Gauteng, which includes the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, is South Africa’s fast-paced economic powerhouse. It’s filled with massive shopping malls, plenty of adventurous activities and offers a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene. Visitors to Gauteng will see a very exciting side of South Africa, with its own fascinating history and stories to tell.
The province has many surprises – just a few hours away, you can go on safari in a malaria-free game reserve. And while Johannesburg is an ultramodern metropolis, you have an opportunity to step back in time at Gold Reef City, a huge theme park that has been created to look like the city did during the Gold Rush. Pretoria (Tshwane) is just a short distance by car or Gautrain from  Johannesburg  and a great city to visit for a day or weekend getaway.
Why visit Gauteng
- To explore the hip, happening, world-class and exciting city of Johannesburg.
- To discover more laidback Pretoria, home to many historical political monuments.
- To savour delightful dining experiences.
- To enjoy the thriving coffee culture.
- To discover history in fascinating museums.
- The shopping is unmatched, both in malls and bustling markets.
- To see the purple jacarandas in bloom in Pretoria in the springtime.
- There are great bush breaks near Gauteng! Johannesburg and Pretoria are near to some excellent game reserves, including the Pilanesberg National Park and Rietvlei Nature Reserve.  
- Pretoria’s surroundings are full of excellent outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to golf and zip-lining.  
Whether you’re visiting Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg, touring the historical sites of Soweto or enjoying the sunset from a rooftop lounge in the arty inner-city hub of Maboneng, you’re in for a treat. Pretoria has equally popular sights and experiences on tap – and just a short distance away, you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind and places to go on safari. Let Thompsons Holidays take you on an epic Gauteng holiday!
Start your Gauteng adventure in Johannesburg or Pretoria and enjoy an exciting variety of things to do and places to visit in each city. Then head off into the countryside, to the Magaliesburg to enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride and take in the jaw-dropping scenery below. You can venture further afield to enjoy excellent game viewing at some superb reserves, or enjoy a variety of water sports at the Vaal River. Gauteng is a world of possibilities begging to be discovered. So don’t rush off to the beach before you’ve uncovered all of its treasures.
Exciting things to do in Gauteng
- Explore Johannesburg on the open-air City Sightseeing Red Bus, visiting picturesque and historic spots throughout the city.
- Enjoy a Saturday brunch at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
- Visit the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President.
- Party till the wee hours in Johannesburg's Maboneng Precinct.
- Take the kids to enjoy the fun rides at Gold Reef City.
- Explore the many museums and monuments in and around Pretoria.
- Visit Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind.
- Take an adrenaline-packed Canopy Tour in the Magaliesburg, gliding from one platform to the next.
- Embark on a tour of Soweto to see where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived.
- Visit the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill for an insight into South Africa's political history.
- Swim in the natural rock pools at Mountain Sanctuary Park in the Magaliesburg.
- Shop in Africa’s largest mall, the Mall of Africa.
- Visit nearby Cullinan, a late Victorian era village where the world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond, was discovered.  
- Stay in the Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel, with rooms individually decorated in the style of the Gold Rush.    
There are so many fun things to do in Gauteng, you won’t know which to enjoy first. Let Thompsons Holidays take you on an urban adventure, with plenty of outdoor activities thrown in for good measure. Book today!
When is the best time to visit?  Â
- Gauteng is a year-round destination.
Getting there Â
- Gauteng is serviced by two international airports, OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport.
- Flight duration to Johannesburg from Cape Town: 2 hours.
- Driving time from Cape Town to Johannesburg: 14 hours, 30 minutes via N1.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for valuables.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
- Pack a lightweight rain jacket for those summer afternoon thundershowers.
- In the winter, pack layers as the days can be sunny and the nights very cold.
- Support the local economy. Buy local food, souvenirs and support local artisans where possible at markets and pop-up stalls.
