View from The Cradle

This 3 000ha private game reserve straddles the Gauteng-North West provincial border, close to the Sterkfontein World Heritage Site.

Fossil deposits from the dawn of life in an ancient sea can be viewed in a landscape teeming with game.Excavations at the Motsetse Paleontological site have revealed fossils of now extinct mammal species, which roamed the Cradle grasslands together with early man three and a half million years ago

The Cornuti restaurant specialises in Italian country food. Sites situated along the Motsetse Stream offer idyllic settings for catered picnics

Eight stilted A-frame thatch cottages set in a forest on the banks of a stream offer self-catering accommodation.

The Cradle is situated only 45 minutes from Johannesburg and Pretoria Tel: (011) 6591622
enquiries@thecradle.co.za

Click here for more on the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

Other things to do:
Within easy reach of Pretoria and Johannesburg, the mountains and woodlands of the Magaliesburg are home to a variety of birds. Hiking paths, horse and mountain bike trails offer a chance to enjoy the natural beauty up close.
Web site: http://www.magaliesburg.co.za/

The nearby Hartebeespoortdam offers opportunities for para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.
Web site: http://www.linx.co.za/hartbeespoortdam/

The Lesedi Cultural Village, between Johannesburg and Pretoria, includes a collection of traditional family units housing elders, wives and children from various southern African tribes.
Tel: (012) 205-1394

The Crocodile Ramble meanders through the region, passing art and craft studios, restaurants and nurseries.
Tel: (011) 662-2786
Web site: www.crocodileramble.co.za

See the Magaliesburg and Hartebeespoort from the air with Bill Harrop's Balloon Safaris.
Tel: (011) 705-3201/2

Country Horse Trails offers one hour to three-day trails through the Magaliesburg.
Tel: (012) 205-1113

The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is nearby private game reserve with lion, rhino, cheetah, buffalo, wild dogs and 20 other species.
Tel: (011) 957-0044

For fishermen, Valley Fly Fishing Club has two trout dams.
Tel: (011) 957-2559