Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
Find your roots
West Rand Gauteng
Flying over the West Rand in Gauteng en-route to Magaliesberg
© MediaCare cc
Did you know?
The Magaliesberg are some of the world’s oldest mountains and are believed to be almost 100 times older than Everest.
The West Rand, Gauteng, makes up the province's most western region, extending from Johannesburg to the North West border. Hiking, walking, game viewing, bird watching and steam train rides are popular West Rand activities, while the national botanical garden and Cradle of Humankind are the biggest West Rand attractions.
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is an absolute gem. Its complex of walks, trails, waterfalls and mountains are perfect for picnics and afternoon strolls. Visit the Witpoortjie waterfall and look for the garden's famous pair of Verreaux's Eagles soaring above the cliffs.
The region's typical highveld bush makes it ideal for game conservation. At the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve you can view a variety of animals and reptiles, and pet lion cubs. Game drives allow you to explore the surrounding bush, while the visitor facilities are great for braais (barbecues) and sundowners.
Around the corner is Kromdraai's Wonder Cave. This 2m-year-old natural phenomenon features stalactite and stalagmite formations of up to 15m. A guided day or night tour of this subterranean wonderland is recommended.
The Wonder Cave forms part of the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the Sterkfontein Caves. It was here that the hominid fossils, Mrs Ples and Little Foot, were discovered. These fossils are aged at 2m and 3m years old respectively and among the world's most important archaeological finds.
They speak to the existence of pre-historic man, the life of which can be explored at the nearby Maropeng Visitor Centre. Take a boat ride through time and see how man evolved with the centre's informative interactive exhibits.
Just past Maropeng is the country village of Magaliesburg. Set in picturesque mountains, this quaint town is worth a visit before following the Magalies Meander route to discover its natural and historical wonders, adventure activities and country retreats.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Gauteng Tourism Authority
Tel: +27 (0) 11 639 1600
Maropeng Visitor Centre
Tel: +27 (0) 14 577 9000
Email: info@maropeng.co.za
Magalies Meander
Tel: + 27 (0)14 577 1733/ 18845/6
Email: info@magaliesburg.co.za
How to get here
Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities into OR Tambo International Airport at Johannesburg.
If you’re driving, from Durban take the N3 motorway to Johannesburg and from Cape Town take the N1 motorway to Johannesburg.
From Johannesburg, take the the N1 north. Take the Malibongwe Drive offramp, connecting to the R512. This road takes you past the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Wonder Cave and provides access to the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Visitor Centre.
Around the area
Visit West Rand attractions such as the Water Sisulu National Botanical Garden; Maropeng Visitor Centre; Sterkfontein Caves; Wonder Cave; Krugersdorp Game Reserve; ride the Magalies Express steam train; go hot air ballooning over the Cradle of Humankind or Skeepoort, or try your luck in the Silverstar Casino.
Tours to do
Guided walks in the Magaliesberg, including Anglo Boer war tours, motorcycle tours, Sterkfontein and Wonder Cave tours, and the Magaliesberg canopy tour. The Crocodile Ramble, an art and craft route, and the Magalies Meander are popular with day-trippers.
Get around
Public transport options to the West Rand are limited to commuter buses or metered taxis. Self-drive or a tour operator is recommended.
Where to stay
Around Mohale City (Krugersdorp) there are hotels and motels. Four and 5-star country houses and lodges abound, and camping and self-catering options are available.
What to eat
Roots restaurant at the Forum Homini Hotel near Maropeng appears regularly in the Top 10 Restaurants in South Africa. Casalinga, the Post & Rail, Bellgables, and Mount Grace’s restaurants offer superb country dining.
In season, buy avocados, citrus fruit, and tree nuts from farm stalls.
What's happening
The Cellar Rats Spring Wine Festival in September, Mampoer (home-brewed alcoholic spirits) Fest in February, Magalies Steam Train Challenge in November, and Citrus Festival in May, all in Magaliesburg; Randfontein Show in Randfontein in February.
Best buys
A number of painters, sculptors, and ceramicists are resident in on the West Rand. The Welwitschia Market and Chameleon Village sell African crafts and curios.