South Africa travel tips when visiting Gauteng
GamingGauteng is the smallest province in South Africa, it is also its industrial, financial and commercial center and a gateway to South Africa. It was here that the cradle of humanity is found, where gold was discovered, apartheid fell, the new constitution was written, and Nelson Mandela was sworn in as president. A considerable story for any place, but in Gauteng anything is possible.
A sense of excitement prevails in this vibrant, technologically advanced, culturally diverse arts destination, attracting the visitor with a multitude of opportunities to discover and experience its precious spirit of life.
CLIMATE:
Situated at an average altitude of 1500m above sea level, Gauteng falls in an area of summer rains with thunderstorms in the afternoon. 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 exclusive, luxury or trendy items in modern malls to arts and crafts offerings at ‘flea markets’ and roadside stalls. Visit Sandton City, Rosebank (Mall, The Zone, galleries, Rooftop Market on Sundays), Menlyn Park Shopping Center, Oriental Plaza, Market Square Precint (on weekends), Jewel City (for diamonds direct from 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, handicrafts, eg beadwork and sculpture.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN TEN ATTRACTIONS:
Sterkfontein Caves:
World Heritage Site, known as the Cradle of Humankind, where our human ancestors walked more than 4 million years ago. It is the richest site in the world for fossils of ‘Australopithecus’ (a lineage of hominids).
Soweto:
The most famous township in South Africa and the center of the Freedom Struggle during the Apartheid years. Visit Nelson Mandela’s former home, Freedom Square, the Hector Peterson Memorial, and other Struggle sites.
Johannesburg:
‘The City of Gold’ is a vibrant and eclectic city with a beating heartbeat. The country’s economic powerhouse, ‘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.
Magaliesburg:
Small town in the heart of a beautiful region of mountains, valleys, rivers and native forests; Enjoy fly fishing and visit guesthouses, lodges, arts and crafts studios, various trails (hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking), the Magalies Express train, and historic war sites.
Gold Reef City and Apartheid Museum:
There is plenty of fun to be had at this family-friendly amusement park with countless breathtaking attractions, 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 incredible experience of tribal dances and traditional African peoples showcasing the cultures and crafts of the Zulu, Ndebele, Sotho, Pedi and Xhosa tribes.
Praetorship:
Headquarters of the South African administration and foreign missions, Pretoria is a majestic city that bursts into a profusion of purple Jacaranda blossoms in October. Don’t miss the Union Buildings; the National Zoological Gardens, the Aquarium and the Reptile Park; the National Botanical Gardens; The church square; Melrose House; Pretoria Art Museum and Voortrekker Monument.
Hartebeespoort:
Against the backdrop of the Magaliesberg mountain range, the town and dam of Hartebeespoort offer visitors water-based entertainment options, an aquarium, a snake park, roadside stands, safaris 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 3106 carats; Visitors can take a tour of the Cullinan Diamond Mine and buy 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 struck 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.