If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly on the hunt for something new to keep your kids entertained during the school holidays. There are only so many times you can pop into the library, visit the park down the road, or watch a rerun of Alvin and the Chipmunks. Sometimes, to preserve peace in the home, you have to get out of the home. Read on for some great ideas for things to do in Gauteng.
Wild Cave Adventures
Wild Cave Adventures in the Cradle of Humankind offers a unique blend of fun and informative excursions that will keep the kids busy for hours. Enjoy adventure caving by day or night, abseiling, and hiking in the Magaliesburg. Dangle like a spider on the end of rope as you enter through the roof of a cavern, followed by an 18-metre abseil, and guided tour by torchlight in the belly of the cave. No previous caving or abseiling experience is necessary and you can reward yourself with a picnic and hot chocolate afterwards. Visit their website for more info.
GorgeGlide
GorgeGlide is an exciting adventure park in Cullinan, just 30 minutes from Pretoria, where the whole family can enjoy zip line canopy tours. Choose your pick from the “The Granny” or “The Superman” glides – I don’t think an explanation is necessary to distinguish the two, but just so you have it: The Granny is a slower, scenic 260m journey that cruises at a comfortable 30km an hour, just 45m above the floor of the ravine. The Superman is for the adrenaline junkies who prefer the 570m adventure over the cliff tops at speeds of up to 75km an hour, 65m above the floor. Please note that it is suitable for people who weigh between 40kg and 120kg.
Open: Daily, 8am to 5pm.
Cost: R350 per person (includes equipment, guides, transport, and refreshments) and lasts approximately 2 hours. Booking is essential.
Address: 82 Library Road, Cullinan
The Farm Inn Country Hotel & Wildlife Sanctuary
The Farm Inn Country Hotel invites you to enjoy the magic of their wildlife sanctuary with 23 species of wildlife, including lion, tiger, leopard, and cheetah. Many of these species can be viewed on a game drive with one of the hotel’s experienced rangers. The hotel also offers a sparkling swimming pool and volleyball, while the adjoining Silver Lakes Country Club is available to hotel guests for golf activities.
Cost: Game drives are R105.00 per adult, R52.50 for children under 12, and no charge for children under 4. Game drives with Sunday lunch or breakfast combinations are also available. Please book in advance on 012 809 0266.
Address: Silverlakes Road, Pretoria East
SA Horse Trails
SA Horse Trails have over 1 600 hectares of amazing outride routes through the Northern Farm Nature Reserve. With no set route, every ride is an adventure with river crossings, inclines, bundu-bashing, canter stretches, or even a gentle bird watching meander. No experience is required and everyone is given basic training. If you have never ridden before, you’ll be happy to know that the pace is set by the slowest rider. Remember to bring suntan lotion and carrots for your horse.
Cost: R275 on weekends and R300 on weekdays for a 2 hour ride.
Address : Johannesburg North in Lanseria / Fourways (R114) close to the Lion Park.
Acrobranch
The Acrobranch is a fantastic treetop adventure with a variety of exciting courses that travel through the trees on a unique layout of zip lines, bridges, monkey bridges, and Tarzan jumps. Families in Gauteng can have their pick between the Melrose Acrobranch in Johannesburg and the Acrobranch @ The Big Red Barn just south of Irene Village, near Centurion. Both parks offer a Big Zip Line and 4 courses that have been tailored to suit all ages. Remember to pack a picnic!
Open: Daily, 9am to 5pm
Cost: Courses vary from R70 – R180 per person.
Melrose Acrobranch: Melrose street extension, James and Ethel Grey Park, Melrose, Johannesburg.
Acrobranch @ The Big Red Barn: Corner Nelson Road and Glen Avenue, Olifantsfontein.
What family activities would you recommend in Gauteng?
Image 1 courtesy of Wild Cave Adventures
Image 3 courtesy of Acrobranch
