With holidays around the corner, many GP folks are wondering what to get up to these holidays. Welcome Lishivha shares some adventures to get your heart-pumping, or to simply slowdown and unwind.
Soweto Towers
Free Falling without looking at where I was going to land, or as I thought at some point, going to smash, was quite weird to say the least. It felt long, scary, confusing, like when you’re in a falling dream. The net caught me and I didn’t end up being human paste on the ground. You can also SCAD freefall inside one of Soweto’s two iconic towers built between 1935 and 1955 as cooling towers for a power station. Now, the towers are a unique architectural feature of Soweto, offering a fix (including bungee jumping) to many adrenaline-seeker.
Lebo’s Backpackers
This lapa-style backpackers offers visitors a wide-ranging experience that includes tuk-tuk tours and bike tours around Soweto, an opportunity to drink traditional beer in a circle with eager strangers, delicious and homely food all served in the calm spot. Their pineapple juice is a nice treat after a fun-filled day.
Sakhumzi
This is ideal for a night-time vibe or even drinks out with your friends on a weekend. The music is nice, you get to feel like a part of Soweto with residents walking past or milling about. They also serve delicious South African cuisine like samp and tripe and malva pudding buffet-style.
Maropeng Caves
The Sterkfontein Caves where some of the earliest evidence of human existence and evolution is found. The rock formations inside form beautiful artistic expression with the temperature sitting at a cool 18 from the natural ventilation. This area also known as the Cradle of Humankind, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013 for its unique biosphere and rich archaeological value.
Carnivore
Judging by the name, this is a meatlover’s paradise. Here, for R340 only, you get to eat their variety of game ranging from eland, kudu, zebra, buffalo, crocodile and others. Upon arrival, you will get a flag and the waiters will keep bringing out the meats from the grill until you drop that flag. I tried out zebra which was tender, crocodile which , although tasted like a flavourful combination of chicken and pork, I still couldn’t wash off the not-so-delicious image of a croc. I had to stop eating meat for a few days afterwards.
Cable Car Experience
Today I finally got on to the Harties Cableway, had lunch with a view & took in this breathtaking scenery with a drink in hand. If like me, you love epic & long-reaching views & live around Gauteng or North West, you should add this one to your list of local adventures to do.
Misty Heals
A nature lover’s haven, Misty Hills is a rejuvinating escape from the buzz of city life. I eveven enjoyed getting lost trying to navigate their lusciously green maze to find my room. I stayed in one of their royal executive suits, which although go for a steep R8k a night, were worthwhile. In the suits, you have your own small pool, beautiful lounge area, an outdoor shower with two shower heads and a bathtub that had me rolling around like a hippo. Their standard rooms are also not bad, and their spar is cute and has a relaxing chill area outside.
Walter Sisulu Gardens
One of the easiest ways to escape the city into nature is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens which feel under-utelised by many Joburgers. The gardens feature some stunning hike, clean and safe picnic spots and luscious greenery all around with a waterfal that enhances the ambiance with the splashing water sound proven to calm anxiety.
Hotair ballon ride
You have to wake up early and be ready for take-off at 6am to catch the sunrise, but it’s worthwhile. This is the thing to do when you are trying to impress a loved one. You will hover over the Magaliesburg region like a bird, quitely and slowly. The scenic ride in the sky is finished with the ceremonious act of drinking mimosa before heading back for a complimentary buffet breakfast with mimosa. Bragging rights on this one come a certificate that congratulates you for daring to do what mere mortals haven’t: fly.