WORLD AFRICA SOUTH AFRICA GAUTENG


Gauteng



Gauteng is one of the provinces in the north-east of South Africa. The word "Gauteng" is a Sesotho phrase meaning "Place of gold", referencing to the thriving gold industry following the 1886 discovery of gold in Johannesburg. The province is the centre of South Africa's industrial and commerce sectors.

Regions


Gauteng is broken up into the following regions:
  • East Rand
  • Greater Johannesburg
  • Tshwane (Greater Pretoria)
  • Vaal Meander
  • West Rand


  • Cities

  • Johannesburg - economic heart of Africa and most like the any travellers entry point to South Africa
  • Pretoria - the capital
  • Vereeniging - industrial center, but also water sport on the Vaal river and site of the Sharpeville Massacre.
  • Krugersdorp
  • Carltonville - mining town on the West Rand


  • Climate


    A summer rainfall area, Gauteng experiences hot summer days that often result in short but intense afternoon thunderstorms, commonly accompanied by thunder and lightning. Summers nights are also hot.

    The realtime Irene radar map provided by the South African weather service is a great tool to help you plan any afternoon outdoor activity in summer. It gives ample warning of any approaching thunder storms.

    Winter is dry and cold with temperatures dropping to a little above freezing at night, however, winter days are beautiful with comfortable temperatures.

    Other destinations


    Gauteng is considered the gateway to Southern Africa. Many spectacular destinations are a short flight or drive away. It is a small province, flanked by four other provinces in South Africa.
  • The Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg - a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Tswaing Meteorite Crater , Old Soutpan Road (30 km north of Onderstepoort), +27 (0)12 790-2302, - a perfectly preserved meteor crater just north of Pretoria


  • Talk


    English is widely spoken in Gauteng & you will rarely meet someone who can't speak it. Afrikaans, Sotho & Zulu are also common.

    Get in


    By plane

    Almost all international flights arrive at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport , so it's highly likely that Gauteng with be your first destination on a holiday to Southern Africa.

    By car

    Gauteng is bordered by four provinces:
  • North-West
  • Limpopo
  • Mpumalanga
  • Free State


  • Get around


    Public transport is non-existent by European standards, so you'll need to rent a car. There are plenty of rental agencies at OR Tambo International Airport or you could visit their websites of Avis Hertz.

    Road are generally in good condition, but peak hour traffic in the mornings and afternoon can be slow.

    A rapid rail link (Gautrain) is currently under construction between Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport, but this is not expected to be completed before 2010.

    Do

  • Rock Climbing


  • There are a number of small nature reserves in Gauteng:
  • Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a small and quiet nature reserve with a number of wildlife species and lots of bird watching opportunities. The reserve is located just off the R21 between Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport.

  • Located in Krugersdorp, this park offers game drive, horse trails, an observatory, abseiling, swimming pool and braai and picnic areas. Wide range of animals.


  • Eat


    In Gauteng the locals eat...



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    Hotels in Gauteng
    Irene Country Lodge Score 0 from 0 reviews
    Nellmapius Road 0/10
    The Oak bar provides a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Our wine selection is available on display in the bar and also includes the Three Cities wine collection. The Oak Bar is open daily from 10:00 until late. The Meadow Green restaurant overlooks the pool and gazebo area, offering a sumptuous array of dishes. The Lakeside Country Kitchen provides traditional afternoon teas with our famous scone and fresh Irene Dairy Farm cream, or sundowners around the pool with a variety of light meals on offer. Room services is available until 22:30. ... more
     
    Liongate Bed and Breakfast Score 0 from 0 reviews
    14 Penhurst Avenue, Essexwold, 0/10
    Directions Travelling from the West and North: At the Buccleuch Interchange take the N3 Germiston. Exit at the Linksfield offramp and turn right into Linksfield Road. Continue up the hill and take the first available left turn into Civin Drive. Continue past Saheti School and three sets of traffic lights. At the fourth set of lights turn left under the highway and left again at the T-junction. Pass through the security boom into Penhurst Avenue. We are on the right hand side, just past the stop street. Travelling from the East and South: At the Gilhooly's Interchange take the N3 Pretoria. Exit at the Linksfield offramp and turn right into Linksfield Road. Continue up the hill and take the first available left turn into Civin Drive. Continue past Saheti School and three sets of traffic lights. At the fourth set of lights turn left under the highway and left again at the T-junction. Pass through the security boom into Penhurst Avenue. We are on the right hand side, just past the stop street. Proximity to the airport (+/- 12 minutes). ... more
     
    Mercure Hotel Suites Bedfordview Score 7 from 2 reviews
    33 Bradford Road 7/10
    The hotel offers 2 bedroom suites, one bedroom suites or studio rooms and even 32 non-smoking rooms. The self-catering suites offer a fully-equipped kitchen leading into a spacious living area. ... more
     
    Sandton Suites Score 5.5 from 1 reviews
    77 Grayston Drive 5.5/10
    Directions from OR Tambo International Airport: - Take the R24 Johannesburg - Then take N3 Pretoria ( at Giloolys interchange) - pass the following off ramps, and keep going straight on the N3. (Links Field Rd, Modden Fontein Rd, London Rd, Marlboro Rd) - Take the M1 (south) Johannesburg (city) (at the Buccleuch interchange) - Follow the M1 Johannesburg passing the following: Wood mead Drive, and Marlboro Rd - Take the Grayston drive off ramp. - Turn right at the traffic lights, follow M 40 ( do not turn towards Wynberg) - Travel over the flyover - Pass city lodge on the left - Pass Linden Street, traffic lights - Pass Daisy Street, traffic lights - Pass Town Lodge on your right - Pass a Fuel Station with a KFC on your right - Pass West Road. South traffic Lights - Pass Ferrari show room on your right - Pass Mediterranean shipping on your right - Next building is 77 Grayston Drive ... more
     
     African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Score 0 from 0 reviews
    1 Melrose Square 0/10
    March Restaurant Feed your senses at the 110-seater, world-class dining experience, where decor meets a whimsical fusion of intercontinental flavours and cooking techniques. Designed with the ultimate dining experience in mind, the clean lines and spacious layout of the March Restaurant are sophisticated elegance personified. Breakfast is served from 06h30 to 10h30 Monday to Friday and 06h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays & Sundays. A-la-Carte Lunch begins at 12h00 daily and continues with Dinner until 23h00 each evening. Library Bar Sink into the inviting leather couches and sip on a whiskey or cognac whilst you indulge yourself in the company of some of the greatest authors of the world. Open 24 hours. Veranda Indulge your colonial side while sitting back and watching the world go by. Savour the moment with a steaming cappuccino and delicious bite to eat. Open 24 hours. Pool Bar Where tables can be found nestled comfortably in the shallow water, alongside oversized metal buckets planted with trees. The 60-seater poolside bar operates from 09h00 to 19h00 daily. You may also dine in the pool, but reservations are recommended. March Coffee Shop Drink in the unforgettable aromas and flavours of the finest coffees in the world, all made to order with a personal touch. March Bar Indulge in the finest range of wines, imported malts and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. ... more
     
    More hotels in Gauteng

    Footsteps Township Combination -  Cape Town, District Six Museum 7 hours

    Footsteps Township Combination -  Cape Town, District Six Museum

    The streets, squares, monuments and memorials of historic Cape Town provide the setting for the first part of your tour. Here, on the Footsteps to Freedom City Walk ©, look back in time at how Africa, Asia and Europe conspired to create cosmopolitan Cape Town. Absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of the city.

    This leisurely stroll incorporates most of the significant historic attractions in central Cape Town such as Greenmarket Square, the Grand Parade, Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, District Six Museum, Slave Lodge, Parliament, Company's Garden and St George's Anglican Cathedral. (Tour enters the District Six Museum and St George's Anglican Cathedral).

    After a break for a light lunch at one of the sidewalk cafes (not included), set off for the township of Langa. Here you can look forward in time as you walk and talk with Xhosas of the Cape. Hear about their rites and rituals, culture and traditions, challenges and dreams.

    See their children, homes, churches, feel and smell township life. This tour is not about rushing around the Cape Flats ticking township names off a list. Rather, to pause, engage and interact. Your journey is about connecting and reflecting, and most importantly it is about people.

    The Footsteps Township Combination © tour starts at the official Cape Town Tourism Office. This is within easy walking distance of Foreshore hotels (10 minutes) and the V and A Waterfront (20 minutes). Undercover parking is available at the nearby Picbel Parkade in Strand Street.

    Tours depart in all weather conditions - fair and foul, please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details


    Whale Watching in Hermanus 8 hours

    Whale Watching in Hermanus

    Your tour takes you over a mountain pass to the seaside town of Hermanus, built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern Most tip of Africa.

    The town, nestled between magnificent mountains and the sea, offers some of the best shore based whale watching opportunities in the world (August to November). Visitors travel from around the world to witness the giant Southern Right and Humpback Whales from the Hermanus' shoreline and cliffs.

    Hermanus has it's own whale crier, the only one in the world. So if you encounter a man with a feather in his hat, wearing a sandwich board around his neck, and patrolling the streets blowing a weird looking kelp horn, don't panic - it's the whale crier! He is merely letting people know the whereabouts of the whales with different horn codes. Read the sandwich board for the key to these codes.

    Return to Cape Town in the late afternoon via Elgin and Sir Lowry's Pass.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details


    Shakaland - Zulu Cultural Center 8 hours

    A Zulu Diviner must serve a 2 to 3 year apprentice before becoming a Songoma - traditional healer. The A - Z of traditional Zulu life, packed into one exhilarating day. Travel up the lush KwaZulu-Natal north coast into the tropical beauty of Zululand and the nKwalini Valley. Atop a hill overlooking the uMhlatusi River, Shaka's birthplace, stands the largest Zulu kraal in all of Zululand - today it's a very much alive museum.

    Here you will learn all about the culture and traditions of Zulu's and witness the skill and artistry that goes into building their huts, making pottery, brewing beer and crafting bead-work and baskets. Sample the unusual beer, visit the isangoma (witchdoctor), enjoy the grace and energy of the Zulu dancers and then tuck into a delicious lunchtime feast.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details




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