Gauteng
Overview
The Province of
Gauteng was created in 1994 under the then new African National
Congress (ANC) government. It is made up of six regions - all offering an amazing
array of historical, cultural and natural attractions for the tourist -
Tshwane (
Pretoria),
Johannesburg,
Ekurhuleni (the
East Rand), the
West Rand (
Mogale
City and
Magaliesberg),
Metsweding
(
Cullinan) and
Sedibeng (
Vaal).
The province has a fine climate and offers a variety of sport and entertainment.
The metropolitan and local municipalities recognise these benefits and are working
hard to present their natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical journeys.
Although Gauteng's primary attraction is big business, tourists are also able
to discover a wealth of culture in the province's museums, galleries, art routes
and historical sites of historical struggles.
An intersection of African and global trade, Gauteng is a cosmopolitan, multicultural
mix of people from all walks of life, from all corners of the world. As the most
urbanised and industrialised province in South Africa, Gauteng is the region's economic
powerhouse and traders from around Africa flock to Gauteng to sell their wares,
as do shoppers taking advantage of the many markets and shopping malls. Although
Gauteng's primary attraction is big business, tourists are also able to discover
a wealth of culture in the province's museums, galleries, art routes and historical
sites of struggle.
Africa's most modern international airport,
O. R. Tambo International,
is situated
in Ekurhuleni.
There are also a number of smaller airports just outside of the urban centres. In close proximity to the international airport and to the
local-only airports you will find many
Guest Houses,
Bed-and-Breakfasts,
and
Hotels catering specifically for business people. Other accomodation
venues cater for a mix of business and pleasure, offering close proximity to game
parks, lakes, and commercial tourist destinations.
While the Earth's treasures of gold and other related metals have escalated the province's present day economic status,
Gauteng's rich history predates the discovery of gold by many millennia. The discovery
of hominid fossils in the
Sterkfontein
area in the West Rand indicate that bi-pedal
human ancestors populated this area for almost as long as in the eastern African
regions.
The Cradle of Humankind
World
Heritage Site protects these finds and allows tourists and local people the opportunity
of experiencing the depths of that history.
The scenic waterways of the
Vaal,
Klip and
Suikerbos rivers give life to the whole of Gauteng. Not only feeding the
important industrial towns of the Sedibeng region, they also provide refreshingly
quiet spaces for Gautengers to take a day or weekend break. Nature and wildlife
trails, game parks, two exceptional zoos and the mysterious African bush are all
just a stone's throw away from these most modern of cities.
The Metsweding (Cullinan) region is of particular significance to the
Tswana,
Pedi,
Afrikaans,
Ndebele and
Tsonga-speaking people, many of whom can trace their roots back to the
ancient bush and rolling grasslands. Today villages in the area offer opportunities
to be a part of these indigenous cultures. A chance to experience township life
is available through township tours in
Soweto,
Johannesburg,
and
Ekurhuleni.
We currently have accommodation venues available in Alberton, Arcadia, Bapsfontein,
Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Brooklyn, Edenvale, Florida, Fourways, Heidelberg, Johannesburg
(Aukland Park, Bedford View, Craig Hall, Houhgton, Jhb Central, Melville, Parktown,
Parkview), Kempton Park, Kyalami, Menlo Park, Midrand ,Northcliff, Randburg, Roodepoort,
Rosebank, Sandton, Springs, Wapadrand, and WaterKloof.
Popular Places:
Johannesburg Zoo, Pretoria Zoo, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Lion Park, Walter Sisulu
Botanical Gardens, Casinos, Theme Parks, Gold Mines, Shopping Malls, Apartheid Museum,
Gold Reef City, Ellis Park (where the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final was played), The
Wanderers, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Union Buildings, UNISA.
Things to Do:
Theatre and Art Galaries, Shopping, Parachuting, Paragliding, Gliding,
Cricket, Rugby, Running, Cycling, Birding / Birdwatching, Canoeing, Diving, Sailing
, Wildlife Safaris and Tours, Hiking / Trekking / Walking, Horse Riding, Extreme Adventures.