Midrand

Description

Midrand is a thriving business hub situated along the N1 highway between Sandton and Centurion. Although its central location makes it an ideal destination for corporate travellers, Midrand remains a popular equestrian region with residential country estates and quiet back roads where tourists and holiday makers can easily “get away from it all”.

Midrand has experienced a great deal of growth and modernisation in the last decade, mainly due to its excellent highway links. It is fast becoming a business nucleus large enough to rival that of Sandton – without the high rises – and there is now little break between the outskirts of Johannesburg and those of Pretoria. If current growth trends continue, much of the Gauteng province will be city by 2015. Business executives and tourists also have easy access to the Gautrain with a station near the Grand Central Airport. The Gautrain ensures quick access to the bustling centres of Pretoria and Johannesburg, and tourist hotspots like Sandton City.

Midrand consists of several suburbs that range from busy business sectors to rural equestrian plots. Halfway House was aptly named for its original position between Witwatersrand (Johannesburg) and Pretoria; serving as a halfway stop between the two cities. Carlswald is the most modern suburb with many new residential, business, and shopping complexes. But drive a little further off the N1 and you’ll find quiet areas that have somehow managed to evade development. Blue Hills, Crowthorne, Glen Austin, Glenferness, and President Park all maintain a country atmosphere with large properties where you will find all types of homes and accommodations, from new and upmarket to old and rustic; many of which feature horse paddocks. The most popular equestrian suburbs are undoubtedly Beaulieu, where you will find the Equestrian Academy, and Ranjesfontein, which boasts large oval horse racing tracks.

Kyalami is one of the most well-known suburbs, made popular by the Kyalami Kart Circuit and Kyalami Motor Racing Circuit, an international renowned grand prix racetrack and the venue for many of South Africa's premier motor racing events. Kyalami is also home to the 18-hole Kyalami Country Club, as well as the internationally acclaimed white Lipizzaner stallions that perform classical dressage shows every Sunday.

For a bit of nature appreciation, the Glen Austin Bird Sanctuary is home to many species of birds, including the Crimson Breasted Shrikes, Pied Barbit, Tit Babbler, and White and Abdims Storks. The Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary is a small zoo that is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday. One of Midrand’s biggest attractions is Gallagher Estate, one of South Africa’s largest conference and exhibition facilities. Gallagher Estate can host up to 12,000 delegates in style and comfort, attracting both national and international clients. It is largely responsible for the many excellent accommodations that have sprouted in the area.

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