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Gay Johannesburg & Pretoria

Apartheid Museum:

The story of the racialist policies of the South African National Party government, beginning in 1948, making over 20 million people into second class citizens; the struggle against that regime, culminating in the election of Nelson Mandela in 1994.

www.apartheidmuseum.org
Bamboo Farmers' Market:

53 Rustenburg Road, in Melville. First & third Saturday each month, from 7am until they're sold out - olives, flowers, coffee, fruit, eggs, meat, lemonade, ginger beer, baked goods, honey, wine, oil, coconuts, herbs, bread, cheese.... Also at the Designer Llifestyle Center: wine, art, decor, buffet lunches, high fashion couture, dining, gallery spaces, glass blowing studio, and body, health, mind spa.

www.bamboo-online.co.za
Constitution Hill / Old Fort Prison:

A national heritage site, where a century of South Africa’s history played out. From British battles with the Boers at the turn of the century, to youths caught up in the Soweto Uprising, to the beginning of democracy and the building of the new Constitutional Court. At the former Old Fort Prison Complex up to 2,000 black South Africans were processed through its entrance each day during the worst times. Prisoners held here in dirty and overcrowded cells included Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Luthuli, Robert Sobukwe and Nelson Mandela.

www.constitutionhill.org.za
Cradle of Humankind:

On the route to the popular resort of Sun City is the World Heritage Site of palaeo-anthropological/hominid fossils, and tools as well as the fossils of other now-extinct animal species. In the area of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, and Kromdraai, many fossils of human ancestors (or close relatives) have been found, including Australopithecus africanus of 4-2 million years ago. Homo ergaster, who lived here around 1 million years ago, is considered to be an even more likely direct ancestor. Remains of Paranthropus robustus and Australopithecus, branches of the hominid family tree that became extinct, have also been found.

The official visitor center at Maropeng tells the story of evolution and the origins of human beings. The Tumulus (ancient burial mound) is an imposing sight, and an underground boat ride takes visitors to the interactive and self-guided exhibition spaces. Accommodations include a 24-room hotel, and the student/tour group budget hostel, Hominid House. There are also cafes, and a restaurant/ bar, plus more lodgings and restaurant options in and around Krugersdorp, Magaliesburg, and Muldersdrift.

The Sterkfontein Caves, the most famous of the 15 major fossil sites here, have been among the world's richest, most productive palaeo-anthropological sites since 1936 when the first Australopithecus africanus (3.2 to 2.6 million years old) was found, showing that Africa was the cradle of human life. Owned by the University of the Witwatersrand, the caves are still being excavated. Open daily, guided tours run every half hour, 9am - 4pm, limited to 30 people per group.

Wonder Cave at Kromdraai is a large chamber with pools, cave pearls, stalactites, stalagmites, popcorn formations, straw formations, mushroom formations, and other features such as The Madonna stalagmite. Surrounding lands are full of wild animals and many species of birds.

www.gauteng.net
Graskop Hotel B&B:

Four hours drive from Johannesburg International Airport, far from the hustle and bustle, an ideal place to unwind with swimming pool, gardens, and art exhibits.

Graskop, in Mpumalanga on the Drakensberg Escarpment, offers spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. From here the scenic Panorama Route leads north to the Blyde River Canyon, near the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest. This is also a gateway to Kruger Park with its unique wildlife, the only malaria-free zone within easy driving distance.

www.graskophotel.co.za
Magalies Meander:

Area activities include: the Aerial Cableway at Hartbeespoort with panoramic views of the Magaliesberg, Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounding countryside; Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris, with sunrise flights from the Club House Pavilion and Restaurant; Flying Pictures hot air balloon excursions over the Cradle of Humankind sites; Hollybrooke Farm horse trails & quad trails trips along the banks of the Magalies & Skeerpoort Rivers, amidst picturesque fields and streams; Reefsteamers train rides; Magalies Gliding Club flights; Magaliesberg Tours 2.5 hour canopy tours through the Ysterhout kloof; The Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve; and Segwati Getaways guided quad trails game-viewing experiences. Over 400 species have been recorded in the area, and a wide variety of mammals inhabit the area's mountain slopes.

Mountain Sanctuary Park, a nature reserve of peace and quiet in unspoiled natural surroundings with clear mountain pools, has luxurious log cabins, chalets with fireplaces, and camping options. Day trippers, hikers and bird watchers can get away from the world of radio and television, which are banned here.

Area accommodations include country houses, lodges, guest houses, hotels, spas, self-catering apartments and The ATKV Buffelspoor holiday resort. The Megalies Meander website also lists and links to a number of local restaurants.

www.magaliesmeander.co.za
Melville Koppies Nature Reserve:

A conserved remnant of Johannesburg's ridges as they were before the 1886 discovery of gold. The geology timeline goes back three billion years, and stone tools of Early Stone Age man indicate camps as old as 500,000 years. Few facilities and strenuous hikes.

www.mk.org.za
The Carlton Centre:

From a 50th floor observation deck a view from the tallest building in Africa over the Central Business District and beyond 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlton_Centre
Voëlkop:

A Bushveld farm hideaway with rustic charm in the Magaliesberg; 70 hectares of unspoiled natural beauty in a congenial climate. A journey of 1.5 hours, driving from Johannesburg or Pretoria, and 68km from the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Sun City and Lost City. Clothing is optional as the farm is private, and operated exclusively for gay men. Facilities include swimming pool, splash pools, steam room, sauna, and bar deck. Accommodations in wooden chalets sleeping 2-6 people, each with its own toilet, or in caravans, also sleeping 2-6 people. Meals are self-catered or the restaurant serves three home-cooked meals a day, with set menus. Therapeutic and sports massages are available.

www.voelkop.co.za