11 Things To Do in Gauteng, South Africa
Gauteng is the smallest and by far the richest of South Africa's nine provinces. At its heart is Johannesburg, or if you want to blend in with the locals - Joburg, Jozi or Egoli. The city is akin to Las Vegas in that it's brash and in your face, was built in the middle of nowhere and founded by people who made a lot of money. There are 5 other regions within the province - West Rand, Sedibeng, Metweding, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
1. Learn about its Heritage and Culture
Apartheid Museum - chronicles the rise and fall of racial segregation. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00); Entrance Fee: R30 adults and R15 for pensioners, students and children.
Newtown Cultural Precinct - encompasses a number of noteworthy sites including MuseuMAfricA, which focuses on the cultures of indigenous people. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00)
Ghandi Square - Mahatma Ghandi spent a number of his years in South Africa in Johannesburg. There's a statue of him as a young lawyer in robes in a square in the city centre named after him.
The South African Military Museum - Opening hours: Daily (except Good Friday and Christmas) from 9:00 to 16:30. Entrance Fee: R22, pensioners, learners and children R11.
Lesedi Cultural Village - you'll experience the Zulus, with their beehive huts, the colorful geometric beadwork and art of the Ndebele, the conical hats and blankets of the Xhosa and the rhythmic drums and whistles of the Pedi. Open daily.
Sophiatown Heritage Experience -Sophiatown was one of the few mixed suburbs in the '50s and it epitomized the edgy, hard-living lifestyle captured in the photo essays of Drum magazine. It all came to an abrupt end when the National Party forcefully removed residents and razed the township to the ground, building a white suburb in its wake rather callously named Tromf (triumph). It was renamed Sophiatown in 2006. Open: 9:00 to 12:00. Entrance: R15 per person and R60 for a guided tour.
Origins Centre - The centre presents some of the oldest known artworks, as well as the ancient San/Bushman trance dance. Open daily. Entrance: R45 (adults) and R22 (children under 12).
Braamfontein Cemetery - the final resting place of Enoch Sontonga was discovered in a cemetery a few years ago and a memorial was erected.
2. Retail Shopping at Sandton
Some 30 odd years ago Sandton was a pastoral backwater favoured by the monied horsey set and popularly known as the "mink and manure belt". Today it still generates a great deal of wealth as the financial retail hub of the province. When Sandton is not working, it's at play. Besides serious retail therapy at four world class shopping centres, you can take a break on the piazza at Nelson Mandela Square at any number of coffeeshops and restaurants and watch the beautiful people go by.
3. Gaze at Meteorites in Tshwane
It is the government's administrative capital and also known as the Home of Jazz and every spring is welcomed with a profusion of lilac and mauve jacaranda blossoms lining the streets. Some places to look out for: Freedom Park, Church Square, Mamelodi, Tswaing Meteorite Crater, Fort Klapperkop, Voortrekker Monument and Museum, Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Natural Reserve.
4. Go for Township Tours at Soweto
Today the sprawling South Western Township, named for its geographical orientation from Jozi, is vibrant and edgy but it has a past that epitomizes the freedom struggle...it's better known as Soweto.
5. Discover why the place is called The Cradle of humankind
The discovery of a 2.1 million year old female homid skull dubbed Mrs. Ples in 1947 and subsequent finds have changed the view on the evolution of man forever. In fact the area is so rich in fossils, it's a World Heritage Site. Sites to see: Sterkfontein caves, maropeng visitor centre, Wondercave, Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, Brook Estate Trout Farm.
6. Spend a weekend at Dinokeng
Thinking of taking that well-deserved break, but can't face a long drive to get away? Dinokeng is only 30 minutes outside Tshwane and has something for everyone. From sipping sundowners on a game-drive to chilling with the family, from hot air balloon rides to touring underground in a diamond mine, experience Africa in one day. A warm, welcoming destination offering a rich history, pristine nature, and a mixture of diverse cultures, Dinokeng will have you daydreaming about your next visit.
7. Experience Crocodile Ramble
The Crocodile Ramble is a veritable treasure trove of activities, crafts and eateries. Shop at Ngwenya Glass Village for homeware and ornamental goods from recycled glass or take a trip back in time of the Tudors for a Medieval feast at Greensleeves.
8. Play the game of luck at the Casinos
Gaming venues in Gauteng tend to be built around a theme - take your pick from Tuscan village scenes to all the fun of the fair. You can vitiy: Monte Casino, Gold Reef City, Emperor's Palace, Emerald Casino and Silverstar Casino.
9. Get wild in the wildlife
It may be an urban jungle out there, but you can still take a walk on the wild side in Gauteng. If you're really lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the most elusive of the resident Big Five, the leopard and get up close and personal with the king of the jungle. Check out these amazing animals at the Plumari Game Lodge, The Lion Park, Rhino and Lion Natural Reserve, Heia Safari Ranch, Krugerdoorp Game Reserve, Leeuwloof Conservatory, Suikerbosrand Natural Reserve and The Elephant Sanctuary.
10. Treat your kids with loads of fun learning activities.
Come rain or shine, there's no shortage of things to do for children in Guateng, whether it's marveling at science and nature or getting a little action and adventure. Points of interest: Montecasino Bird Gardens, The South African lipizzaners, Animal and REptile Farm, Johannesburg Planetarium, Daytona Adventure Park, Zoo Lake.
11. Play Sports
To say South Africa are sports mad is an understatement. In fact the mania becomes endemic when we do well in international events, such as winning in rugby World Cup in 2007.