gauteng

As an official countdown to Travel Week SA, scheduled for 23-29 September with local holiday discounts up to 50% on www.shotleft.co.za, we were invited by South African Tourism to explore Gauteng and North West. On this 4-day #shotleft experience we got to learn more about different places, chase adventures and even have relaxing spa treatments.

Our journey kicked off in Johannesburg, we took the M1 South towards Soweto, our first destination being Lebo’s  Soweto Backpackers, where we hopped on Tuk-Tuks(auto rickshaws) for a short tour that saw us visit former miner hostels where almost every two-bedroom establishment ran an entrepreneurial venture like selling kotas (quarter loafs sandwiches) or flavoured ice lollies. We also got to snack on braaied “Isbindi ne Thumbu”(Liver and colon) served with Uphuthu(crumbly pap). 

We then rickshawed back to the backpacker premises, wore traditional Zulu attire, sat at “The Circle of Unity”, sipped on a choice of  Chibuku(traditionally brewed beer)  or Mageu(non-alcoholic drink made of fermented mielie pap) and immersed ourselves in transitional ceremony procedures like grunting at the pleasure or displeasure of the drink tastings: Haaaaaaaaaa! Lunch was next and we feasted on delicious stews, starch and veggies cooked in drie-foot pots,  popularly known to lock in food flavours.

Adventure followed, as we headed to the iconic Soweto Towers, for an adrenaline charged hour. Each of us had the opportunity to sign up for preferred activities such as Scad Freefalling, bungee jumping and quad biking. I booked the highest Scad Freefall in the world, because I had never tried it before and the thought of landing on an air mattress from a 45-metre drop was a total thrill. The fall itself was short, but still exhilarating. Something I will definitely do again (video footage to be shared on my Instagram feed.) Also snuck in a  lekker 30min quad bike jol.

Then we overnighted at the only hotel in Soweto, named The Soweto Hotel & Conference Centre situated in the historically rich Kliptown area. This was a four-star boutique hotel that made for a decent night’s rest with their spacious rooms, uniquely decorated with monochrome pictures of South African freedom fighters.

Our roadtrip continued and we found ourselves in Hartebeespoort, this is where we checked out “Little Paris” for a quick photo op. We also  enjoyed panoramic views of the North West and its neighbouring areas from aerial cableway cars at Aerial Cableway Hartebeespoort. Would recommend this activity to anyone looking for an experience full of great scenery.

Made our way back to Gauteng for our stay at Misty Hills Hotel, which was a complete treat. Shortly after checking in at the hotel, we each popped into the spa for head, neck and back massages. Once that was done, we prepared for an all-you-can eat meaty dinner with ten (10) different types of three (3) game meats. Twas an awesome eating experience, as such ***I will be  giving away a  Carnivore voucher for two(2) people, this Saturday 28 September 2019 between 15h00  and 18h00 via my Instagram Account***

Lastly, the Maropeng Museum and Sterkfontein Caves visits within The Cradle of Humankind were proper highlights, because we got to check out fossils, enter cave sites and retrace steps of human evolution.

Gotta love South Africa for its local flavour, culture, heritage and history!