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Attractions in and around Johannesburg
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With the discovery of gold in 1886, the
tiny shanty town of Johannesburg has since developed into South Africa's
largest city and besides being the centre of industry and commerce, there is
an abundance of outdoor activities and tourist attractions to be visited.
Within a maximum of a two hours drive from
Chamonix Guest Lodge,
the following are just a few of some important and interesting sites.
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Approximately 25 km from our lodge, hustling and bustling Gold Reef City offers a charming reconstruction of old mining town Johannesburg including a visit into an old mining shaft, a giant ferris wheel, a casino, restaurants for every taste, conference facilities, shops and much more... | ||
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Certainly a must for every visitor is a trip to SOWETO, acronym for South Western Townships in the old days. Historical places to visit include the Nelson Mandela home (now a museum), the Regina Mundi Church, the Hector Pieterson memorial museum, freedom square and of course a stop for meals and refreshments at any of the now famous 'shebeens' (pubs). A registered tourist guide should be used for this trip. | ||
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Lesedi Cultural Village near Hartebeespoort is a multicultural village set in pristine bushveld. Four ethnic homesteads occupied by people of the Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho and Pedi nations inviting guests to share their culture, homes, food, traditional dancing, singing and other ceremonies. Indeed an unforgettable 'African experience'. | ||
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The Johannesburg zoo, owned and operated by the City Of Johannesburg, was established in 1904. It is home to over 2000 animals including 380 different species and set on over 54 hectares of land. The principle of 'cages without bars' and the use of vegetation and artificial rocks to give the zoo a natural look was introduced at an early stage. Guided tours including night tours are available. Anyone who does not have the chance to visit our game reserves should try the Johannesburg zoo. | ||
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Near Muldersdrift on the West Rand is the World Heritage Site of the Cradle of Humankind. It covers some 47000 hectares of land including the Sterkfontein Caves where the world's first almost complete skull dating back over 3.3 million years was discovered. About sixty percent of what we know today about human development, has emanated from discoveries at this World Heritage Site. | ||
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Situated a mere 10 km from Chamonix Guest Lodge is the Emperors Casino Complex, incorporating a conference centre and the Emperor hotel. Some excellent restaurants, popular with many of our guests, and upmarket shops on the premises. | ||
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A real treat is a visit to the Rietvlei Dam and Nature Reserve, just 35 km north from us. Within a few minutes drive one will find the most scenic and natural nature reserve on the South African highveld. A huge variety of animals, including Wildebeest, Blesbok, Springbok, Eland, Ostrich, the White Rhino, and even Hippos and Cheetah have been introduced. A paradise for bird lovers, one might even see the rare national bird the 'Blue Crane', the 'Secretary Bird' or the 'Fish Eagle'. | ||
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Shopping unlimited - East Rand Mall just 14 km down the R 21 from Chamonix Guest Lodge and Eastgate about 20 km on the R 24 to Johannesburg offering shops.....shops and shops like nowhere else in Africa. Virtually anything under the sun can be bought and in addition flee markets, restaurants of all kinds and tastes and cinemas are located in and around both shopping centres. | ||
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� 2009 Chamonix Guest Lodge.