Gauteng

Travel South Africa - GAUTENG

For travellers looking to explore the rush of Africa’s very own city that never sleeps, hit the ground running in Gauteng. Gauteng might be South Africa’s smallest province, but it is also the country’s most densely populated. More than 14-million people hustle their way through life in the landlocked province.
Gauteng means ‘place of gold’ in the Sotho languages. The same spirit that transformed the capital, Johannesburg, from a dusty 19th-century mining settlement into one of Africa’s skyscraper-clad mega-cities still runs through the veins of the locals. Johannesburg (also Joburg and Jozi) is South Africa’s urban playground, slap bang in the centre of the province. It’s a city of not just dreamers, but doers.
This same energy can be felt, only on a slightly calmer scale, in Pretoria, the de facto national capital, an hour’s drive north of Johannesburg. While the cities are the pull in Gauteng, there’s a surprising number of natural attractions within an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. From the magnetism of the cities to natural beauty, rich historical sites and great human conversations, you can find it all in Gauteng.
After all, Gauteng crackles with the same amount of energy as its infamous highveld storms in the summer. Like the Gauteng Tourism tagline promises, ‘It starts here’.

Gauteng Travel News

EXPLORE

When Gautengers need a break from the daily grind, they head to the Magaliesberg Mountains in the east and the private game reserves close to the cities. Or head a little further out into the North West to relax in the Kruger National Park or on the Hartbeespoort Dam.

Just a short drive from the metropoles, one can enjoy wildlife spotting, bird watching and relax in the quiet sounds and sights of the African bushveld. If you’re staying in the city, there are parks to be explored, running trails and, in the spring, Pretoria is the country’s most colourful city.

Magaliesberg Mountains

Why you should visit: The Magaliesberg Mountains (not to be confused with Magaliesburg town 8 km away), stretch for 120 km from Tshwane (Pretoria city and surrounds) into Limpopo. The mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth, are an ideal weekend getaway from the buzz of the city. Birdwatchers can spot up to 300 species of bird. Visit the Rustenburg and Silkaatsnek nature reserves to see sable antelope, which have been re-introduced to the region. Many fit Gautengers come here to hike, trail run and mountain bike. Continue south into Limpopo to find more adventure at the Hartbeespoort Dam.
How to get there: It’s a one-hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

Why you should visit: Snuggled in the south of Gauteng, is the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, a hiker’s paradise with well-marked day trails of 4 km, 10 km and 12 km, and backpacking trails of 66 km. There are well-equipped overnight huts and facilities for those embarking on those longer hikes. You can spend up to six days hiking through the reserve. Hike (or run the trails) and keep your eyes peeled for zebra, black wildebeest, hyena and more.
How to get there: It’s less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, close to Heidelberg.

Jacaranda City

Why you should visit: The best time to visit Pretoria or Jacaranda City, as it’s affectionately called, is during the spring months of late September to mid-November. Mid-October is regarded as prime time to see the city’s streets and parks coloured bright purple from the over 70,000 flowering Jacaranda trees.
How to get there: For the best birds-eye view, take a drive up into the Klapperkop Nature Reserve (entrance is free) accessed from Johann Rissik Drive. There are great viewpoints overlooking the city. Try spot the hundred rare white Jacaranda trees that flower on Herbert Baker Street too.
Walking around, find some of the oldest Jacarandas on Bosman and Cilliers Streets.

EXPERIENCE

From its gold rush past to the present day, South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg is where the movers and shakers come to, well, move things along. The city boasts the ultra-clean and efficient high-speed Gautrain, whizzing visitors from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Sandton City in just 15 minutes. Time is money here. It’s a distinctly modern city, ever-changing, but with an Africaness in every pore.
Gauteng is home to many historic sites that, when peeled back, reveal the secrets of how the South African Rainbow Nation’s democracy emerged.
Immerse yourself into the energy, culture, adventure and history experiencing all Gauteng has to offer.

Cradle of Humankind

Why you should visit: You don’t have to be a paleo-anthropologist to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Cradle of Humankind. The whole family can go back to where it all began at Maropeng, the official Visitor Centre. Join a self-guided tour at the visitors’ centre to view four million-year-old hominid and dinosaur fossils, as well as ancient artefacts, and then take the guided tour into the Sterkfontein Caves.here. Do as the locals do, grab a surfboard and hit the waves. If you’re a newbie, join one of the many surf schools for a lesson.
How to get there: It’s an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Visit Maropeng and then drive 10 km down the road to the Sterkfontein Caves.
How much does it cost: Adults can buy a combination ticket for Maropeng and the caves for R190.

Hop on Hop off city sightseeing bus

Why you should visit: Johannesburg’s iconic red double-decker open-top Hop on, Hop off sightseeing bus is the best way to get an overview of the city. The network visits all the notable historic sights. With over 16 stops in the city and Soweto, you can visit 20 must-see attractions such as Gold Reef City, Zoo Lake, SAB World of Beer, Constitution Hill and the many museums.
We highly recommend you spend some time at the Apartheid Museum. The in-depth exhibition brings the turbulent past of the country to life, and it’s a must-do for every local and international visitor. Buy a two-day bus pass so you can spend an entire day at Gold Reef City, whisking you back to the city’s gold rush past. The amusement park is situated on an old gold mine, and the non-claustrophobic (and those not scared of the dark) can join the only authentic underground mine tour, descending 226 meters into the bowels of the earth, for a glimpse into the world of a gold miner.
How to get there: Visit www.citysightseeing.co.za for all the bus pick-up points.
How much does it cost: A two-day adult ticket is R300.

Soweto

Why you should visit: Soweto lies southwest of Johannesburg and is home to more than 1.3-million South Africans. It is on the streets of Soweto that our country’s freedom was born. Support a local tour, which will take you to places such as the former home of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. See where the Freedom Charter was signed, the Hector Peterson Memorial and more. There’s no other way to better understand township culture by asking a local to show you into their world. Afterwards, relax with a beer and watch the soccer at one of the taverns.
Adrenalin junkies should swing by the Orlando Towers to jump off the world’s first bungee jump between two cooling towers, at the site of an old coal-fired power station. The towers are now brightly coloured depicting township life and are Soweto’s most iconic buildings. The centre for adventures also offers abseiling, zip-lining and more.
How to get there: Find Orlando Towers at Dynamo Street, Corner of Chris Hani Road, Orlando East, Soweto.

Soweto Derby

Why you should visit: You haven’t experienced the spirit of South Africa until you witness the colour and chaos of a local soccer (football) game. The Soweto Derby at Joburg’s Soccer City is the match to see! The annual event sees Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs battle it out for the fiercely contested title. The atmosphere is unbeatable, even if you have no interest in soccer.
How to get there: Find Soccer City, also known as the FNB Stadium, at Soccer City Ave, Nasrec.
How much does it cost: Book extremely early. Buy tickets at Computicket and from Shoprite/Checkers stores. Tickets priced from R100 upwards.

SLEEP

Never a province to take things slow, if you’re looking for somewhere to lay your head in Gauteng, you’ll find it quickly and easily.
If you’re after the high of the city, choose to stay at one of the swanky, ultra-modern hotels or highrise blocks in trendy Sandton, Rosebank or Melrose Arch. If you’re craving culture, check in to Soweto.
If you need a little downtime, head out of the cities to power down in the bushveld.

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice

Why you should stay here: Sashay into the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice hotels if you’re looking for a glam, fun place to party or lay your head in Johannesburg or Pretoria. The hotel chain has a Fire & Ice Hotel in Johannesburg’s trendy Melrose Arch and Pretoria’s Menlyn, within walking distance of Menlyn Park, Africa’s largest shopping mall. The trendy hotels are designed with the Millennial and millennial-minded traveller in mind, with rooftop pools, cool design and stylish areas for socialising. When booking, ask for a room with city views.
How to get there: Find them at 22 Whiteley Road Melrose Arch Precinct, Johannesburg and Summit Place Precinct, 221 Garsfontein Rd in Menlyn, Pretoria.
How much does it cost to stay here: A double room for two adults sharing is from R1,300 at Melrose Arch and from R1,800 at Menlyn.

Wildsbokkie Chalet, Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

Why you should stay here: If you’re hiking the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, you can choose from five chalets or the campsite. For a romantic hideaway for two, we like the Wildsbokkie Chalet. It’s nothing fancy but is comfortable (you’re here for the views) with some special extras, such as an outdoor shower and corner bathtub. You may just see some game sauntering past!
How to get there: Ask at the Visitors Centre upon entering the reserve.
How much does it cost to stay here: A weekend stay (two days minimum) at the chalet is priced at R1,950. Visit http://www.suikerbos.co.za.

Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers

Why you should stay here: Immerse yourself into township culture with a stay at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, 5 km from the Orlando Towers. It’s one of the most highly rated accommodation choices in Soweto. Join one of the cycling or walking tours around the neighbourhood or volunteer at a community project. The backpacker’s colourful outdoor area and ‘beach bar’ is a favourite place to hang out and feast on shisa nyama listening to the latest kwaito tracks. There are dorm beds, twin and double rooms and self-catering rooms available.
How to get there: It’s best to call for directions. The address is 10823A Pooe Street, Orlando West, 1804 Pimville.
How much does it cost: Dorm beds are priced from R200 per person.

Glamping in the Cradle of Humankind

Why you should stay here: Enjoy glamping in the bush at Sibani Lodge Tents in the Mount Savannah Game reserve, nestled in the Cradle of Humankind. Four cosy and comfortable en-suite tents offer amazing views over the plains and waterhole. You could spot wildebeest or zebra just metres from your tent. There is no Wi-Fi or electricity in the tents, but there is a generator at the nearby boma, where guests can charge devices when the generator is switched on at certain times of the day. The main Sibani Lodge is just 2.5 km away. Sitting in your camping chair on your front ‘stoep’ watching the stars fill the sky is just the right way to end the day.
How to get there: Sibani Lodge is 8.6 km from the Cradle of Humankind, situated on Farm Danielsrust on the R563.
How much does it cost to stay here: The luxury tent is priced from R2,000 per night.

EAT

From fine-dining establishments where you can expect speedy, efficient service that will leave many Capetonians’ heads spinning, to kicking back township-style enjoying the best of African meats, you can eat the world in Gauteng.
Eat as the locals do. In swishy Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose, dress up and head out for parties, dancing, cocktails and clubs. In hipster central, the Maboneng Precinct grab a craft beer and a vegan bowl from the markets. In Soweto, kick back with kwaito and enjoy a lekker braai,

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice milkshake bars

What’s special about it: If you’re staying at Protea Hotel Fire and Ice in Melrose Arch or Menlyn, cool down with a milkshake at their trendy milkshake bar. Choose from more than 40 delicious, and some downright quirky flavours, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The burgers are also great.
How much does it cost: A half-portion milkshake is priced from R45.

Shisa nyama

What’s special about it: When in Soweto, eat as the locals do. And, in Soweto, that means shisa nyama (braaied or BBQ meat). There are many mouthwatering establishments in Soweto but, if you’re visiting the Orlando Towers, pop in at Chaf Pozi at the base of the towers, a culinary institution. Choose from beef, chicken, pork and wors (South African sausage) to be braaied on the open flames and a traditional South African side dish (pap and chakalaka are popular) while you enjoy a cold beer, the vibe and music. It’s very festive at the weekends so bookings are essential.
How much does it cost: Various meal options start from R140 per person, including meat and sides.

Fine dining in the Cradle

What’s special about it: If you’re stepping back in time at the Cradle of Humankind or hitting the trails of the Magaliesberg, opt for a spot of fine dining at Roots at Forum Homini. The restaurant is on-site at the Forum Homini Boutique Hotel and is renowned for beautifully presented dishes, rivalling the views. This is not the space to dine in a hurry. Choose from four to six courses from the frequently changing, seasonal menu. It features African, French and Asian influences.
How to get there: The hotel is on Kromdraai Rd, Mrgale City, 14 km from Muldersdrift.
How much does it cost: A four-course weekday or Saturday lunch costs R295 per person.