Great festive season excursions for the whole family

With just two weeks to go before the schools break up for the long December holiday here are ten great one-day or weekend family excursions to consider in nearby Muldersdrift and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site.

Explore your origins

The Maropeng Visitor Centre is at the centre of the World Heritage Site of the Cradle of Humankind. It has won awards for its interactive displays focusing on the origins of the human race, and will be enjoyed by both adults and kids. It is situated on the R400, just off the R563 Hekpoort road, and is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Call 014 577 9000, email info@maropeng.co.za or visit www.maropeng.co.za

Outing to a village

Take the family for a drive into the countryside and visit the picturesque Ngwenya Glass Village renowned for its glass blowing and beautiful glassware, excellent restaurants and an array of quaint shops filled with all sorts of items of interest. Lots for the children to do too!

One of the newer shops is “A Word or Two” owned and managed by Neolien Botes. Her shop is known as the “Narnia” of Ngwenya Glass Village and is truly magical. Treat yourself and spend some time there. Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naude & R114, Muldersdrift. Call 011 796 3000 or visit the website, www.shadesofngwenya.co.za.

Fancy a spot of fishing

Muldersdrift has a host of wonderful trout fishing venues. Pack a picnic basket and make a day of it at Brookwood Estate Trout Farm. This family owned business, which specialises in recreational fishing, is situated in the natural beauty of Kromdraai near Muldersdrift in the Cradle of Mankind world heritage site. Call 011 957 0126 or 082 856 2448 (between 6am and 6pm only), e-mail info@brookwoodtroutfarm.co.za or go to www.brookwoodtroutfarm.co.za.

Bersig Trout Farm and Log cabins are ideal if you are thinking of camping out. Call 072 584 0350 (office hours and after hours) or 083 447 1617 after hours, or go to www.bergsigtroutfarm.co.za.

Or if you would prefer to fish in style try the five-star Kloofzicht lodge & Spa. Kloofzicht has invested in several trout farms to meet a growing demand for fly-fishing in the area. Wayne Sinclair, Managing Director of Sundowner Adventures & MBH Fly-fishing, the founding member of the Magalies River Conservancy runs fly fishing coaching lessons at Kloofzicht Lodge. The fly fishing guiding includes correct catch and release techniques so fish do not get injured as well as specialised techniques that equip people to fish for large scale yellow fish in the technical small stream areas. Call 086 114 8866 (weekdays) or 011 317 0600 (weekends), or go to www.kloofzicht.co.za.

Experience some egyptian royalty

A first for South Africa and the African continent, the captivating Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures exhibition – will be at Silverstar Casino this December giving visitors the unique opportunity to experience the treasures of the tomb at their moment of discovery. Seen by over five million people worldwide, the exhibition has faithfully reconstructed the tomb of Tutankhamun to scale. There are over 1 000 exquisitely reconstructed burial treasures produced by the finest Egyptian craftsmen under scientific supervision. This exhibition offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the (perfectly replicated) antiquities’ from King Tut’s tomb – all under one roof. From 2 December 2014. Details: Silverstar 011 622 7434/7423, silverstar.banqueting@tsogosun.com

Feeling energetic

The Cradle of Humankind is believed to be the place where humankind found its roots; where life itself began… but for many cycling enthusiasts, it is also the beginning of a series of long distance trails that are ideal for cyclists of any skill level. The recently tarred, old country backroads – just 20 minutes’ drive from Sandton and Fourways – are any cyclists dream, with farmland on either side as far as the eye can see.

For many years, The Cradle area was well known for being a prime wedding spot; now, these wedding venues have made their facilities available for cyclists.There are a number of great options for cyclists looking to explore The Cradle on two wheels. Riverstone Lodge is just off the N14 in Muldersdrift and is an amazing place to start a ride, with ample secure parking. Further along the R114 is a venue called Something Country, which is an official institution for cyclists in The Cradle. It offers safe surrounds for children and family who may wish to engage in other activities while you enjoy your rideOne of the best things about The Cradle is the fact that it is one large circuit. Cyclists who just want to get their blood running can get on their bike and do a single loop. Veteran cyclists who’re in the mood for a 150km route can simply ride the loop three times, after all, there’s little chance they’ll get tired of the scenery. If you are looking for a countryside riding adventure that won’t cost the world in travel expenses, The Cradle is number one choice on the Highveld.

Another one just for the cyclists

If the thought of the trails is just a tad daunting what about trying Misty Hills’ Park and Ride special for a well deserved energy boost. Start the day with a plated breakfast and bottomless cup of coffee or hamburger or bunny chow before heading off. Finish the day will a well deserved Refresh and Revive leg massage. Visit www.mistyhills.co.za or call (011) 950-6000 or mail sales@rali.co.za to find out more.

Or if you are looking for something for the whole family come to Avianto and enjoy the mountain biking and walking trails – the trails include a 2.5km and 6km kids loop. Book one of the family picnics and enjoy the day relaxing at the clubhouse next to the Crocodile River. Avianto also has tennis courts, swimming pools, foot golf, accommodation and a coffee shop where you can enjoy light meals.

Visit the website for more details, www.avianto.co.za or call 011 668-3000 or email to info@avianto.co.za.

Pamper yourself

So it’s been a long year and you are looking for some “down time” to spoil yourself.

Muldersdrift is one of those special places in Gauteng that still feels relatively untouched. Visitors can spot birds of prey, rolling landscapes and views that make it the ideal setting for wellness centres and spas.

The area offers a menagerie of spa options from those with an African flare, to uniquely themed spas like Chicama Country Spa’s Vineyard theme at Glenburn Lodge and those dedicated to conscious living and holistic wellness. Call 011 668 1615, email health@glenburn.co.za or go to www.chicama.co.za.

Try the Soulstice Day Spa at Silverstar, the Woodlands Spa and Centre for Conscious Living or for something different try the Misty Hills Spa in the Country, overlooking the Kromdraai Valley in Muldersdrift. It relies on the use of indigenous African herbs, flowers and spices to embody a natural approach to body and skin wellness. Contact Soulstice Day Spa on 011 662 7500, email info@soulsticedayspajhb.co.za or go to www.soulsticedayspa.co.za.

Woodlands Spa and Centre for Conscious Living can be contacted on 010 010 5026, email bookings@healingatwoodlands.co.za or go to www.woodlandsconsciousliving.co.za.

So if it’s time to escape the mania of city life and find a sense of renewal, Muldersdrift has a spa experience perfectly tailored to suit all needs. Misty Hills on 011 950 6000 or email spa@rali.co.za or visit www.spainthecountry.co.za.

Fancy a spot of camping

Escape the city madness at Bush Willow Tented Camp in Muldersdrift. The small tented camp is built in a sector of Glenburn Lodge which is surrounded by indigenous bush, at the foot of the Zwartkops Mountains, on the banks of the Blaauwbank River.

Accommodation comprises ten large comfortable walk-in tents, sleeping between four and six people each, including hot indoor showers and a small kitchenette. All meals are prepared and enjoyed in the thatched boma area where one can relax with a glass of wine while the tantalizing aroma of food grilling fills the air. This is a lovely cost effective family outing with river fishing, mountain walks, putt-putt, heated pools and much more. Contact (011) 668-1600 or sales@glenburn.co.za or visit www.bushwillowtentedcamp.co.za

A royal spa-ness for little girls

The Chicama Spa at Glenburn is the ideal party venue for little girls, slowly easing them into the joys of spa pampering. The Little Princess Spa package consists of the following and will keep the girls busy for two hours. It includes a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage, 60 minute mini hand and foot ritual, including painting of nails and light lunch. Girls must be between eight and 12 years old to qualify for a spa party. The spa welcomes groups of little ladies from Tuesdays to Fridays. Call 011 668 1600, email: health@glenburn.co.za or go to health@chicama.co.za

Kick back for a relaxing sunday lunch

If you’re just looking for a wonderful lunch venue in the beautiful countryside then chose from any one of the many hotels and restaurants in the area. Many are offering wonderful Christmas and New year specials as well.

Visit www.magaliesbergmap.co.za www.facebook.com/Magaliesburg twitter & instagram @magaliesinfo to find a venue that is ideal for you.