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Gauteng Province

Gauteng Key Experiences - Capital is Johannesburg "city of gold"

  • Urban Vibe, Apartheid Legacy, discovery of gold: Johannesburg
  • History, Culture, people: Soweto
  • Oldest archaeological find in human existence: Cradle of Human Kind

Its frenetic pace, gleaming shopping malls, trendy spots, and strange mix of ultra modern and traditional shops, makes Gauteng a fascinating place for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in South African culture.

Soweto is a place that exposes the soul of South Africa, pulsing with hope and determination. An opportunity for travellers to gain insight into township life and traditional African hospitality can be taken at one of the new B&B's in Soweto. The richness of Soweto history, art, crafts, music and food will fuel the senses and stir the spirit...

A tour of Soweto is unforgettable for most visitors who will drink with the locals in a "shebeen", try the latest dance moves at upmarket nightclubs, soak up the national passion at a football stadium, or visit sites where epic struggles for freedom once raged. Tour guides will explain the fascinating history of Soweto, reliving highlights of Nelson Mandela's life there, as well as the 1976 uprising or "Children's Revolution".

Day-trips out of Johannesburg are very popular. There are some beautiful landscapes just an hour away - such as the Magaliesberg Mountains and the Hartbeespoort Dam. There are wonderful country hotels and leisure pursuits such as horse riding, hiking, luxury spas, or hot air ballooning in this area. An interesting day trip is one to Pretoria, which is glorious in October, when the lilac Jacaranda trees are blooming. Another highlight is the Cradle of Humankind, near Johannesburg , which is a world heritage site.

It was here in Johannesburg that Nelson Mandela and his colleagues acquired their political education in the 1940s and 1950s, and where their world-famous notions of leadership and democracy were formed. Gauteng has thus been at the centre of the "ideas revolution" and that tradition continues today.

Ever since the great gold rush of 1886 in the Witwatersrand, Gauteng has been South Africa's foremost industrial centre. Gauteng houses one of the world's great cities - energetic, inventive, endlessly creative, sybaritic, vibrant - Johannesburg. Jo'burg, Jozi, Egoli - call it what you will - this dynamic city is a great place to do business.

It's the place to go for a real urban buzz. Everyone is on the move - doing business, making money, making music, jogging, "gymming", cycling, partying till late, eating out, watching shows, movies and exhibitions - and shopping, shopping, shopping! The older part of the city is developing an interesting character that hums with a new vibrancy - thanks to visionary inner city renewal projects.

Gauteng Must Do's

  • Soweto - home to two Nobel Peace Prize Winners, President Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
  • Johannesburg & Pretoria
  • Cradle Of Human Kind
  • Gold Reef City

North West Province... Wildlife, Sport & Adventure

The North West, like the Free State, is a "big sky" province. It consists of classic bushveld terrain, with several key features, each very different from the other. In the 1920s, a discovery of world-shaking proportions was made in a district in the North West. A student working in the Taung area was given what looked like a fossilised baboon skull that had been unearthed in a lime quarry, showing attributes of both humans and apes. From this specimen, paleoanthropologists the world over believe the theory that humankind originated in Africa.

The North West is also home to the famous luxury resort of Sun City. The resort is an easy two-hour drive from Gauteng, and offers a long list of wonderful diversions, such as casinos, live shows, a man-made sea world, and two championship-quality golf courses. The resort has a variety of accommodation options, the most luxurious of which is at the Palace of the Lost City, an utterly sybaritic extravaganza of five-star pampering and luxury set in magnificent landscaped gardens which attract visitors on their own account.

Next to Sun City is an excellent "Big Five" game park called the Pilanesberg National Park. Its proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria makes it a convenient choice for visitors in Gauteng who have not had a game experience or who are short of time. However, there is another major park in this province, the top rate Madikwe game reserve on the Botswana border, which is often a choice for repeat visitors who have been to the Kruger National Park and wish to sample another region.

For those with an interest in the Anglo-Boer War, a visit to the town of Mafikeng, where the seven-month siege of the British took place is a must.

The North West has a frontier feel to it, and is an excellent option for the freethinking visitor with a reasonable amount of time to spend exploring. Be on the lookout for roadside stalls selling jewellery, beadwork, and other crafts made by the Batswana people of the region. In addition, the province is a gateway region to neighbouring Botswana.

North West Province "must-do's"
Magaliesberg

This mountain range that separates the North West Province from Gauteng. It has a host of art and craft venues, great restaurants, cosy coffee shops, pubs, comfortable guest houses and outrageous adventures. Another big attraction is the Hartbeespoort Dam, with a myriad of water sport activities. The surrounding area offers a variety of game viewing experiences, that include lion, rhino and cheetah. An unforgettable way to view the entire area is by hot air balloon.

The Pilanesberg National Park

Home to the "Big Five" it is set in a 1 200-million year-old extinct alkaline crater, one of only three of its kind in the world. The park has some interesting rock formations scattered throughout the landscape and is home to important archaeological sites such as San rock art.

Sun City

The destination of choice for the traveller who wants to gamble, eat at a variety of restaurants, watch a show or two, and indulge in all sorts of hedonistic pleasures. The glitz is relieved by some fun outdoor options including a human-made beach and wave pool, and two world-renowned championship golf courses. It is within easy driving distance from both the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and the Madikwe Game Reserve.

For self drives and escorted tours to this area please complete a trip organizer form.

Recommended Tours & Self Drives



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