On Monday, 23rd of March, 2026, I set off on a five-day journey to the Cradle of Mankind with 45 fellow travellers from U3A branches across the Western Cape, led by our guides, Mike Rule and Holly Carr.
A short two-hour flight brought us to Johannesburg, where we stepped out into steady rain and met Kobus, our Gauteng guide. With over 30 years of experience and deep local roots, he proved an engaging and knowledgeable companion throughout the trip. The rain, he told us, had lingered for months—a sharp contrast to the heatwave we had left behind. Fortunately, the clouds soon lifted, giving way to clear skies for most of our stay.
We travelled by bus to Misty Hills Country Hotel, pausing enroute for lunch at a charming French café—an unexpected and delightful surprise. The hotel itself was set in expansive, leafy grounds, with guests housed in scattered chalets. While picturesque, the layout made for some energetic walking. Our visit to the Cradle of Humankind was a highlight. Through immersive exhibits, we traced the long arc of human evolution, from early hominids to modern humans. We encountered the story of Mrs Ples and descended into a dramatic underground exhibition that brought prehistory vividly to life. A gentle boat ride carried us through scenes of ancient landscapes and evolutionary milestones—an experience both atmospheric and thought provoking. As one traveller observed, it left us all feeling “very young.” Back at the hotel, evenings were relaxed; after dinner one night, a small group gathered for a friendly game of bridge, later navigating the cobbled paths to our chalets under the dim glow of night lights.
Another day took us to the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, where we glided smoothly up the mountainside. From the summit, sweeping views stretched across the Hartbeespoort Dam, its surface shimmering in the sunlight. Despite its beauty, we learned that invasive hyacinths have affected the water quality. We lingered over lunch at the top, soaking in the scenery while Kobus shared plans for the area’s ongoing development.
While others headed off on a game drive the following day, I chose a slower pace—a spa treatment reached by a leisurely bakkie ride through the hotel grounds, offering yet another chance to enjoy the tranquil setting. That afternoon, we gathered at the Carnivore Restaurant for a memorable meal. An array of African game meats was on offer—zebra, impala, crocodile, even lion—but I opted for a comforting curry instead, leaving the more adventurous choices to others. On our final day, we visited the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Bathed in sunshine, the gardens were a fitting finale, with a magnificent waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs and drawing admiring crowds. That evening, we flew back to Cape Town, arriving just after 20:30 – tired, but enriched by a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable journey.
Jennifer Windholz
