Boys’ Weekend in Johannesburg (for the active)

Obstacles in the Trees

There is so much to see and do in Johannesburg, Gauteng, that guys planning a fun weekend will have to prioritise and, maybe, make more than one weekend of it to fit it all in. In this piece, we will explore some of the options for a group of friends that wants to stay active during their time without the girls in their lives. This means fun and adventure, and will require a bit of fitness.

Acrobranch

This is an obstacle course that is situated in the trees of James and Ethel Grey Park in Illovo. Awesome activities will test your strength, endurance and agility. The adult course includes ziplines, monkey bridges, regular bridges, and jumps that require swinging from a rope (aptly known as Tarzan Jumps). Acrobranch is open every day from 09h00 to 17h00 and has braai facilities so that you and the boys can fire up a real South African fire and enjoy meat straight off the grid after a day of fun in the trees. Continued

Boys’ Weekend in Johannesburg

World of Beer

With the stresses and strains on the shoulders of so many these days, it is important to break away from the treadmill of life and have a real break. A boys’ weekend may be just what you need to get your mind off your worries, and Johannesburg has plenty to offer a group of guys looking for adventure.

Beer It Up at World of Beer

Most men do not need too much encouragement, but South African Breweries (SAB) has established the World of Beer to make this golden refreshment even more delicious and enjoyable. Situated in Newtown, this facility is dedicated to the world-class South African beers, the beer-making process, and the culture that surrounds it. The historical process is best enjoyed in the form of a 3D film, which takes you through the ages of Egyptian, Mesopotamian, African and European beer-making processes and how these have evolved and supported the modern South African methods. The modern design is impressive and the two complimentary beers per person make for the ideal way to round off the experience. There is a shop for branded South African beer accessories. Continued

Family Time in Pretoria

Take a train ride

Pretoria is one of South Africa’s three capital cities, and is steeped in history and heritage. It is only about 55 kilometres from the energetic core of Johannesburg, making it a central destination that combines convenience with a deep sense of heritage and culture. It is a popular holiday hotspot as well as a very busy corporate destination.

Families that visit Pretoria are guaranteed of having plenty to see and do. Those with children (or the young at heart) are invited to enjoy some of the following recommended attractions:

Take a Train

The Centurion Society of Model Engineers (CSME) has mini locomotives that are always a huge hit for little ones. These powerful trains go over hills and lakes, through tunnels and along the gorgeous Gauteng landscape. There are perfect picnic spots here too, so that families can relax and enjoy the South African sunshine together. Continued

Enjoy a Family Day in Sandton

A movie @ Sandton City?

Johannesburg has a constant vibe, an ever-present buzz that makes it so very exciting. However, it does not always lend itself to relaxing days spent with family, since there is an on-the-go atmosphere that never dies. Still, there is plenty to see and do as a family, regardless of how big your group, or the ages of your children.

Here are just five of the top family activities and attraction ideas in Sandton:

1. Catch a Movie at Sandton City

Indulging in popcorn and Slush Puppies while relaxing in the theatre is always a good way to unwind and keep little ones (and the not so little) entertained. The Ster Kinekor at Sandton offers a variety of the latest releases in South Africa, and is well equipped for children and adults alike. Continued

The Adventure of the Orlando Towers

The Orlando Towers

The Orlando Towers are hard to miss, as their colourfully painted heights stand tall over Soweto. These were built as two cooling towers for the Orlando Power Station, which is no longer in operation. One of the towers is famous for having the largest mural painting in the country, while the other’s artwork serves as advertising (currently for First National Bank).

While these towers were operational for some 50 years, they now serve a completely different function. The Orlando Towers are now the heart of adrenalin-pumping fun in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Locals and visitors that crave racing hearts and stomach lurching leaps should explore the many adventure activities of these famous towers. Continued

Watersports in Gauteng

Sailing on the Vaal Dam

Gauteng might be one of South Africa’s most popular destinations, but the fact remains that it is land-locked, making it a surprising watersport spot. But, the commercial hub of Gauteng is also home to a number of large dams and rivers, which continue to be awesome options for those that have a passion for the water and crave some adrenalin and fun during their time here.

The Vaal River is a major attraction for those that love watersports, or want to try their hand at something new. It is the second-biggest natural dam in South Africa in terms of its total area, with more than 800 kilometres of shoreline and a surface area of some 320 square kilometres. It also boasts the cleanest water in the country, making it safe for families. The most popular watersports on the Vaal Dam include swimming, boating and water-skiing. Continued

Gauteng’s Trains – Gautrain Meets Rovos Rail

The Gautrain

In truth, there is no use comparing the luxurious Rovos Rail with the progressive, convenient Gautrain, as they offer completely different service to very different sectors and target markets. Still, both are significant, and fulfil very important roles in their own rights.

The Gautrain

This is a mass rapid transit railway system, designed to provide modern, fast transport between Johannesburg, the OR Tambo International Airport, and Pretoria. This was developed in response to a major issue with traffic in these areas, which form South Africa’s commercial, entertainment and tourism hub. Continued

Craft Beer in Jo’burg – Which Watering Holes Serve The Brew

Craft Beer in Jozi

It isn’t only Cape Town where craft beer has made an impact on the market in much the same way as local food and farmers’ markets have impressed themselves on the food scene around the country.

Jo’burg too has managed to cast off its addiction to SAB long enough to explore the idea that beer doesn’t just come in a bottle, nor is it necessarily a lager.

But what is this fondness for putting ‘craft’ in front of the word ‘beer’ and then charging more for it?

Craft beer is beer brewed by artisans in micro-breweries. Translated into South Africanese: it’s made by a curious boet who learned the rudiments of beer making in his garage and then discovered that if you play around a bit you end up with a damn fine brew. And then he got a little more serious about it. Continued

Weekend breaks from Gauteng – top 5 (+one) things to do in 5 provinces

Weekend breaks

The bonus when it comes to living in Gauteng – over and above the fat salaries, larger cars (dense traffic, and press of people) – is the access to just about anywhere. North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State and KwaZulu Natal are all on your doorstep, give or take a few kilometres, and weekend breaks away from it all are easy because of it.

Here are our favourite weekend breaks – the top 5 (+one) things to do in 5 provinces …

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Tiger Moth Flights

Classique Aviation

There are few experiences more exciting than soaring through the South African skies with the wind in your hair and the roar of engines drowning out the sounds and thoughts of the rest of the world. The scenic Tiger Moth flights offered by Classique Aviation depart from the Jack Taylor Airfield in Krugersdorp, operating from Germiston on the East Rand.

The Tiger Moth biplane aircraft was an integral part of the fighting force of World War II, having been developed in the 1930’s. Today, it remains one of the world’s favourite flying machines, both for recreational pilots and for training initiatives. Although originally intended as a bomber plane, the Tiger Moth soon became a status symbol for the wealthy and influential, and retains some of the glamour and glitz of this time. The De Havilland 82 Tiger Moth and the 1941 Tiger Moth aircraft are used for these tours. Continued

5-Star Spas of Gauteng

A Relaxing Touch

The locals and visitors of Gauteng are invited to indulge in world-class treatments at the hands of trained therapists at one of the 5-star health spas in this bustling province. Of course, there are many more spas, but a 5-star experience really does offer something very special.

54 on Bath, Rosebank

This elegant urban hotel insists on the best possible standards so that guests are pampered into forgetting the stresses of everyday life. Because it is small and intimate, the service is very personal, with attention being paid to charming attention to detail. The superior cuisine is best enjoyed in the private dining room known as the Vinothèque. The health spa, gym and beauty salon combine to create the perfect retreat for those wanting to maintain a healthy mind and body during their time in Gauteng. Continued

Joburg’s best delis and farmstalls

Joburg Farmstalls

When the nights are closing in and the weather’s nippy, long lunches and fireside dinners with friends are on the menu – preferably laden with real slow-cooked food. Delis and farmstalls are the new way to stock your shelves with food fit to share with friends, and worth the detour. Many of them stock locally supplied and home-made goodies that not only look beautiful, but also taste good.

They’re the budget equivalent of eating out, and in, as delis and markets supply nosh that is as easy to use for picnics as it is to translate into plate-filled fare at home. And perfect for the typical Johannesburg weekend rush – it’s slow-food without having to actually do it yourself. Choose from any number in your area, and enjoy the highveld sun-filled days and freezing evenings … Continued

GOGGAS! A New South African Musical at the Children’s Theatre

GOGGAS! – The Musical

Gillian Katz has created a new South African musical. GOGGAS! is directed and staged by Francois Theron and will be staged at the National Children’s Theatre in Parktown from 10 September 2012.

Meet Lady Caroline, a beautiful British butterfly, who has has accidentally landed in South Africa. Join Antony the picnic ant on his travels through Jozi to help her find her way home. On their journey they meet typical local “goggas”: like Lola the Ladybird, Conrad the wily Chameleon, and Boykie the befuddled Bumble Bee, the stick insects: Twiggy and Leafy, the ever pompous old Queen Bee, Hugo the “Joller”, Beulah the Black Widow spider and various other colourful creatures. Continued

The Gautrain

The Gautrain

Johannesburg, in the province of Gauteng, is known as the commercial capital of South Africa. It is abuzz with arts, culture, politics, shopping, and plenty more. It is also home to the OR Tambo Airport, an international airport that welcomes the vast majority of international visitors to South Africa every day. In response to the massive amount of local and international travel and tourism taking place, the Gautrain was constructed. This is a mass rapid transit railway system that extends for 80 kilometres and links Johannesburg, the OR Tambo Airport and Pretoria.

There are currently two different services that constitute the Gautrain’s official transport service. One is the Airport Service, which links Sandton and Marlboro to the OR Tambo International Airport. The other is the Commuter Service, which links linking Rhodesfield, Marlboro, and Sandton (east-west link) and Park, Rosebank, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria Central and Hatfield (north-south link).All of the train stations have their own car parking services, except the Airport station, for obvious reasons. Continued