Hello Muna-Community!

With the exciting announcement of the location of the 2017 MunaLuchi Coterie Retreat we are looking forward to all of the amazing attractions to explore. Below is just a few of the top things to do in beautiful Johannesburg, South Africa!

The Coterie Retreat is an annual 3 day conference for wedding and event professionals that service the multicultural market and are looking to fine-tune their businesses, master best practices and enjoy some down time connecting with the best of the event and wedding industries.

Launched in 2014 by the founders of Munaluchi Bride Magazine, the Coterie Retreat is more than just another conference -- it champions inclusion, diversity, and community. Read the backstory here.

Created specifically for members of the Coterie by Munaluchi and their industry peers, the Coterie Retreat was put together with you in mind. Our mission is to provide a platform of growth and collaboration for wedding professionals that cater to the fast growing multicultural market.

MonteCasino Bird Gardens

One of the best reviewed Johannesburg attractions is conveniently located on the grounds of the Palazzo Hotel, host venue of the 2017 Coterie Retreat. the MonteCasino Bird Gardens is just a brief walk from your room and features beautiful gardens, stunning bird species, mammals, reptiles, and educational shows. (Image Source)

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid; a racial system of segregation in the history of South Africa. Through contemporary installations, viewers are educated on the rise and fall of this discriminatory form of government and the struggle of the majority who overthrew it. (Image Source)

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam

This 81-hectare Botanical Garden features numerous refreshing gardenscapes, including the Shakespeare Garden, the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, a Hedge Demonstration Garden and the main arboretum. The Emmarentia Dam is home to many aquatic birds and is a popular spot for canoeing and boating. (Image Source)

Constitution Hill

"Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past and, today, is home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens.

There is perhaps no other site of incarceration in South Africa that imprisoned the sheer number of world-renowned men and women as those held within the walls of Constitution Hill’s Old Fort, Women's Jail and Number Four. Nelson Mandela. Mahatma Gandhi. Joe Slovo. Albertina Sisulu. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Fatima Meer. They all served time here. But the precinct also confined tens of thousands of ordinary people during its 100-year history: men and women of all races, creeds, ages and political agendas; children too; the everyman and the elite. In this way, the history of every South African lives here." (Text Source) (Image Source)

Arts on Main

"Arts on Main is a mixed-use creative hub in Johannesburg’s arts-gentrified urban neighbourhood, the Maboneng Precinct. The premises consists of artists’ studios, galleries, eateries, and various office and retail spaces, offering visitors a range of events, arts and merchandise. It is a unique environment for the city’s creative community to develop and share ideas and engage in multiple innovative experiences in one venue." (Text Source) (Image Source)

Lesedi Cultural Village

"Located near Hartbeespoort Dam in South Africa's North West province, Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village is a flagship cultural tourism destination for visitors interested in learning more about South Africa's traditional people and cultures.
At the Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village you can experience the colourful sights and sounds of authentic African villages and learn about the ways of the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, Nguni and Ndebele people. Traditional song and dance and a feast fit for a king top off an unforgettable day and night." (Text Source) (Image Source)

Mandela Museum

"The Nelson Mandela Museum is situated on the N2 highway in Mthatha in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. It promises visitors a memorable cultural experience and insight into the life of Nelson Mandela, with guided tours and a heritage trail that follows his in his footsteps.

Comprising three separate locations, the Nelson R. Mandela Museum consists of the Bhunga Building in Mthatha, the Qunu component and an open-air museum at Mvezo. The historic Bhunga (translated loosely as council or caucus) building accommodates an exhibition tracing Nelson Mandela’s journey, as told in his own words, and narrated in part from his acclaimed biography A Long Walk to Freedom. It also showcases a diverse selection of the gifts bestowed on South Africa’s most-beloved statesman, Madiba, during his presidency..." (Text Source) (Image Source)

Lion and Safari Park

"The Lion and Safari Park is a 600 hectare wilderness reserve situated in the Hartbeespoort, Magaliesburg and Cradle of Humankind area. The Lion and Safari Park offers a wealth of exciting activities for the whole family. Guests are guaranteed the opportunity to get extremely close to many of Africa’s most exciting animals including Brown and White Lion, Wild dog, Cheetah and over twenty different African wildlife species. While exploring the park, guests will get the opportunity to view many amazing animals including Zebra, Giraffe, Gemsbok, Springbuck, Blesbuck, Sable, Nyala and many many more." (Text Source) (Image Source)

Soweto

"A tour of Soweto (short for South-Western Townships) is a must for any visitor keen to get a taste of the vibrant street life this township is famous for.

More of a city than a township, Soweto has its roots in the gold mines that drew workers to Johannesburg in the beginning. However, after the National Party was voted into power in 1948, Soweto grew rapidly as apartheid tightened its grip on the country and forced black people out of “white areas”.

Today, a tour of this sprawling area will show you the many milestones of South Africa’s turbulent political history." (Text Source) (Image Source)

Wits Art Museum

"Wits Art Museum is home to an extraordinary collection of African art, including contemporary and historical art from South Africa and art from West and Central Africa. The Museum is one of Johannesburg's premier tourist attractions, along with the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill. It is part of the Wits University Cultural Precinct, just three blocks from Nelson Mandela Bridge. WAM is in the hip, regenerating area of Braamfontein, which is also home to many students, interesting shops and places to eat. The WAM Cafe is a fun place to meet friends and enjoy delicious food and coffee." (Text Source) (Image Source)

Start planning your 2017 Coterie Retreat today! Register here! Early-bird registration pricing ends March 31st!

For those of you interested in joining the Coterie, MunaLuchi's curated community of elite wedding vendors, you can apply here.

10 Places You Must Visit While in Johannesburg