Gauteng, South Africa is a dynamic province. Considered the commercial heart of the country, its energy and vibe are tangible from the moment you arrive. From historical and cultural attractions that speak of the country’s turbulent past to world-class cities that are distinctly African, Gauteng has much to offer visitors.
Best time to visit
Gauteng is an all-year-round destination. Spring to autumn (September to May) is beautiful and warm, with hot summer days that usually bring rain. Winter days are mild, but morning and evenings very cold.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Gauteng attraction, Cradle of Humankind, produced some of the world’s oldest hominid remains.
Gauteng South Africa is the commercial powerhouse of the country. But its offerings are not limited to commerce and industry, Gauteng’s tourism contribution is equally impressive, with Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto, Cullinan and Magaliesburg all ranking as top Gauteng attractions.
Anchored by the historical cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng provides plenty in the way of shopping and entertainment through its network of malls, casinos, flea markets and suburban stores.
Both cities house a number of museums, including the Hector Pieterson Museum, Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Museum of Military History, Pretoria Art Museum and the Museum Africa.
Johannesburg and Pretoria are also home to several theatres and playhouses, offering authentic South African musical performances, drama, ballet and side-splitting local comedies.
Soweto is a very popular Gauteng destination. This is largely due to the pivotal role it played in South Africa’s struggle for freedom but also, because of the unique cultural experiences it offers. Adventure tourism is also taking off and visitors can bungee jump and swing in and outside of Soweto’s iconic Orlando Towers.
On the outskirts of these bustling metropoles, the cityscapes give way to Highveld grasslands that stretch out to the province’s borders.
In Johannesburg, this extends south to the Sedibeng region and the watersports mecca of the Vaal River, and west towards the popular Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves and the charming country village of Magaliesburg.
At Pretoria, it extends north into the Dinokeng tourism region, which is home to the quaint mining town of Cullinan with its ‘big hole’, and rolling savannahs that feature a number of game reserves.
Aside from township tours, visitors to Gauteng can also delight in other cultural experiences, which include visits to the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village in Soweto, Heia Safari Ranch in Muldersdrift and the Zuluka Tribal Village just outside Pretoria.
Johannesburg
In Johannesburg, wining and dining is superb; the championship golf courses are of the highest standard; and there seems to be an ongoing party all day, every day. In addition, the city boasts beautiful natural surroundings, adventure sports and the world’s foremost palaeontological site at Sterkfontein.
Jozi, Jo’burg or Egoli to its friends – the city is a vibrant melting pot of humanity that ensures you won’t walk alone when exploring the city’s many cultural and leisure attractions. The City of Gold welcomes you.
The area where Johannesburg stands was once grassland, but is now one of the biggest man-made forests in the world. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden at Kloofendal conserves a piece of the original grassland as well as succulents and ferns. It is home to over 120 bird species, including the only pair of nesting black eagles in Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens off Thomas Bowler Avenue in Emmarentia is famed for its Rose Garden and numerous waterfowl found in the reed beds of Emmarentia Dam.
Cutting through the northern suburbs from the Westdene Dam is the 25 km Braamfontein Spruit, the longest parkland stretch in SA. There are numerous sporting activities like walking trails along the river and adjoining areas, such as Melville Koppies, where an Iron Age village and smelting works are to be found.
Johannesburg, founded in 1886 with the discovery of gold, has had a somewhat turbulent past. Of most interest to the history buff are Newtown, Constitution Hill and Soweto. Mary Fitzgerald Square is also worth a visit in the CBD which includes Museum Africa, the Bensusan Museum of Photography and the Market Theatre in the restored Fresh Produce Market building, as well as the Workers Museum in the revamped Electricity Department Compound and art galleries, craft shops and restaurants.
For contemporary African sounds, try the Bassline in Newtown or head out to one of the funky jazz joints in Soweto. The thriving local music scene caters for all musical tastes. Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, Johannesburg is also the wealthiest and most entertaining city in South Africa’ Gauteng province.