The West Rand

This region (like its big sister, Johannesburg) was largely founded in the gold rush of the 1880s (in modern times, at least!).

In ancient times, it bore witness to the birth of humanity, with hominid and animal fossils dating back over 4 000 000 years!  As such, it is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 'Cradle of Humankind'. 

It's an area rich in fauna & flora & many natural attractions & includes friendly mining & historical towns and villages like Krugersdorp/Mogale City, Magaliesburg, Western Deep Levels and Carletonville. 

Left: Emeritus Prof. Phillip V Tobias, acclaimed South African anthropologist, with a collection of fossil hominid skulls at his lab in Wits University, Johannesburg.