Destinations / Gauteng >>

Most leisure tourists only pass through Gauteng on their way to connect to the Western Cape or to Kruger National Park. But although this is the smallest province in South Africa, it is also the most culturally vibrant and has much to offer tourists willing to explore a little.

Johannesburg reputation for crime is well-known, if slightly unfair. But with a bit of advice you’ll really enjoy this cosmopolitan, friendly and energetic city that’s the economic powerhouse of Africa. The first thing that will strike you is the greenery - this is the largest inhabited man-made forest in the world. The Apartheid Museum and Soweto Tours are probably the best-known tourist attractions, but there's a lot more to Johannesburg including bustling craft markets, old suburbs to spend an afternoon browsing galleries and antique shops and some of the best sporting and cultural venues in South Africa

The national capital, Pretoria, has more than it's fair share of historic buildings (such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument). A very distinct Afrikaans culture is also in evidence, most obviously at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, surely the best rugby venue this side of Cardiff?

Outside of the cities we recommend The Cradle of Humankind, where you can see the site and specimens of our oldest humanoid relatives. If you don't have the time to see big cats in the wild, or want to get up and close and personal with them, the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre is a chance in a lifetime.