Gauteng is the smallest province in South Africa, it is also its industrial, financial and commercial center and a gateway to southern Africa. It was here that the cradle of mankind is located, where gold was discovered, apartheid fell, the new constitution was written, and Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as president. A great story for anywhere, but in Gauteng anything is possible.
A sense of excitement prevails in this technologically advanced, culturally diverse and vibrantly artistic destination that beckons the visitor with a multitude of opportunities to discover and experience its cherished spirit of life.
CLIMATIZED:
Situated at an average altitude of 1,500m above sea level, Gauteng falls in an area of summer rainfall with afternoon thunderstorms. Daily temperatures range from an average summer high of 26 degrees Celsius to an average winter high of 16 degrees Celsius.
SHOPPING:
Excellent shopping facilities ranging from unique, luxury or fashion items in modern shopping malls to arts and crafts offerings in ‘flea markets’ and roadside stalls. Visit Sandton City, Rosebank (mall, The Zone, galleries, Rooftop Market on Sundays), Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Oriental Plaza, Market Square Precint (on weekends), Jewel City (for diamonds straight from the cutters), and Michael Mount Organic Market. Special purchases include designer clothing and fashion items; jewelry (especially gold and diamonds); traditional African decoration items and masks, handicraft items eg beadwork and sculpture.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS:
Sterkfontein Cellars:
A World Heritage Site, known as the Cradle of Humankind, where our human ancestors walked over 4 million years ago. It is the richest site in the world in fossils of ‘Australopithecus’ (a lineage of hominids).
Soweto:
The most famous township in South Africa and the center of the Struggle for Freedom during the Apartheid years. Visit Nelson Mandela’s former home, Freedom Square, Hector Peterson Memorial, and other Struggle sites.
Johannesburg:
‘The City of Gold’ is a vibrant and eclectic city with a beating heart. The economic powerhouse of the country, ‘Joburg’ or ‘Jozi’ offers not only business opportunities, but also history, culture, shopping and entertainment. Visit Sandton, Rosebank, MonteCasino, MuseumAfrica, Newtown Cultural Precinct, Johannesburg Art Gallery, and Melville Koppies.
Magalisburg:
Small town in the heart of a beautiful region of mountains, valleys, rivers and indigenous forests; enjoy fly fishing and visit the guesthouses, lodges, art and craft studios, various trails (hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking), the Magalies Express train, and historic war sites.
Gold Reef City and Apartheid Museum:
There’s plenty of fun to be had at this family-friendly amusement park with countless impressive rides, built on an authentic Victorian gold mine site. Adjacent to Gold Reef City is the Apartheid Museum with its haunting exhibits portraying South Africa’s turbulent history.
Lesedi Cultural Village:
An amazing experience of traditional African tribal dances and villages showcasing the cultures and crafts of the Zulu, Ndebele, Sotho, Pedi and Xhosa tribes.
Praetorship:
Home to South Africa’s administration and foreign missions, Pretoria is a majestic city that bursts with a profusion of purple Jacaranda blossoms in October. Don’t miss the Union Buildings; the National Zoological Garden, the Aquarium and the Reptile Park; the National Botanical Garden; The church square; Melrose House; Pretoria Art Museum and the Voortrekker Monument.
hartebeespoort:
Set against the backdrop of the Magaliesberg Ridge, the town and dam of Hartebeespoort offer visitors water-based recreation, an aquarium, a snake park, roadside stalls, game drives and a cable car. This region is the last sanctuary of the Cape Vulture.
Cullinan:
The largest diamond in the world was discovered in Cullinan in 1905 with a value of 3,106 carats; Visitors can take a tour of the Cullinan Diamond Mine and shop for diamonds at the Cullinan Diamond Market; the city also has many houses from the turn of the century.
Tswaing Crater Site:
where a massive meteorite hit the earth more than 220,000 years ago, leaving a crater approximately 1.13 km wide and 200 m deep. This area has 320 species of birds and 420 species of flora.
