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Historical and
cultural tours with African Classic Encounters
- for example “A Taste of the History of South Africa”:
Visit Alexandra, a vibrant and exciting township situated on the
outskirts of Johannesburg, and hear stories of early township life. Once
home to Nelson Mandela, Alexandra has shaped the history and culture of
South Africa. Then have lunch at Liliesleaf Farm, headquarters of the
ANC resistance during Apartheid, and site of the capture of the Rivonia
trialists. Visit Vlakplaas, home of the Apartheid hit squads. Finally,
see the Voortrekker Monument and discover the history of Afrikaner
people.
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Apartheid Museum and
Constitution Hill Tour
– visit of Museum, followed by visit of Constitution Hill precinct
(formerly a fortress, then notorious prison, now housing South Africa’s
new Constitution Court).
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Cradle of Humankind
- visit one
of the richest and most prolific fossil sites in the world, in
Sterkfontein Valley, and gain a wealth of information about human
prehistory from 3,5 million years ago to the present.
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NEW: Origins Centre
Museum – a
journey of discovery beginning with origins of humankind in Africa, rock
art traditions, ending in a contemporary world
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Gold Reef City, Ormonde
Open 09h00 – 17h00 (closed on Mondays)
Situated on what was for many years the world’s richest gold mine, the
venue comprises a set of reconstructed buildings from the gold rush
era. One shaft of the old mine is kept open, allowing visitors
experience a fascinating underground tour. The park also has a funfair,
restaurants and activities for children.
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Constitution Hill, Braamfontein and the Nelson
Mandela Bridge
Open 09h00 to 16h00 daily (except for Christmas and Good Friday)
Site of an historic prison and now home to the South African
Constitutional Court, Constitution Hill will upon completion house
complex of restaurants, hotels and a precinct for cultural events.
The Nelson Mandela Bridge: Opened in 2003, the 284 m long bridge
linking the Newtown Cultural Precinct with the Constitution Hill
development, this state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge was named after
Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s most revered bridge builder and the man
who led the county to democratic reconciliation. In addition to
acquiring instant iconic status and redefining the Joburg skyline, the
bridge also forms the heart of a R300-million inner city renewal
project.
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Soweto
The name given to the largest and most famous segregated African city in
South Africa, situated to the south-west of the Joburg CBD. No visit to
Gauteng is complete without trip to Soweto, home still to veteran
anti-apartheid activists and scene of the 1976 student uprising. There
are plenty of sites to visit including the homes of Nelson Mandela and
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Walter Sisulu Square (formerly Freedom
Square), the Hector Pietersen Memorial & Museum and the Regina Mundi
Catholic Church, to mention but a few.
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MuseumAfrika, Newtown in Johannesburg CBD
(Open 09h00 – 17h00, closed on Mondays)
Once the city’s fruit and vegetable market, this magnificent Victorian
building now houses important early Africana heritage collections
including displays on the Treason Trial (1956-60, Ghandi’s almost 20
years spent in South Africa and a recreation of some of South Africa’s
most magnificent San rock art.)
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Johannesburg Art Gallery, Joubert Park, CBD
(Open 10h00 – 17h00, closed on Mondays), It is best to use a guide to
access this gallery.
Housed in a grand colonial building (designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens),
Johannesburg’s principal art collection is acknowledged as the most
representative collection in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding Islamic art)
and includes major pieces from many genres – from 19th Century
traditional African objects, anti-apartheid art and works by several
European masters including Picasso and Rodin..
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SA Museum of Military History, Saxonwold
An internationally renowned collection of military equipment, machinery
and memorabilia (dating from World War I) displayed in an immaculate
park adjoining the Johannesburg Zoo.
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Lesedi Cultural Village, Magaliesberg
(Tel: 012-205 1394)
This purpose-built cultural village provides visitors with a unique
opportunity to immerse themselves in African art, culture, dancing and
music. Enjoy performances twice daily or stay overnight, seven days a
week.
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