Plenty holiday fare in Johannesburg and Pretoria

SUZANNE BELLING

But many of “us inlanders”, for a myriad reasons, may have to contend with the Highveld sky this holiday.

Some of the plus points of staying home is that there is considerably less traffic, shopping is easier and peace and quiet prevails.

For those in Johannesburg and Pretoria not trekking all the way to a holiday destination, the Jewish Report scouted around for some of the many activities on offer for children and families. 

Johannesburg 

• Jewishly, there is the ever-popular Gan Yisrael day camps for children from December 12 to 25. Run by Chabad, under the able direction of Rabbi Pini Pink, the camps are divided into three sections – kiddies (from three to four), girls (from five to 12) and boys (from five to 12).

There are arts and crafts, inflatable rides and water activities among the many attractions.

The girls’ and kiddies’ camps will be held from 09:00 to 15:30 weekdays at Torah Academy and boys – at the same times – at Yeshiva College.

Cost of the camp is R675 (for one week) and R1 200 (for two).

For more information go to cgijoburg.co.za or e-mail camp@chabad.org

• The Apartheid Museum – the first museum of its kind in the world – offers a unique opportunity to experience what apartheid South Africa was like. Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 – 17:00, at Ormonde, Johannesburg. Information: www.apartheidmuseum.org
• Gillooly’s Farm offers braai facilities around the lake as well as a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. A steep koppie walk boasts views along the Linksfield Ridge. Off the M3 highway, Senderwood. Information: www.edenvale.za.net
• Gold Reef City, created around an authentic 19th-century goldmine. The theme park has an abundance of adventure rides, restaurants and historical sightseeing tours. Tuesdays to Sundays, 09:30 – 17:00. Northern Parkway, Ormonde, Johannesburg. Information: www.goldreefcity.co.za
• Lory Park and Zoo and Owl Sanctuary in Midrand is the home of South Africa’s biggest owl collection as well as a variety of big cats. Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 – 16:00. Information: www.lorypark.co.za

• Northgate Ice Arena offers skating fun for the whole family. Open 10:00 – 22:30 daily at Northgate Shopping Centre, Witkoppen Road, North Riding. Information: www.triice.co.za
• The Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg is also the gateway to Mary Fitzgerald Square, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Constitution Hill and the Newtown Cultural Precinct. The plaza will surprise you with exotic spices, fabrics, flavours and scents. Mondays to Fridays, 08:30 – 17:00. Information: www.orientalplazafordsburg.co.za
• SA National Museum of Military History, the only museum of its kind in South Africa, showcasing military memorabilia from as far back as the First World War. Daily at Erlswold Way, Saxonwold. Visit www.militarymuseum.co.za
• Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown will intrigue and entertain budding scientists with several interactive exhibits. Corner Miriam Makeba Street and President Street. Information: www.sci-bono.co.za
• Zoo Lake in Parkview is a popular spot for picnicking with the kids, even taking a leisurely boat ride. Sunrise to sunset, corner Jan Smuts Avenue and Westwold Road. Information: www.footprint.co.za/zoolake
• The Johannesburg Zoo in Parkview is a favourite place for kids. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. Also open for “Wild Lights Nights”. Call ahead for details. Secure parking. (011) 646-2000 

Pretoria 

• The Camera Obscura (precursor to the modern camera) at Pretoria University allows you to view the whole of Pretoria. Open 11:00 – 15:00 on weekdays, four or more people at a time. Entrance is free, but visitors are encouraged to place a donation in the Science-Enza Vortex Donation Exhibit. Roper Street. (012) 420-3767.

• The Wonderboom is a fig tree over 1 000 years old. It grew to produce 13 daughter trees, forming a massive shaded area that spans 50 metres. A nature reserve has been built around it to protect it. There are also interesting iron age discoveries made near to the tree and a fort built for protection against the British. Wonderboom Nature Reserve is open from 7:00 – 18:00 in summer. Call (012) 341-5204. Adults (13 years and older) pay R25 entrance fee, kids, aged 7 to 12 years pay R15 and children aged younger than 6 years pay R9. Pensioners pay R16.

• Union Buildings – pack some picnic stuff and head to the gardens of the most famous buildings in South Africa. Be sure to visit the nine metres statue of Mandela and take in the view. Entrance free.
• Children will be fascinated to see to Mrs Ples, a 2,3 million-year-old skull at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (formerly the Transvaal Museum). R25 for adults, R10 for children. The museum is open every day from 8:00 till 16:00 at 432 Visagie Street, Pretoria. Information: (012) 322-7632.
• The Climbing Barn with over 450m of climbing walls is open Mondays to Fridays, 16:00 to 21:00 and also on weekends. A day pass is R70 for adults, R65 for students, R60 for scholars, R65 for gear hire (rope, shoes, chalk bag, harness). Beginner classes offered. Plot 210, Korhaan Street, Mooiplaats, 183, Pretoria. Call 082-335-3220.
• Groenkloof Nature Reserve is the first and oldest game sanctuary in Africa. A 20km mountain bike trail to explore. Open to day visitors from 05:30 to 19:00. R25 entrance fee. Eeufees Road and Christina De Wet Avenue. Information: (012) 440-8316.
• Outdoor art – Marco Cianfanelli is the sculptor responsible for the Mandela Capture Site monument. His “Urban Being” sculpture stands at nearly 12 metres high and is at the front of the Pretoria City Lodge.
• The Old Mutual Music in the Gardens concerts is well-known. Have a picnic afternoon there with the family.
• The Pretoria Zoo is always enjoyed by the children. Open daily at 232 Boom Street. Information: www.nzg.ac.za