thit_cho

On my return from Kgalagadi, I will have a seven hour layover in Johannesburg. Initially, I considere a visit to De Wildt, but I understand that it's more than an hour from JNB, which is a bit too far during that layover. So, I am considering a visit to The Cradle of Humankind, which will allow me to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sights on my upcoming trip (I will also visit the Drakensburg range and Greater St. Lucia wetlands).

jasher

Hi Michael,

I believe that the Cradle of Humankind is actually further (in terms of travel time, not geographical distance) than DeWildt. I looked into doing this one time when I was passing through and DeWildt was closer.

Cheers,
Julian

Maurice_M

Hi there,
both are just about doable, however you should ask yourself “should you really leave the airport during your layover?”. There are security issues and you should really check with the airline if they allow this (normally they do not).
De Wildt only has two sessions per day one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and you must make a reservation in advance. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and you will need at least 1-1,25 hour to get there and probably 1.5 hours on the return journey as the traffic will be horrible of you take the afternoon session. Everyone leaves for home at 16.30 and the roads in Johannesburg are always nose to tail for at least 1.5 to 2 hours after that, especially travelling around the ring road (N3) and towards the airport (R24).
De Wildt is located near to the Hartbeespoort Dam, and depending upon the road you travel to get there, (if you take the R512) then you will pass the Cradle of Humankind anyway. So maybe this would be a better option if time is in short supply.




Maurice

thit_cho

Believe me, with seven hours I fully intend to leave the airport. I am on two different flights, the first from Upington, and then I need to check in separately for my international flight, so I don't need the permission of the airline. I'll do something in that window, even if its just to eat at Kapitan's in downtown Johannesburg -- a former Mandela hangout. I have long wanted to eat there, but I haven't made it on my other trips to Johannesburg. Since De Wildt has fixed tours, it won't allow me the flexibilty I need, so its more likely that I'll visit the Cradle of Humankind, or just stop in the city for a meal. I don't have any interest in wandering around Sandton Square -- I've done that before, and I'd rather see the central city.

luangwablondes

Go to a casino and donate to the cause.

thit_cho

I "donated" plenty at Montecasino on my last layover.