Gauteng Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gauteng with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Welcome to Gauteng, a province in South Africa that offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and historical significance. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a returning traveler, or an expat looking to explore more of this fascinating land, this comprehensive travel guide will help you plan, prepare, and enjoy your trip to Gauteng.

Introduction to Gauteng

Gauteng is a province in South Africa, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is the smallest province, but it is also the most populous and the most economically developed. The capital city of Gauteng is Johannesburg, which is also the largest city in South Africa.

Gauteng is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and nationalities. It is a vibrant and diverse province that offers a unique blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, and historical significance. With its mix of modern skyscrapers, ancient fossils, wildlife parks, cultural museums, and vibrant nightlife, Gauteng is a destination that has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Gauteng

Gauteng is home to many interesting and exciting places to visit. From natural attractions to cultural landmarks, from hiking trails to shopping malls, Gauteng offers a diverse range of experiences. Here are some of the top places to visit in Gauteng:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gauteng has a rich history that is worth exploring. Here are some cultural attractions in Gauteng that offer insight into the province’s history, art and culture:

  • Apartheid Museum
  • Cradle of Humankind
  • Hector Pieterson Museum
  • Origins Center Museum
  • Freedom Park Heritage Site
  • Constitution Hill
  • Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Natural Attractions of Gauteng: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, Gauteng has plenty to offer. Here are some natural attractions in Gauteng that offer beautiful scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities:

  • Johannesburg Botanical Garden
  • Hennops Hiking Trail
  • Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
  • Magaliesberg Mountains
  • National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gauteng

Gauteng offers a wide-ranging variety of hiking and biking trails. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Gauteng:

  • Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens Hiking Trail
  • Cradle of Humankind Mountain Bike Trail
  • Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve Hiking Trail
  • Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve Hiking Trail

Best Things to Do in Gauteng: Activities and Tours

Gauteng offers a range of activities and tours to suit every taste. From wine tasting to safari rides, here are some of the best things to do in Gauteng:

  • Hot air balloon ride over the Magaliesberg Mountains
  • Wine tasting in the Cape Winelands
  • Elephant-back safari rides in the Tshukudu Game Reserve
  • Johannesburg City Tour
  • Lesedi Cultural Village Tour
  • Soweto Bicycle Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Gauteng

If you’re planning to spend a week in Gauteng, here’s a suggested itinerary that will help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Johannesburg City Tour Day 2: Cradle of Humankind Tour Day 3: Pretoria Tour Day 4: Safari tour in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve Day 5: Hiking in the Magaliesberg Mountains Day 6: Lesedi Cultural Village Tour Day 7: Soweto Bicycle Tour

Food and Drink Scene of Gauteng

Gauteng offers a variety of local dishes and beverages that are worth trying. Here are some must-try food and drink items in Gauteng:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Biltong and Droewors
  • Bunny chow
  • Bobotie
  • Koeksisters
  • Pap and Chakalaka

Local Beverages

  • Rooibos tea
  • Amarula Cream Liqueur
  • Klippies and Coke

Where to Stay in Gauteng: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gauteng offers a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some popular places to stay in Gauteng:

Luxury Hotels

  • Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg
  • The Saxon Hotel, Villas, and Spa
  • The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City Resort

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
  • Clico Boutique Hotel
  • Premier Hotel Pretoria

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

  • Curiocity Backpackers
  • The Backpackers Ritz of Johannesburg
  • MoAfrika Lodge

What to Buy in Gauteng: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gauteng is home to a variety of locally-made products and unique souvenirs that make for great mementos of your trip. Here are some items to consider bringing back home:

  • Handcrafted bead and wire ornaments
  • Traditional Zulu baskets
  • Ndebele wall hangings
  • Unique African art pieces
  • Rooibos tea

Local Culture and Customs of Gauteng

Gauteng has a diverse and unique culture that is worth exploring. The locals of Gauteng are friendly and welcoming, but it’s important to respect their customs and traditions. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind while traveling in Gauteng:

  • It’s customary to greet people with a handshake and a smile
  • Avoid being too loud or using profanity in public
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants and for other services rendered
  • Respect sacred cultural sites and historical landmarks

Best Time to Visit Gauteng

Gauteng is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your travel plans and preferences. The peak season for tourism in Gauteng is from September to April, which is the warmer season. However, if you’re interested in seeing wildlife, the best time to visit is from May to September, as it’s the dry season and animals are more likely to gather around water sources.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gauteng

While traveling in Gauteng, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Here are some do’s and don’ts of traveling in Gauteng:

Do:

  • Learn a few words of the local language
  • Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages
  • Stay hydrated and protected from the sun

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful of local customs or traditions
  • Show too much skin in public
  • Drink tap water without purifying it first
  • Leave valuables unattended

Safety and Health

Gauteng is a generally safe place to travel, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions. Here are some safety and health tips for traveling in Gauteng:

Safety in Gauteng

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
  • Don’t carry too much cash or wear flashy jewelry
  • Use reputable taxi services or arrange for a driver through your hotel
  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas

Health in Gauteng

  • Drink bottled water or purified water
  • Apply sunscreen and insect repellent when outdoors
  • Get vaccinated against certain diseases, such as yellow fever and hepatitis A
  • Seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of illness

Getting to Gauteng: Transportation Options and Logistics

Gauteng is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. Here are some transportation options to consider when traveling to Gauteng:

Airports Near Gauteng

  • O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
  • Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg

Bus Stations Near Gauteng

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Johannesburg
  • City to City Bus Station in Pretoria

Other Options

  • Rent a car
  • Hire a private driver
  • Take the Gautrain

How to Get Around in Gauteng

Gauteng has a comprehensive transportation system that consists of taxis, buses, trains, and ride-hailing services. Here are some popular ways to get around in Gauteng:

  • Metered taxis
  • Uber and Bolt ride-hailing services
  • Gautrain
  • Mini-bus taxis (only recommended for experienced travelers)

Where to Go Next from Gauteng: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re interested in exploring more of South Africa after your visit to Gauteng, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Cape Town
  • Kruger National Park
  • Victoria Falls
  • Sun City Resort

Conclusion

Gauteng is a dynamic and diverse province that offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and historical significance. From exploring the ancient fossils to hiking in the mountains, from tasting local cuisine to learning about the history of apartheid, Gauteng has something for every traveler. Use this travel guide to plan your trip to Gauteng and make the most of your adventure.

View towards Johannesburg over the N1 View towards Johannesburg over the N1 Summer storms are often accompanied by lightning Summer storms are often accompanied by lightning Gautrain at OR Tambo International Airport Gautrain at OR Tambo International Airport


    Johannesburg
    Tshwane
    West Rand