Jim is hunting leopard this month and I'm thinking I want to do something a little different for a few days.

I trek along for every step of Jim's hunts, every year. I've even sat in a blind. Tough to do, that blind business is. Once, on the walk back to the vehicle after a few unproductive hours in the blind, the PH asked me if I had seen anything. I replied, "No. I was too busy looking for a bridge."

He asked, "What bridge?"

I answered, "A bridge to throw myself off of."

You see, the minute I stepped into that blind I had to cough. Then I started itching, had to pee, you name it. It was quite a test, and I think I flunked it.

I plan to stay at the Afton House for at least five days and go see Gold Reef City, Hartebeestpoort area, the Lion Park, Pretoria, and the Sterkfontein Caves. Afterward, I'll join Jim at the hunt camp. I've been to Jo'burg four times, but usually it only serves as a hub on the way to and from a hunt camp. So, I've only seen the Rhino and Lion Park and been curio shopping at various places.

Is there something great to see in the Jo'burg area that maybe I hadn't thought of? Something that is out of the ordinary? Since I can't carry a weapon over there, safe areas are a must. And Kruger is crazy on their prices. I can't imagine spending that kind of money on animals you can't pop.

Any suggestions?

Dear Sue

Gold Reef City and the Apartheid Museum will keep you busy for one full day. They right next to each other. If you thought about jumping of a bridge, Gold Reef City might just give you an idea what it might feel like on one of its rides. You go up a mineshaft in a rollercoaster type of ride and then fall a couple of hundred feet (90 Degrees) to the bottom where you experience 6.3g's of gravity. Most people says after the ride 'NEVER AGAIN!!!' The ride is equiped with high technology which includes a highspeed camera. If you are willing to pay us$6.00 you can get a picture and see what your face might look like when you jump of a bridge. All the rides are for free, thats if you are brave enough.

There is a Lion farm with lots of game not far from Gold Reef City you get Krugerdorp. Sterkfontein Caves is near this town. Just out of Krugersdorp is the Krugersdorp Nature reserve where you will at a very cheap price able to get close to most of the animals you can see in Krugerpark. The reserve is a selfdrive and Rhino and Lion can be seen in their natural enviroment.

Then there is the Krugedorp Lion Park(http://www.pbase.com/barryml/lions_2) and close to Honeydew is another Lion Park (http://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/gauteng/detail.php?id=21)

If you get to these places you will find that the area is full of attractions and you will not have enough time to visit all the places. The good thing is, it's all in one area which is safe.

Sue,

If you've got that long, I'd suggest you get out of Jo'burg and either go down to KZN and spend time in the parks there or alternatively stay in the larger camps in the KNP which are quite reasonably priced.

Alternatively contact my friend John Ilsley at john@detra.co.za who will be able to offer you a wide range of differently priced options in a wide range of venues.

Send me an email to shakari3@mweb.co.za if you need more details.

Sue
If you are going to be stuck in a lodge then please make it a better one than Afton. they are great for passing through, but beyond that its going to be boring.
I strongly suggest you check out Ndlovu Lodge. Peter Harris owns it and Saeed will vouch for him as a great guy speak to Dirk, Tom or Peter and they will take great care of you. Their website www.ndlovulodge.com does no justice to the place and as far as i know the prices are in the same range as Afton but with 5 star atmosphere, great staff, great food and a leopard on the wall to keep you company. They also have a spa on site and have are situated on the outskirts of Pretoria where you will be able to shop or spa your way to heaven whilst being secure in the Zwavelpoort Bush just far enough out of town to enjoy the feel of it.

If you are interested in Natal then I suggest you follow Shakari's recommendations and go see Zululand and surrounds. Its gods own country and worth every penny. You have so much to choose from there that your 5 days will fly by and leave you wishing for more time.
If you want more info please feel free to ask and I will be happy to make recommendations on what to do in KZN

Ian

You might consider a couple of days at Sun City http://www.sun-city-south-africa.com/ The resort is adjacent to the Pilanesburg game park http://pilanesberggamereserve.com/index.html. Consider an early morning ballon safari in the park.

I second what Vlam said about staying at Afton for more than passing through. Gold Reef City is interesting, but the gold pour at the end of the tour is not pure gold. If I remember correctly, it may not contain any gold. It is copper and some other metals. If I would have known that prior to the pour, I wouldn't have waited around to see it.

As I've planned this trip, I watched the exchange rate drop steadily down to USD1 = R7.6. That needs to slow up, or improve.

I appreciate all of your suggestions!!! I had never heard of the Ndlovu Lodge, but it looks nice and I like that it does have a SPA!!! That'll be a lot more fun than the tick bite fever I got from wallowing in the grass last time. I sent Ndlovu an email to see what they can offer in terms of a deal.

I also had not been to the Krugersdorp Nature Reserve. I went to their web site and see where they have four of the big five. That's good. And I hope to see the Sterkfontein Caves in that area anyway.

I am also looking into what Steve's friend at De Tra Travel can offer as well. I found his web site just a bit ago.

I've been to Sun City and toured the Lost City and then I did the "lost money" tour of the casino. I enjoyed my visit there, but we didn't have time to see Pilanesburg Park. So, I definitely would like to do see that park this time.

Thanks again for your suggestions, and if you think of anything else, please post.

I have stayed at both Peter's old place as well as Ndlovu. Very nice and they will take good care of you. There are some good provincial parks not far. Also a great flea market type place that is great for souvenir type stuff is not far. You can go to the casino or any one of a dozen places within a resonable drive.