Gauteng: West Rand
Overview
The West Rand extends from
Randfontein in the west to
Roodepoort
in the east, and includes the town of Krugersdorp. The areas of
Carletonville
and
Westonaria are alos included although they are sometimes refered
to as the Far West Rand. The areas are economically linked to the each other and
Johannesburg through the gold mining industry . Gold Mining is the backbone of the
South African economy, with the most mining centred in Gauteng. The Gold Rush resulted
in the need for towns and cities and gave birth to Johannesburg and to the West
of it, Roodepoort, Krugersdorp, Randfontein and Westonaria, which were established
to fill the needs of mining communities there. In the Carlonville area are the Western
Deep Goldmine Levels, whose main shaft reaches down 3 581 m below the surface.
Things to see and do
Two of the earliest gold mines in South Africa can be visited at Kromdraai
and Magaliesburg, where guided tours reveal the lives of these
early pioneers. Prominent on the West Rand are the towering mining headgear structures.
Suspended from a gantry constructed over the opening of the mineshaft, these structures
were used for lowering and raising equipment, mined rock and personnel. Modern,
more durable concrete structures have now replaced these relics.
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site first named by
UNESCO in 1999. This site currently occupies 474 km². it contains a complex of limestone
caves, including the Sterkfontein Caves, where the 2.3-million year-old fossil Australopithecus
africanus (nicknamed "Mrs. Ples") was found in 1947 by Dr Robert Broom and John
Robinson, as
well as the Wonder Cave. Tourists in the West Rand should take the
time to visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre. Their interactive displays will leave
you feeling exhilarated about the past, present and future.
For the wild game lovers there are the Krugersdorp Game Reserve
and the Abe Bailey Nature Reserve west of Carletonville Here there
is excellent viewing of both grassland and wetland birds - the current reserve list stands at over 220 species and while a number of these are vagrants or erratic migrants,
one could still expect to see at least 60 species in a morning. There are also zebras,
springboks, black wildebeests and red hartebeests.
The appealing Crocodile Ramble that meanders in and around the
Cradle of Humankind and Hartbeespoort Dam, offers a series of art studios and galleries,
pubs, tea gardens, nurseries, picnic and camping spots, bird walks, 4x4 trails,
hiking and horse trails and a heritage tour (see http://www.theramble.co.za/ for
more information).
Two mountain ranges, the Magaliesberg and the Witwatersberg,
grace the western fringes of the region, which, when combined with the Skeerpoort
and Crocodile River valleys, makes for beautiful and interesting
hikes, rock climbs and days out in nature.
Climate
The West Rand, like the City of Johannesburg, has a dry, sunny climate, with the
exception of occasional late afternoon downpours in the summer months from October
to April. Temperatures are usually mild due to the high altitude, with the average
maximum daytime temperature in January of 26 °C (79 °F), dropping to an average
maximum of around 16 °C (61 °F) in June. Winter is the sunniest time of the year,
with cool days and cold nights. The temperature occasionally drops to below freezing
at night, causing frost - and every decade or so there can be a nice sprinkling of snow.
Accomodation
The accommodation in the
West Rand area is generally of a very
high standard. Many private guest houses cater for international tourists and even
celebrity stylef living. Accommodation options range from exclusive game lodges
to comfortable self catering chalets and apartments. There are also a variety of
excellent hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments. Camping and
caravanning are also popular accommodation choices. If you are interested in living
a real 'bush'
experience, you'll definetely find some here as well.
Towns and Suburbs
Roodepoort, Krugerdoorp - Mogale City, Randfontien, Westonaria, Carletonville, Magaliesburg