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Montecasino is a shopping, hotel, entertainment and casino complex built in the style of an 18th or 19th century Italian village and derives its name from the monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy which was the scene of a bloody battle in World War 2. This recreated village is replete with original Vespa scooters and Fiat 500's and is located in the suburb of Fourways about 10kms northwest of Sandton or about 25 kms outside of the Johannesburg CBD.
The complex includes four 5 star hotels, a casino, shops, restaurants and theatres arranged around an open air piazza and squares interconnected by narrow lanes. Internationally renowned shows including The Lion King, Cats, Beauty and the Beast and High School are staged at the modern 1000 seat Teatro.
Regular special events are hosted and have included a National Tattoo, Davis Cup tennis and an Irish Food Festival over St. Patrick's Day weekend.
However, our favourites include the Montecasino Bird World located next to the Montecasino Hotel which features aviaries of exotic birds plus flying shows at 11.00am and 3.00pm each day.
Our overseas visitors have also been particularly impressed with eating dinner or drinking coffee at one of the restaurants surrounding the piazza especially on a summer's evening while the musical fountains dance to classical and popular music each hour and, all the while minstrels and jugglers perform as they stroll among the crowds.
Contact +27 11 511 1864 or visit the website at www.montecasino.co.za
Suikerbosrand (Afrikaans for Sugarbush ridge, the Sugarbush or protea caffra is a protea species found in the reserve) is a delightful 13 000 hectare reserve providing a quiet refuge a mere 30 minutes south of the busy concrete jungle of Johannesburg on the N3 motorway to Durban. The "ridge" or mountain range which comprises the bulk of the reserve, rises to the highest point in Gauteng at approximately 2000m above sea level and consists mainly of grassland forested with indigenous trees in the ravines and some acacia karoo on the southern slopes.
A scenic 60 km circular drive traversing the mountain range, is marked at various points of interest and boasts a pretty picnic area half way round complete with braai (or barbecue) facilities and toilets. A large playground and a 19th century historic farmyard (tours may be arranged), form part of the main picnic area located at the entrance. Horse trails can be arranged in advance.
Over 20 species of game including eland, zebra, black wildebeest, springbuck, hartebeest, kudu, tssesseb, leopard etc roam the reserve while birdwatching can turn up some special species (total 286) such as the Orange River Francolin. Both cycling and hiking are popular activities: the circular drive provides a stern test for the cyclists while hiking trails range from 4.5kms to 17kms for single day outings. A network of additional trails allows up to 6 days of hiking to be undertaken complete with overnight huts.
Hotel accommodation (3/4 star quality) is available in a secluded valley.
Contact the Reserve: +27 11 904 3930
Protea Hotel: +27 16 365 5334
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/suikerbosrand_nature_reserve/
