Modderfontein

With its acres of rolling hilly grasslands, forests and many dams, the Modderfontein Reserve is a haven for indigenous flora and fauna. There are well-maintained cycling and hiking trails and regular guided nature walks led by conservation experts. If you are in need of relaxation, then sit back and soak in the peace and tranquility over a braai (barbecue) on the Fish Eagle Dam, or enjoy a drink at the elegant Val Bonne Country Estate restaurant and function venue.

The small Modderfontein village is centred around quaint Main Street, which is lined with old colonial-style houses and mansions. Visit the small AECI Dynamite Company Museum, located in the original home of the first factory manager, to learn about the explosive history of dynamite in South Africa.

Next door is the grand Franz Hoenig House. Although not usually open to the public, museum visitors are free to explore its beautiful gardens. For lunch and some light refreshments stop at Oakes Brewhouse and the adjoining Thirty-Three High Street restaurant. Enjoy a crisp, cold beer brewed on site and one of the restaurant’s wood-fired pizzas: and don’t forget to buy a bag of Oakes signature coffee roast to take home.

If you like cheeses, then Germiston’s Cremalat is a must. This family-run restaurant, deli and cheese factory in a non-descript office park makes a variety of delicious Italian cheeses. If you are lucky there might be a free table at the busy La Cucina@Cremalat restaurant and you can enjoy a huge bowl of one of the traditional pasta dishes.

La Marina Foods is another culinary hotspot hidden away in a Modderfontein business park. The shop supplies restaurants and amateur chefs with all kinds of hard-to-find ingredients such as Moroccan argan oil and truffle powder. It also has a café and sushi counter.