PLATINUM 2010
Papers
Venue
Map
Tourist Attractions
Tourist Information
First Announcement (PDF)
Second Circular (PDF)
Registration Form (PDF)
Registration Form - 1 Day (PDF)
Hotel Reservation Form (PDF)
Other Conferences
Contact Details

Fourth International Platinum Conference

'Platinum in Transition - 'Boom or Bust'

Sun City, South Africa, 11-14 October 2010

Tourist Attractions in the Surrounding Area

Sterkfontein Caves

Wonder Cave

Maropeng

Kromdraai Gold Mine

Game drives

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre

Elephant Sanctuary

Lion Park

Krugersdorp Game Reserve

Hartebeespoort Aquarium

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

Magaliesberg Canopy Tour

Hot Air Balloon ride

Hartebeespoort Cableway

Astronomical observatory

Traditional Zulu village

Lesedi Cultural Village

Crocodile Ramble

Ngwenya Glass

Van Gaalen Cheese Farm

Hiking

Trout fishing

Sterkfontein Caves
The ancient fossils known as Mrs Ples and Little Foot were discovered in these caves. There are six large underground caverns and an underground lake. Daily 45-minute tours, starting every half hour, from 9am to 4pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Phone: (011) 956-6342

Wonder Cave
This naturally beautiful cave is 2200 million years old, and has a vertical entrance by lift. The Wonder Cave has an enormous chamber with beautiful 15-metre-high stalactite formations, as well as cave pearls and rimstone pools. Bones of rodents, frogs, lizards, and birds have been found in the cave. Open daily from 8am to 4pm, with tours on the hour.
Phone: (011) 957-0106

Maropeng
Maropeng means "returning to the place of origin" in Setswana. This is meant to remind visitors that it is believed that the ancestors of all humans came from Africa. The visitor centre takes on the form of an ancient burial mound or tumulus. A journey on an underground lake illustrates the four elements - water, air, fire, and earth. The journey continues through exhibits showing the ancient history of our species, including real fossils from the Cradle of Humankind. Open 9am - 5pm.
Phone: (014) 577-9000
http://www.maropeng.co.za

Kromdraai Gold Mine
This old gold mine is one of the earliest on the Witwatersrand, dating back to 1881. Guided tours are available on the hour, from 9am, with the last at 4pm.
Phone: (011) 957-0211

Game drive

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
This game reserve has about 30 species of animals (about 600 individuals), including rhino, lion, buffalo, cheetah, and wild dogs.
Phone: (011) 957-0044
http://www.rhinolion.co.za

De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre
http://www.dewildt.org.za

Elephant Sanctuary
The Elephant Sanctuary, near to Hartebeespoort Dam, is home to orphaned African elephants. Experienced guides provide fascinating information about the elephants, and visitors get to experience these magnificent animals close-up. Walk with elephants and experience them as never before.
http://www.elephantsanctuary.co.za

Lion Park
http://www.lion-park.com

Krugersdorp Game Reserve
This 1500 hectare park is home to four of the 'big five', as well as giraffe and hippo. Attractions include a 100 hectare lion enclosure, and a large aviary where 150 indigenous species can be observed. Roads are tarred. Self-catering picnic facilities are available.
Open seven days a week, 8am - 6pm. Phone: (011) 950-9900
http://www.afribush.co.za

Hartebeespoort Aquarium
http://www.hartbeespoortdam.com/aquarium/

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
http://www.nbi.ac.za/frames/sisulufram.htm

Magaliesberg Canopy Tour
Travel on ziplines above the trees in the Ysterhout Kloof, near to Sparkling Waters in the Magaliesberg mountains. Eleven platforms have been built against the cliffs and rock faces of the kloof and are joined by long steel cables. The 2.5 hour canopy tour essentially involves zigzagging down the kloof while stopping at each platform to admire the expansive views. Two trained canopy guides assure the safety of each participant while describing interesting facts about the indigenous plants, bird life, ecology, and geology of the area.
http://www.magaliescanopytour.co.za

Hot Air Balloon ride
Float gracefully over the Crocodile River Valley. There are a number of launching sites, including Glenburn Lodge.
http://www.balloon.co.za

Hartebeespoort Cableway
http://www.hartbeespoortdam.com/cableway/

Astronomy and dinner
The Observatory restaurant at Aloe Ridge combines dinner with a live astronomical experience, with images from the large telescope projected onto a screen.
Phone: (011) 957-2070 E-mail: aloeridge@pixie.co.za
http://www.aloeridgehotel.com/Dining.htm
http://www.dining-out.co.za

Heia Safari - Traditional Zulu lunch and dancers
http://www.heia-safari.co.za
http://www.heia-safari.co.za/html/hzk.html

Lesedi Cultural Village
http://www.lesedi.com

Crocodile Ramble
Arts and crafts around the Crocodile River
http://www.crocodileramble.co.za

Ngwenya Glass
Glassblowers can be seen in action on weekdays (and on the last weekend of every month). Handmade and mouth-blown glassware (using recycled glass) is for sale every day of the week, from 9am to 5pm. This relaxed rural setting also has a number of craft shops and a tea garden.
http://www.shadesofngwenya.co.za

Van Gaalen Cheese Farm
This farm produces cheese according to old Dutch traditions. Guided tours are available, and cheese can be bought from the farm shop. Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 8am - 5pm. Bookings essential.
Phone: (012) 207-1289 or 083-226-7834
E-mail: vgaalen@hixnet.co.za

Hiking

Trout fishing