PYRO 2011
Slag Course
- Course notes
Technical Programme
- Papers
Social Programme
Organisers
Delegate List
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Handbook (pdf)
Registration Form
Deadlines
Template for authors
Announcement (pdf)
Venue and Map
Tourist Attractions
Tourist Information
Photographs
Other Conferences
Contact Details

Southern African Pyrometallurgy 2011 International Conference

Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, 6-9 March 2011

Tourist Attractions

Sterkfontein Caves
Wonder Cave
Maropeng
Kromdraai Gold Mine
Game drives
Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre
Lion Park
Krugersdorp Game Reserve
Hartebeespoort Aquarium

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
Hot Air Balloon ride
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: (014) 577-9000

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 daily 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
http://www.maropeng.co.za/index.php/exhibition_guide/sterkfontein/kromdraai/

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. Open daily.
Phone: (011) 957-0044 or -0106 E-mail: hippo@global.co.za
http://www.rhinolion.co.za

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

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

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 (2 hours).
Guided game drives in 650 ha game reserve. Open daily.
Phone: (011) 919-5000 E-mail: heia@netactive.net
http://www.heia-safari.co.za

Lesedi Cultural Village
Cultural village, craft market, and restaurant. Open daily 7:30am - 7:30pm.
Phone: (012) 205-1394/5 E-mail: enquiries@lesedi.com
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