Things to Do in Schoemansville

The Elephant Sanctuary offers an exciting elephant experience. Here you can walk trunk-in-hand with four Africa elephants and hand-in-hand with a child or loved one. They offer an exclusive, 'hands-on' educationally oriented experience where you can learn more about elephant habits, behaviour, different personalities and anatomy through up-close and personal interaction. You will also get an opportunity to touch, brush down and feed these magnificent animals.

Walk through an indigenous forest on elevated wooden walkways and see a variety of exotic monkeys in an exquisite natural environment. Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary takes in rescued primates that have been raised as pets or have been bred or imported for the pet trade. Their mission is to rehabilitate them for relocation to an environment that is natural to them and where they can lead normal, happy, and productive lives.Need to know? All tours are structured and guided - perfect for family, corporate and educational outings.

Go zwinging near the Hartbeespoort Dam with Ama Zwing Zwing and your kids! Embark on an airborne adventure of sliding along steel cables while watching the wildlife below. Seven exhilarating slides take you on a 1.3 km journey in the sky. Enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding Magaliesberg Mountains and the Crocodile River. Ama Zwing Zwing Zip Lines offers unbeatable fun for two hours at Amanzingwe Lodge. The package is inclusive of refreshments and a light lunch. +27 (0) 82 803 7731 www.amazwingzwing.co.za

Tee off on stunning greens next to the banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam with sweeping views of the foothills of the Magaliesberg. Magalies Park Golf Course is an 18-hole course designed by Loutjie van Aswegen. Here, the total length of the course is a mens 5 864m and a ladies 5 001m. The course rating for men is 72 and for ladies is 70. While the course may not be very long, it does not however mean that the golfer can take out his driver and play to his heart's content. A number of small trees have been strategically placed and although there are few water holes and no bunkers this is not a course for the faint-hearted, making for a challenging game of golf any day. Interesting holes are the par 4 8th, and the par 4 12th stroke five, which is one of the most attractively designed holes on the course. At the clubhouse, a Pro Shop is made available for all your golfing needs, golf cards and club hire. Lessons are available on request. When the going gets tough take a break and grab a light meal and refreshments at the 'Barn Owl' Halfway House, the 'Loeries Flight' takeaway and the 'Albatross' Halfway House.

Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village offers the opportunity of experiencing the fascinating cultures and traditions of the people of Africa. Located in the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village is only a 45-minute drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.The multi-cultural village features five traditional homesteads each inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes that live according to the tribal folklore and traditions of its ancestors.The Zulus with their sticks and cosy beehive huts, the Xhosa with their perfectly thatched rondawels and distinctive white blankets, the Pedi with their rhythmic drums and whistles, the conical straw hats and brightly coloured blankets of the Basotho and the Ndebele with their beautifully painted homes will reveal a way of life not readily encountered in the South African urban centres.Rooms are built in the traditional style but with modern conveniences, enabling guests to stay overnight to experience the lifestyle of a traditional rural African family without forfeiting comfort.Meals are a culinary feast and are enjoyed in a stylish decorated restaurant offering an exotic buffet serving ethnic dishes and a carvery.Special cultural programmes consisting of an audio-visual presentation on the history and origins of the various ethnic groups, guided tours and tribal dance displays, introducing guests to the multi-cultural lifestyle of the inhabitants of Lesedi.Enjoy the spirit of Ubuntu at this unique cultural venue where the music, song and warmth of Africa’s hospitality await you and the crafts and lifestyle of her people will enthral you.Nyama Choma Resaurant is divided into three sections. 'South Africa' has murals reflecting the nine tribes of South Africa. 'East Africa' features murals of the Masai, the statusque people of the East. 'North Africa – The Serengeti' offers the Nile Room, where you sit crossed legged on floor cushions at low tables and smoke hubbly-bubbly’s! The Fundudzi bar is situated next to the restaurant where overnight guests can relax.After a fun-filled day, rest your head in one of five traditional homesteads where families of the Pedi, Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu and Ndebele live in the traditional rural way, all nestling in pristine Bushveld.Additional guestrooms for each village have been constructed in the five homesteads offering the unique opportunity of staying with a traditional rural African family – however, all home comforts have been catered for. These include cosy beds and beautiful en suite bathrooms, equipped with all modern conveniences.The Monati (lunch) and Boma (dinner) cultural experiences are two and a half hour programs starting at 11:30am and 16:30pm. Guests are taken to the Ndebele village where a welcome by all the people of Lesedi takes place. The program begins with a multi-visual presentation on the history and origins of today’s rainbow nation, followed by a guided tour of the five homesteads. Guests are escorted to the Boma for traditional singing and dancing – a very participative affair!

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.

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

One of the largest indoor venues in Pretoria, the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria is host to a number of big live music concerts and exhibitions. The Main Arena has hosted popular events such as the Metro FM Awards Show, Godly Revolution Music Concert, Baba Indaba Expo and advert productions for Coke and Nestlé. A range of facilities offer versatility and seating for 80 to 4 500 people. Large events are supported by the VIP areas, holding rooms, theatre, board rooms, media room, rehearsal studio and other facilities. Well situated between Centurion and Pretoria, access to Heartfelt is convenient and there is ample on-site parking. +27 (0) 12 651 2251.

Much of South Africa’s architectural heritage goes far beyond broekie-lace and gables. The austere Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria pays homage to the gritty trekkers who deserted the Cape Colony in the mid 1800s. The entire 62-metre high structure is loaded with symbolism, from the assegai motif entrance, to the rippling patterns and friezes of the ‘Hall of Heroes’ and the 64 laager wagons surrounding the building. There’s even an opening in the dome roof that allows the sun’s rays to light up the cenotaph every year at 12 noon, 16 December. In essence, the monument functions as a giant sundial. Situated on top of Skanskop and within a nature reserve, the monument boasts lovely views of Pretoria. Shops, a restaurant, art gallery and various activities including horse rides are on offer.

Friendship, good food, wine and brilliant entertainment – the Barnyard Theatre in Broadacres 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.

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.

Just a one-hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria is the place where we all became human. This is where our story began, and by coming here, you are coming ‘home’. Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, the main indigenous language in this region.The Maropeng Visitor Centre is a thrilling, world-class exhibition that allows you to look at fossils, learn about how humankind was born, view stone tools up to 1-million years old, and much more.Enter the massive burial mound called the Tumulus, your entrance to learning the secrets of our ancestry. Ideal for children, the Maropeng Visitor Centre is self-guided, highly up-to-date and interactive. There’s even an Adventure Tour through extensive, fascinating exhibits with an underground boat ride. Hot Tip: Get the most out of your Cradle visit with a combination ticket to the Sterkfontein Caves as well.

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.

One of the top ten zoos in the world, The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa offers animal lovers a staggering 9 500 animals to view. Situated on 85 hectares in the heart of ‘Jacaranda City’, it’s the largest zoo in the country and is home to mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians alike. The spacious grounds house some rare species of antelope, white rhino, elephant, hippos, lions, cheetah, gorillas and even bats!Over 600 000 people visit the zoo every year, and there’s so much to see. It’s worth enquiring about what tours are on offer. You can hire a golf cart or take the Zoo Choo-Choo Tractor Train if you’re not up for the six kilometres of walkways. For a birds-eye view, take the cableway and ride above the zoo and on both sides of the Apies River.The largest inland marine aquarium in the country, The Aquarium and Reptile Park, also form part of the zoo facility. Kids will love watching the endangered Komodo dragon, ragged-tooth sharks and other weird and highly poisonous beasties.Dotted around the zoo are a number of picnic spots where you can relax under giant shade trees. Braai facilities are available at the picnic area on the banks of the Apies River. You can also opt for a sit down meal at the restaurant.Visiting hours:Open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tickets are sold from 8:30 to 16:30 daily and the zoo closes at 17:30.

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.

The Irene Trading Post is more than just a shop – it's an experience! The store specializes in antiques, novelties, art, gifts and various pieces of locally made furniture. The owners only support small entrepreneurs, artists and crafters – offering visitors and the artists an opportunity to connect. Their unusual tea garden aims to inspire and revitalize everyone’s own creative juices. Delicious cakes and light lunches, all home cooked, are on offer. In winter the wood burning stoves are fired up and soups and homemade bread is available. Kids are welcome – the bunnies love being fed. Open 7 days a week from 09:00 – 17:00. www.irenetradingpost.co.za

Legends is Pretoria’s hottest gay nightclub. Not only does Legends boast the latest music on its large dancefloor and smaller second funky floor - complete with AV screens and projectors - but it also offers all the comforts and style of cutting-edge contemporary clubbing. And the finest in DJ talent ensures that you experience only the best house music. Legends is open every Saturday, Friday, Wednesday and Sunday night.

Live on the wild side and ride like a real cowboy or cowgirl in the Hekpoort Valley near Magaliesburg. Nestle in the foothills of the Magaliesburg Mountains lies the Hekpoort Valley, home to Saddle Creek Ranch. Here the owners offer horseback riding with a difference – Western style. No riding experience is required and the trail horses are "well trained, obedient calm and friendly”. The horses are suitable for everyone, from total beginners to experienced riders. Visitors have the option of various routes into the bushveld and mountain foothills accompanied by trained trail guides. Western-style riding is becoming more popular and Saddle Creek Ranch is a safe place where you can learn to ride like a real cowboy and have loads of fun. Call Mike to book this experience +27 (0) 79 467 9906. www.horseridingsa.co.za

Situated in the heart of Pretoria, the South African State Theatre is much more than just a complex of theatres hosting world-class shows ranging from Opera, Ballet, Musical, Drama, Cabaret and Children's Theatre. Functioning as a receiving house this unusual, stylish, centrally situated venue can accommodate almost any performance, function or special event. It offers a variety of exciting venues for performances, conferences, festivals, product launches, fashion shows, film festivals, weddings, parties, matric dances and farewells, lunches and dinners.

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.