordsburg (19 km from Roodepoort) This is the biggest Asian market shopping mall in Johannesburg, providing authentic goods at affordable prices.
You'll find everything for everyone, from clothes to electronics, toys to produce. After some walking, take a relaxing break at one of the many restaurants on the plaza.
Galleries and Museums
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Fourways (19.1 km from Roodepoort) 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.