Calling all jazz lovers

Join the Chromatics for jazzy Sunday lunches at the Maropeng Hotel, launching on July 4, 2009.

Established musicians Michael Ramasimont and Bareng Seilane make up this jazz duo. Maropeng Marketing Manager Erica Saunders says, “We auditioned a lot of bands, but really liked their sound.”

The Chromatics, influenced by jazz greats Duke Ellington and Sergio Mendes, produce a mixture of old school and modern jazz. 

Saving the world one carpool at a time

Local weatherman and environmentalist Simon Gear has written an excellent book to help us live greener lives. Going Green: 365 Ways to Change our World is a day-by-day guide to reducing your carbon footprint and leading a more sustainable life. 

Stargazing in the rain

The rain drew a gauzy curtain across the view of the hills. Beyond the glistening deck, there was a grey haze where the Magaliesberg range should have been, fading to blue in the distance.

Inside, in a comfy chair, I sipped hot chocolate, while Vincent Nettmann, Maropeng’s resident astronomer, set up the projector. Other guests mingled, enjoying the complimentary welcome drinks, under the watchful eye of Sylvia Makgetla, Maropeng’s sales and marketing assistant and our host for the evening. The question on everyone’s mind was “How do we stargaze when it’s pouring down outside?”

John Robbie broadcasts live from Maropeng

Gauteng talk radio station Radio 702 broadcasted live from Maropeng on Friday morning, bringing the history of humankind to hundreds of thousands of Gauteng listeners of the John Robbie Show. 

New Gauteng logo unveiled at Maropeng

Gauteng’s new logo was launched by its Premier, Paul Mashatile, at Maropeng on Tuesday.

Maropeng and Cradle of Humankind award R20 000 to local school

Unity Primary School, a farm school in the Tarlton area, has taken top honours in the Cradle of Humankind Gauteng schools’ treasure hunt competition. 

Maropeng launches their new wine list

Join Maropeng and Cederberg for the launch of their wine list at the Tumulus Restaurant on November 8, 2008. All the wines available on the evening will be from the Cederberg range. 

Book now to enjoy Christmas lunch at Maropeng

Bookings are now open for the Christmas Day lunch at the Tumulus Restaurant and at the Maropeng Hotel. Booking is essential as space is limited.

Maropeng hosts Eskom lighting awards

Maropeng recently hosted the Eskom Energy Efficient Lighting Design competition awards.

Maropeng celebrates Heritage Day in African style

Maropeng, the official Visitor Centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, invites you to celebrate in African style on September 24, 2008. Maropeng will be hosting an African chocolate brand, Chocolates by Tomes, at the Magaliesburg Classic Country Festival. The country festival will be held in the grounds of Bekker School (off the R563 on the way to Hekpoort). 

Maropeng hosts 24-hour mountain-biking challenge

Mountain biking can be a tough sport in the simplest of conditions. But throw in a gusty wind, a cool dark winter night and 24 hours of non-stop racing, and you will soon understand the “challenge” in the Mugg & Bean 24-Hour Mountain Bike Challenge, held at Maropeng on August 30-31.

The Mugg & Bean 24 Hr featuring the EA Rock Feast

The Mugg & Bean 24 Hr is taking place this year on Saturday and Sunday, 30th and 31st August. The race was extremely popular last year and won ‘Best One Day Race 2007’ in Bicycling Magazine’s Rate Your Race awards.

Father’s Day weekend at Maropeng Hotel (15 June)

Show Dad how much he means to you by spoiling him with a weekend getaway at the tranquil Maropeng Hotel, or a traditional spit braai at the Tumulus restaurant. 

Maropeng celebrates Youth Day (16 June)

Maropeng is committed to enlightening today’s youth through knowledge, to ensure that our heritage is preserved for future generations. On Youth Day, Maropeng will commemorate our country’s future leaders.

School holiday festivities at Maropeng (21 June to 13 July)

Running out of ideas to keep the kids busy in the school holidays? A trip to Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, will keep young minds occupied long after the visit is over. The Maropeng visitor centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the last boat ride departs at 4pm. Guided tours are offered on weekends.

New fossil display: The days of dinosaurs (1 May to 30 June)

In the ongoing quest to reveal the secrets of our past, Maropeng will once again be showcasing the world’s oldest dinosaur eggs.