Muldersdrift

Muldersdrift, part of the West Rand District Municipality, is an attractive rural area between Johannesburg and the Magaliesberg mountains. Situated on the Crocodile River in the Kromdraai Valley on the edge of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, it’s easily accessed from the N14 highway and provides a relaxed, pleasant getaway from the Johannesburg’s hectic urban vibe.

Discover authentic country accommodation at guest houses, boutique hotels, lodges, B&Bs and safari parks, surrounded by rolling hills and lush grasslands, nurseries, small farms and smallholdings. If you’re here on a weekend or a public holiday you’ll see at least one bridal party because Muldersdrift has become Gauteng’s wedding capital.

Dozens of couples plight their troth here each year in rustic chapels, renaissance gardens, an automotive museum, riverbank venues with spectacular views, thatch farmhouses and more, all conveniently close to Johannesburg and Pretoria but in a lovely area that feels miles from the city.

You can also tie that knot deep in a forest or in the Cradle of Humankind itself at the five-star Forum Homini Boutique Hotel, set within a private game reserve. Muldersdrift is also known as an arts and crafts hub where artists, potters, crafters and all kinds of home industries have set up shop.

Browse part of the scenic Crocodile Ramble, one of South Africa’s most popular arts and crafts routes. Visit the Ngwenya Glass Village and watch glass-blowing demonstrations and maybe buy one of the lovely creations made from recycled glass. The handmade items are exported all over the world.

Other shops in the village sell handcrafted items such as delightful wire animals and birds, tiles and African curios. Look in at the art gallery and then sample some handcrafted beer and delicious food at the on-site microbrewery, Gilroy’s. Also close to Muldersdrift is the not-to-be-missed Wonder Cave, one of the show caves of the Cradle of Humankind.

Formed between five million and 10-million years ago, it’s a huge single limestone cavern measuring 125m long, 54m wide and 60m deep. It’s full of fantastical rock formations, flowstone sculptures, stalactites and stalagmites. You don’t have to be potholing-fit to visit the cave, but be warned there are 88 steps leading down into and out of this subterranean cathedral.

For more a sophisticated 21 st -century experience, have a flutter, a meal, a massage or enjoy some live music, stand-up comedy or a movie at Gauteng’s newest casino, the Silverstar casino and entertainment centre in Krugersdorp, home to a variety of restaurants, shops, conference facilities, a spa, and a hotel.