* Brookwood Trout & Farm– Fishing – “Life's a picnic at Brookwood Trout Farm”-

They're coming! And yes, they're probably going to catch you unawares, just like they do every single year around this time. Those little gems of April, gift wrapped for us just when we need them most. Ah yes, that blissful bunch of public holidays. Here's a heads up: You have been given sweet ownership of the following days- Friday the 2nd April, Monday the 5th April and later on, just to make you smile once more, Tuesday the 27th April. You have full permission from all powers that be to do with these as you wish. Most Joburgians take the opportunity to flee the scene of the city when awarded these precious days off over the Easter period. They populate the coastline and lose themselves in our country's game reserves. Others visit family in their home towns. But what if you fail to plan a getaway of your own and find yourself in Joburg? I'd like to let you in on one of the many options. Go for a picnic at Brookwood Estate's Trout Farm near Muldersdrift. Just fifteen minutes drive away from the suburbs is the tranquil, willow tree guarded trout farm which entices you to just breathe and let go as you enter its grounds. It's big, green and so pretty. The Estate possesses five stocked dams; although I saw none of the day's dedicated fishermen catch anything other than a crab. It could have been because I was not focused on them but rather on the art of relaxation upon a picnic blanket. We set ourselves next to the flowing river and simply let the day pass us by in good company as we periodically dug into our basket. Some picnicking folk chose to braai and others to snooze in the shade during those stolen moments of calm. It felt like we were far away from anything that hustled and bustled and this is just how I like my public holidays to be served. Life's a picnic...especially on a public holiday. Don't let them get away. - Reviewed by Kelly Kidson (Journalist) - www.jhblive.com

*Forum Homini- “Luxurious stay at Cradle of Humankind”

My husband and I recently stayed at Forum Homini, the hotel on the same property as Roots restaurant. Forum Homini is a luxury hotel near the Cradle of Humankind sites, and a lovely oasis. We stayed in the honeymoon suite (only room available), and it was not an inexpensive stay, but price included a six-course (really nine-course) dinner and five-course breakfast, thus overall it was a good deal.  Our suite was secluded, private, impeccably clean and very comfortable. The decor is a bit psychadelic (lots of purple, magenta, shag carpet, mod furniture, etc.), but no harm done there. Indoor/outdoor shower,  towel warmer, robes, big bed, all the good stuff. Overall service is very attentive - they provided guidance on tourist sites and were quick to oblige calling in advance for details about activities.  In sum we had a very relaxing and indulgent time at Forum Homini and would recommend it to others. – Reviewed – Pure Summerhouse – Pretoria - Stayed July 2011,
travelled as a couple – www.virtualtourist.tripadvisor.com
 

*Heia Safari Ranch- “Great African Experience close to Johannesburg”

We stayed a couple of nights at Heia-Safari-Ranch before we started for our South-Africa-Tour. Coming from Johannesburg Airport, after 45 minutes you feel to be in deepest Africa with excellent european comfort. African animals all over the place. A tremendous dam gives you the impression of "Little Victoria Falls". Excellent accomodation, food and service. We definitely will come back. -Reviewed September 14, 2007, Munich, www.tripadvisor.com
 

*MAROPENG– “Back to our Roots & a worthwile day out”

“The rock next to the entrance to the visitor's centre sets the tone for the experience with the following inscription: Africa is where our collective umbilical cord is buried. The entire experience can only be described as thought provoking.  The centre takes you on a journey from our very humble beginnings to where we are today, masters of our surroundings.  Just before you exit the building it also asks questions about what we are doing with our endless creativity, are we not perhaps our own worst enemy.  Most adults leave the centre with a lot to contemplate and the young ones are immensely entertained by all the creative brightly coloured displays. There is definitely something for all ages. The underground boat ride is sure to be a hit with the kids and there is enough information to intellectually engage adults for hours.  The centre is situated in the middle of the cradle of humankind heritage site surrounded by Highveld grasslands and views all around. The structure itself is also fascinating and made to look like a burial mound on arrival and a high-tec modern building on departure. Maropeng Hotel is highly recommended for lucnh afterwards.” - Reviewed July 6, 2009 – Johannet – Johannesburg – www.tripadvisor.com
 

*Matlapa Lodge - Magaliesburg Bliss

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to get away from Joburg Life at least once a month- not too far, and not necessarily for an extended amount of time- but far and long enough to escape from Joburg life, Joburg people, Joburg perceptions. We are now one month into the year and I am proud to announce that I have stuck to this resolution. The 'pride' exudes because this is the only resolution I've kept. I am still smoking, I still weigh the same and I still have a tendency to frequently  oversleep.  The mission for last weekend was to a place called Matlapa Lodge. A luster of lofty but warm chalets about 5km's out of the town Magaliesburg. This secluded getaway took us only 45 minutes to get to from Randburg but once there it felt like we were in another world.  Matlapa, meaning 'stones' or 'rocks' in Sotho, is run by Gustav and Rika Le Roux. These 2 characters are fantastic- extremely accommodating and relaxed, adding a homely atmosphere to this escapist experience. At the moment Matlapa Lodge resembles 'The Shire', thanks to this recent 'uber' bout of rain. Everything is lush on this sunny hillside, with all sorts of creatures buzzing and hopping around, celebrating the outdoors that has been so hard to access for the past damp week.  The actual lodge consists of a main house with a large dining room boasting amazing views of the Magaliesburg to be enjoyed whilst eating the delicious breakfast provided, a tiny library (with ladders to reach the high up books!), a kitchen and a welcoming reception. The main house looks out onto an infinity pool that in turn looks out into the valley beyond it- aaaah bliss! Surrounding the main house are the chalets. Whilst being fairly close to one another they have been carefully designed so as to ensure privacy. The jungly vegetation also acts as a soft, natural barrier. The chalets are warm, luxurious and homely. Each one has a huge, and private, outdoor shower (our shower even had a tree in it to hug) as well as alluring bathtubs that are big enough to really enjoy and bask in. With decks accompanying the chalets you are guaranteed a beautiful view any time of the day. We really enjoyed watching a storm pass over us in the evening with spectacular bolts of lightning in the distance. The beauty of this place is that there is very little to do. Apart from horse riding and swimming, the other obvious option is to relax, read, sleep, look, listen, smell, daydream and if you really energetic- explore. There's nothing quite like communing with the countryside, connecting with nature and then falling asleep in a comfy, ready made, warm bed. – Review – Kate Davison – www.jhblive.com
 

*Misty Hills & The Carnivore Restaurant- “A great place to get away from it all”

Its location is perfect as it is a stones throw away from the city however once you are in the gates of Misty Hills you feel as if you have stepped into the heart of Africa as all the artwork, decor and style of the place has a huge African influence. We had a lovely room with a high thatched roof and a great view out into a landscaped garden. The breakfasts were plentiful and delicious with everything on the menu from steak to pancakes! Spent a good couple of hours lazing by the pool trying to decide what spa treatment to have as they were all very tempting and at such a reasonable cost it was easy to try a few different ones. The staff were all very attentive and very keen to help during our stay. I would definitely recommend this as a stay outside of JHB as there are a few good things to do in the area. Misty Hills also offers a very rare eating experience at their Carnivore restaurant with a huge selection of game meat to try which is cooked to your liking. This was a big hit with my husband who tried everything from croc to zebra! – Reviewd by Joandor - United Kingdom - stayed March 2011, traveled as a couple – www.virtualtourist.tripadvisor.com
 

*Mount Grace Country House & Spa"A Special and Magical Stay"

We spent 2 nights just after Christmas at Mount Grace and had a truly fantastic experience. From the staff, to the facilities, to our amazing deluxe room over-looking the tree-tops to the superb food in the Rambling Vine - it all made for an unforgettable and magical experience. I will definately be coming here regularly from now on! –
Reviewed December 2010, Keithvh, Johannesburg, South Africa - www.virtualtourist.com
 

*Olive tree Farm - A little piece of heaven on our doorstep

So last weekend I decided that, to preserve what sanity I have left,I should get out of Jozi for a few days. The big city is getting medown a little and I needed a break. I decided to head out to the little piece heaven right on our doorstep, Magaliesburg. Olive TreeFarm is a lovely little B&B just outside Magaliesburg town. As we pulled up to our luxury chalet, I felt the stresses of living life in the fast lane drain away. I step out the car and am blown away by the magnificent panoramic view of the Magaliesburg. And the quiet!!! Ah, the only noise is a light breeze rustling the leaves and birds chirping. Our chalet is gorgeous! There is a beautiful lounge with plush leather couches and luxurious rugs. There is also a huge TV (but then why would you sit in front of the TV here??) and a fireplace - lovely for a winter getaway, along with the under-floor heating and huge(and I mean massive!) bath? I spend a lot of time lounging around on the wooden deck, drinking G&Ts, smoking cigarettes and enjoying the view. You can go for walks (Olive Tree Farm's adorable dog as your guide) or lounge by the pool and have a swim. There is also a fully-equipped conference centre so forward this review on to your boss?  After a wonderful relaxing night's sleep in my huge bed, I wake up refreshed and head down to the dining room for breakfast. The country air has given me a huge appetite (this is my excuse anyway) so I indulge in a delicious full English breakfast complete with good filter coffee and fresh guava juice. The rest of the day is spent chilling in the sun and dreaming of future weekends spent out in the country. Olive Tree Farm is the perfect place to go to forget your weekly worries? Hakunamatatata!   While we were in Magaliesburg we ate at a lovely restaurant called Barton's Folly. Reviewed by Helen Spiropoulos (Journalist)  - www.jhblive.com
 

*Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve- “Great way to see up close the animals in their habitat”

Went to the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, and didn't really know what to expect. From what I hear it clearly is a different experience than Krugers Park. However, you get to see all the animals in close proximity, and a very diverse range of animals. We ran into a group of Buffalos (not literaly :-) ) and saw them really up close. Also had the fortune to be there when they were feeding the lions, wild dogs and cheetahs which gave us great photo opportunities. Try to find out if they're feeding them on the day you come to visit, and verify the time. This really is great.
Reviewed June 26, 20 – Zottek - Tel Aviv, Israel - www.tripadvisor.com
 

*STERKFONTEIN CAVES- “Unbelievable place”

“As a visitor from US, I went to Maropeng and Sterkfontein with little idea of what I was going to see. This is the only place in the world, that I know of, where you can see early hominid fossils and also understand and experience how they lived an died. The caves are spectacular limestone formations, but the unique thing about them is how they functioned as traps for hominids and animals, 2-4 million years ago. Simply, the caves developed sinkholes (as they continue to do), and passing australopithecenes occassionally fell in - those which have been found seem to have died of their injuries and were fossilized in the drip of calcium carbonate. Talk with the guides, and you will find a paleoanthropology graduate student who is working on a dig nearby when he's not taking visitors through the caves! You will not find this anywhere else in the world. Also don't miss the visitor center/museum at Maropeng for fossils of hominids and animals, as well as an interesting perspective of the Earth through time.” Reviewed January 17, 2011 - Lexington, Massachusetts – www.tripadvisor.com
 

*Whispering Pines Country Estate - A Magaliesburg Gem

There is no shortage of luxurious guesthouses in Magaliesburg. And I've been to a few ( and a few not so luxurious one too). But my favourite so far is without a doubt Whispering Pines Country Estate.  The tranquil and picturesque estate is only an hour from Joburg but the two feel like worlds apart. We arrived at the reception area where we signed in and took advantage of the complementary sherry.  We were then escorted to our rooms. I took the honeymoon suite (I can dream can't I?!) and my photographer took the deluxe suite. Mine was better. The rooms were beautiful with fireplaces (along with instructions, thank god!) and beautiful big baths and mine even had an outdoor shower. That night we went down to the restaurant for dinner where we enjoyed a nice meal. I have to say that some of the food was lovely however, it really didn't blow me away. Maybe i'm just fussy but I think that a good restaurant should serve real butter and not bad quality marge. But then having said that it was only these small details that displeased me and all in all the meal was enjoyed by us both.  After a restful nights sleep in the most wonderfully comfortable beds, we arrived for breakfast which was absolutely great! I can only really recommend the continental breakfast but my photographer had eggs and bacon and said they were good.  After breakfast, we were treated to a back and neck massage at the spa which was utterly heavenly! The photographer couldn't get over it and insisted he was going to drive all the way out there twice a month just for the massages! The staff were all incredibly friendly and made us feel so welcome. I will definitely go back there soon. Its the perfect romantic getaway place and so close to Jozi. – Reviewed by Helen Spiropoulos (Journalist)  - www.jhblive.com
 

*Wild Cave Adventures- You Cave Alone, You Die Alone!

“The exciting and adventurous underworld awaits. Genevieve goes caving (aka spelunking).  If someone had told me crawling around on four haunches in a pitch dark cave (commonly known as spelunking) was the definition of fun, I'd probably have laughed in their face.  That being said, I must confess that recently I found myself in this very situation and dare I say it, it was Fantastic!  You see, recently I met a group of people whom I might refer to as 'wild at heart'.  What you may categorize as adventure seekers, these lovely bunch of folk live and breathe extreme activities, anything that gets the muscles working, the blood flowing and... well asshole clenching.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly your prim and proper won't get down and dirty kind of girl, but there's something about abseiling down a 17m dark cavern that sets off the red light. Nonetheless, after some hesitation I had paid my R250 and pitched up at the Wild Caves based in the Cradle  f Humankind World Heritage area and pleasantly explored the great underworld.  What a treat.  For an hour and a half we roamed around the 4400sqm cave, learning about the different cave formations, the excess calcium that precipitates on the cave walls and the lime miners of the 1800's.  So I had heard about those stala-watchama-call-its before, but the true beauty of the crystals that form underground is fascinating.  It may sound like a long time to be underground, the lowest point reaching 75m deep, but with a few excursions through some slightly invasive spaces, a rather unsteady steel rope ladder climb and the perilous bat guano, time is the last thing on your mind.  Soon our journey was over and I was left with that very peculiar feeling of "let's-do-that-again."  What can I say, I'm hooked!  Now off to jump out a plane...by Genevieve Vieira (Journalist) – www.jhblive.com