Really cool things to do in Joburg that you may not know about

7 Really cool things to do in Jo-burg that you may not know about:

Since moving back to Joburg after living in Cape Town for a few years, I found that I was slightly out of touch with the social scene around here. Then I started to research, i guess the lawyer in me took over,  I typed "cool things to do in Joburg" into google (because I'm kind of a google freak too) and was given suggestions like "visit the cradle of humankind" and "go to the lion park." I found these to be a little too run of the mill for my liking as a local and realized that if I wanted to discover where the new cool places were, I would need to just get out there and start networking and asking questions. So I thought I'd share some of the really cool things I have discovered, because I know how difficult it can be to find fun things to do when you seem to be stuck in the Joburg rut.

1) Black Ops Laser-tag - become a part of your favorite action movie

Black Ops Laser-tag, Strydompark, Johannesburg 

So the Idea of Laser tag doesn't seem so appealing when you have the good old Barney Stinson fantasy floating around in your head. I first heard about this particular spot from my brother (a Gaming freak) and at first i wasn't convinced. I was worried i would be so bored or that it would all be too technical for me. My brother persisted  however, and we went to try it out. On arrival, we were asked to create separate profiles with "player names" and were issued with black ops laser tag cards which we would need to swipe at the front desk if we wanted to join games in the future. The receptionist very kindly explained how it would work and helped us input our information so that we could create our profiles. All in all it took minutes to complete, and after we were logged In to a time slot we were ushered into the equipment room where we were given our laser tag vests, headbands and guns (which looked and needed to be reloaded and used just like semi-automatic rifles!) 

Once we were all briefed and ready to go, we were divided into two teams "Alpha" and "Bravo" and were taken into the field of play, which was basically a warehouse made to look like a small city. There was a hospital, a marketplace, police station, US embassy, a mansion and a graveyard. Each building was decorated to make it seem as realistic as possible, and had multiple rooms and doors perfect for trying to hide from oncoming attacks. A second story, low light, and a smoke machine made the playing field even more life-like. 

We played various games (6 in total) where the aim was always to try and outlast, capture, or defeat the opposing team. I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was to play and how incredibly life like the game seemed. Each game turned me into a soldier and It was war! I became addicted instantly. It was also an incredibly good workout as each player would try to sneak-attack a member of the other team, we were lunging, running, jumping, ducking knealing, leopard crawling and tip toeing all over the place and at the end of it all we were drenched.

This truly is such a fun thing to do with a group of friends at the weekend and I highly recommend going and giving it a try. there is no need to gather a large group of people together as there are almost always other people booked in to play and if not the staff members will join in to make up team numbers. all you need to do is look up the schedule on their website(see link below) and arrive in time for the time slot you prefer.

TIP: give yourself at least 30 minutes to check n and get geared up beforehand and wear pants which are comfortable and cover your legs fully- you will get sore knees otherwise!

Cost:+/- R350 pp 

Location: 28 Samantha street randburg ( just off malibongwe)

Details and to book a timeslot: http://blackopslasertag.co.za/

2) 1 fox the sheds- for good food and live music

The first time I went to 1 fox, it had just opened its doors and was still undertaking renovations. Now that its up and running, it has become one of my favorite places to relax at the weekend. With its amazing yummy food stalls, its awesome and fully stocked bar, its cute little craft shops and the funky live entertainment, its worth a visit. Having come home after living in Cape Town, where markets like the Hout Bay Harbour market are legendary, i didn't have high expectations for 1 fox when i first went, but once again i was pleasantly surprised by the mellow atmosphere and out of this world food. Definitely have a taste of the Dim Sum which is delicious and reasonably priced! The Pizza is also amazing and another of my regular stop overs is the Belgian waffle stall, here they offer you the option of 1 giant waffle drenched in your favorite topping or alternatively, 4 mini waffles each with a different topping of your choice-  Ferero Rocher, Oreo, Marshmallow and salted caramel are just a few.  Right next to the waffle bar are the most awesome little places selling pastries, cakes and all things heavenly that will make your toes curl they taste so good. Just Teddy and Heroines cafe are both worth a visit!

In the event that you need to quench your thirst, Mad Giant Brewery is a breath away from the food stalls and guarantees a good time. For the non-alcoholic bunch there is also a bubble tea stall.

Whether you need a new place to take the family on a Sunday or you just want to listen to some cool music and munch on some good food, 1 fox- the sheds is the place to be. Families with small children will really enjoy the open air movie which is run in conjunction with the Bioscope. Also, Watch out for the last weekend of every month- it tends to get busy.The last Friday of every month means night market time! the food stalls stay open till 10 pm or later making for a really cool atmosphere.

There is also a private function venue on site and there are often live bands playing.There is secure parking available at a fee of R 10.

TIP: most of the stalls deal with cash or use the Snap Scan App so before you go make sure you download the App or have some cash on hand.

Operating hours: Friday 12-5 pm Saturdays  10 am to 7 pm and Sundays(and Public Holidays) 10 till 4 pm and Night fox (last Friday of the month) 12 till 10 pm
upcoming events:

website: http://www.1fox.co.za/

3) Hennops Hiking trail

This is one of my absolute favorite trails in Jo-burg. Located near Hartebeespoort , Hennops has 3 hiking trails with circular routes. There's a 2,5 km trail, a 7km trail, and an 11km trail. There is also a picnic spot close to the edge of Hennops river and ablution facilities are available for day visitors. 

Each hike is incredibly scenic and boasts a little bit of adventure thanks to the river swing which is the only way to cross the river to and from the hiking trails. The hikes allbegin along the river and are not too difficult so there is something for everyone, first time hikers and the more experienced alike. Its always a fun day out

TIP: arrive as early as possible because when the sun comes out it gets really hot!   

website:http://www.hennopstrails.co.za/

4) '"Paint Nite" South Africa- Get creative and down a cocktail

One of the most fun nights out i have had in a long time! The best part of the whole thing is that you can choose which masterpiece you would like to create on the website and because there are so many different venues its easy to find one close to wherever you are.

The ticket price includes all materials; canvas, paints, apron, and of course the guidance of the professional who leads the event. At first when i decided i wanted to go i was worried that i would never be able to produce the magnificent image that i had chosen to try and replicate, however the step- by-step guidance of the professional made the evening really enjoyable and the painting became so much simpler. By the end of the evening i had produced a picture i was actually quite proud of and i had had such a wonderful night. I loved being able to sip on a glass of wine with with one of my best friends and just be creative, without judgement or fear of imperfection... it really was an incredible feeling. 

Price:+/- R500pp
Website: https://www.paintnite.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaintNiteSouthAfrica/

TIPS: 

• First, the tickets can be expensive at about R500 pp but there is a way around it. if you like the page on Facebook and wait until the week before your event takes place, the Facebook page generates a promotional code which allows you up to a 45%  discount on your ticket.. it can be a gamble because the popular events may sell out before the code comes out but it pays off ;)
• Second: Arrive about 45 minutes before the event so you can grab a seat and order some food and drinks

5) Movie night at Morrels in Northcliff:

Morrells Botique venue in Northcliff is something of a hidden gem and what many people dont know is that their incredibly romantic and beautiful venue hosts many events during the year. one of my favourites is their vintage movie nights. The ticket price usually includes something yummy to eat like a picnic basket for two. very romantic and a cool thing to do close to home. they usually only arrange one movie night per month so check out their website to book. tickets sell fast so get in quickly.

Their November movie details appear below:

Ticket price:+/-R350 pp
Tips: Book early they fill up quickly! 
website: http://www.morrells.co.za/category/news-events/ 

6) Visit Paris in Gauteng and have some French Toast.

The restaurant "French Toast" in Hartebeespoort is a little Known spot that can really make you feel as if you're in a completely different place... Faux Paris! 

Get sentimental and kiss your sweetheart under the replica of the Eifel Tower and lock a love lock on the lock bridge and toss away the key. Its a fun and goofy thing to do which will make you feel a little less bogged down in the day to day slump of your "regular" hang out spots, so go on... be a bit goofy and give it a try.

The Restaurant "French Toast" which is right next to the Eifel Tower replica is amazing! most of the items on the menu are made with... yes, you guessed it, FRENCH TOAST. But this isn't just any french toast, its thick, buttery and melt in your mouth delicious and way worth the calories! Our favorites are the eggs benedict on french toast and the french toast dipping stack. The other items on the menu like croissants and pancakes seemed to be just as delicious and beautifully presented. French music plays in the background and the tables are placed right in view of the Eifel tower Replica.

The whole Experience was really relaxing and enjoyable and just made us feel like we were on a mini-break.The whole venue was originally built to be a movie set and is extremely well done. I would suggest a visit if not for the Faux Paris feel then for the French toast... yum!

Tip: Go Hungry and make a day of it. If you want to buy a lock, they sell them at the entrance, don't buy your own.

7) Hartebeespoort cable car: 

This might be something you want to pair with number 6 above if you really want to make a day of it in Hartebeespoort. I loved the fact that the Cable car itself was small and intimate. Only 6 people fit into a single car at a time which makes the experience incredibly intimate and romantic. The views on the way up and at the top are spectacular, they also have a few nice restaurants with live music at the top which makes the whole journey a really festive experience. There are also a number of walking trails along the top of the mountain which offer spectacular views.

For those with children there are Children's play areas at the top which will keep the kids busy, as well as a restaurant which offers kids the option to make their own Pizzas, which will keep them busy for hours.

Hours: 9am - 4.30pm every day
Tickets: R195 for adults (Up and Back) and R115 for kids aged 4 to 14 (kids under 4 ride for free)
Website: hartiescableway.co.za
Tips: Combine with French toast (number 6) for a really fun day out.