Information on Gauteng - South Africa

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Gauteng may be South Africas smallest province, but its the countrys economic powerhouse.
Gauteng offers a wealth of experiences including cultural and struggle routes, fantastic
entertainment options and a host of ecotourism opportunities.
Known as the province of gold, Gauteng's primary attraction is big business, but there is so
much more to this province than meets the eye. Gauteng embraces the major cities of
Johannesburg and Pretoria and incorporates one of the provinces main attractions Soweto
Urban Vibes
A highlight of any trip to Gauteng is the urban buzz of Johannesburg. One must get out and about to truly experience this cosmopolitan city. There are plenty of malls, sophisticated eateries, chi chi hotels, arts and crafts markets, trendy boutiques and live music venues.
City of Gold
Its a good idea to first get acquainted with the early history of the region. The visitor can take a trip to Gold Reef City and learn how Johannesburg was built on the dreams of many a gold prospector, or step back into yesterday and explore the gold rush living museum (that is before they take in the entertainment on offer).
The Fight for Freedom
Follow this up with a trip to the nearby Apartheid Museum to gain insight into South Africas more recent political history. It captures the key political events that took place in South Africa in the 20th century, using dramatic techniques such as film and television footage. Another visit-worthy tourist highlight is Constitution Hill. Here, visitors are able to tour the old prison where many of South Africas struggle heroes were incarcerated, including Nelson Mandela, Joe Slovo and Mahatma Gandhi. Particularly notorious is cellblock Number Four, where levels of cruelty were at their worst.

Vibrant Soweto
Struggle tourism plays an important role for local and international visitors to the province, and Soweto is one of the highlights of any trip to Johannesburg. Soweto was formally named in 1960 the name is taken from the first two letters of each word in South Western Townships. Visit the Hector Peterson Memorial (dedicated to one of the first children killed in the 1976 Soweto Uprising, which marked the beginning of the end for apartheid), the Mandela House in Vilakazi Street and the Regina Mundi Church. Stop and enjoy local hospitality at the many restaurants or shebeens. Alternatively, stay over at a Soweto bed and breakfast.
Art Scene (and Be Seen)
Newtown Cultural Precinct is the hub of Johannesburgs arts and cultural scene. Visit the funky and fabulous MuseuMAfricA or take in a theatre performance at the Market Theatre complex. Excellent restaurants and lively nightspots can be found in this area.
Jacaranda City
Pretoria is about half-an-hours drive from Johannesburg (depending on the traffic) and is known as the executive capital of the province. As the seat of South Africas government, this thriving metropolis is home to nearly all the worlds embassies. The iconic Union Buildings were designed by British architect Sir Herbert Baker to accommodate the offices of the prime minister in 1913, and remain a major landmark. Pretorias National Zoological Gardens are considered to be among the top five zoos in the world.
Situated 40km to the northwest of Pretoria, the Tswaing meteorite crater is known as the Pretoria Saltpan. It is one of the best-preserved meteorite craters in the world, and artefacts of the Late Stone Age have been found here.
The Place of Rivers
Heading out of town, the region of Dinokeng is easily accessible from both Pretoria and Johannesburg. Part of this area is soon to be declared a Big-Five game reserve, and there are a wealth of other activities and attractions. Your guest should visit the town of Cullinan, where the worlds largest diamond was found, or enjoy the shebeen (tavern) vibes at Khuwana Tavern in Mandela Village. There are adventure activities galore in Dinokeng.
In the Footsteps of Early Mankind
Heading further out of town, the visitor should not miss a tour of the Cradle of Humankind at
Sterkfontein, Gautengs famous World Heritage Site. The caves in this vicinity have produced
nearly half of the worlds hominid fossil discoveries dating back some 3,5 million years. The
Maropeng Visitors' Centre will take your visitor on a journey to follow in the footsteps of
ancient man. Within the Cradle area are the Kromdraai Wonder Cave and the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
The Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site, is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in South Africa, and for good reason. It was here that Doctor Robert Broom found a perfectly preserved 3,5 million-year-old adult Australopithecus cranium at Sterkfontein, among many other significant finds..