Midrand: Motorsport, Culture and Nature

Midrand brings together distinctive cultural sites and themes ranging from motorsport to nature conservation. At the Nizamiye Complex, a mosque with a history of construction and a bazaar offer different perspectives on the area; Lory Park adds its own distinctive element. BMW driving courses at the Kyalami race track also make Midrand appealing to travellers who want to plan their days around more than a single theme.

Motorsport and a distinctive cultural complex

BMW xDrive Park is located in Midrand. BMW driving courses at the Kyalami race track are led by certified BMW M instructors. The circuit meets FIA Grade 2 standards. For motorsport enthusiasts, this offers a concrete point of interest to include in their travel plans; the details about the circuit and courses also offer a different perspective on the destination from its local cultural and nature themes.

Construction of the Nizamiye Masjid in the Nizamiye Complex began in October 2009 and was completed in 2012. These dates give the site a clearly defined recent history of construction. The complex also includes the Nizamiye Bazaar, which offers Turkish handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and home accessories, as well as other goods. If you are looking for a particular item, you can check what is on offer before your visit.

The architectural history and range of goods can thus be considered as different interests within the same complex, without combining them into a single experience. When choosing a holiday rental, it may be important to consider which of these themes you want to include in your trip and how much space to give them in your own itinerary.

Nature themes in Midrand and the wider destination

Lory Park Zoo & Owl Sanctuary covers five hectares in Midrand. It was founded in 2000 as a small owl sanctuary. Visitors interested in nature and animal conservation can consider this background alongside Midrand’s cultural and motorsport themes.

The wider destination of City Of Johannesburg also offers its own nature and cultural themes. The Johannesburg Botanical Garden is an 81-hectare green space used by runners, picnickers and dog owners. The dam in the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens offers opportunities for canoeing and sailing; facilities belonging to a diving club are also located on the eastern shore. This offers a different way to spend the day from visiting museums or going on walking tours.

City Of Johannesburg also offers a range of cultural highlights: the Apartheid Museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. Its permanent exhibition traces South Africa’s history from the dark days of oppression to a place of healing shaped by democratic principles. The Origins Centre explores the origins of humankind in Africa and the development of technology, art, culture and symbolism, as well as South African rock art traditions.

Constitution Hill is home to South Africa’s Constitutional Court and is a living museum about the history of the country’s journey to democracy. The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Orlando West, Soweto, commemorates the schoolchildren who were involved in the 1976 Soweto Uprising. A Soweto Bicycle & Tuk Tuk Tour travels through culturally significant parts of the township and offers insights into local communities, history and culture.

Which base suits your travel interests?

When deciding between a holiday rental in Midrand and a stay elsewhere in the destination of City Of Johannesburg, it helps to weigh up the experiences you are looking for. Motorsport, the Nizamiye Complex and Lory Park are specific themes in Midrand. Museums, Soweto experiences and green spaces across the wider destination offer other focal points. Consider which themes you want to focus on, then choose your accommodation base to suit your own travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Sandton, Roodepoort, Randburg, Johannesburg, Lanseria, Lenasia, Alexandra, Pimville.

To the overview of the wider destination: City Of Johannesburg.