Gauteng regions

West Rand

"The Gateway to the Cradle of Human Kind"
From the majestic Magaliesberg mountain range in the north, to the Vaal River in the south, and along the meandering Crocodile River, a tapestry of resorts and activities awaits. This region is gaining increasing popularity and, as ever more discoveries are made, prepares to welcome the world as the Gateway to the Cradle of Humankind.
As with the dramatic golden sunsets, the area simultaneously reflects the warmth of its natural wonders and the charm of its friendly and diverse cultures.
Western Gauteng is a less-than 45-minute drive along excellent highways from Sandton, (N1), Pretoria (R28), and Johannesburg, and is close to international and local airports.

Tshwane

Experience it!

Tshwane is the capital city of South Africa and the seat of government administration. Established in 1855, the city has grown into a bustling metropolis.
Hooting taxis, buses crammed to capacity and hawkers selling an array of fresh fruit and other articles at intersections and on pavements are in stark contrast to the chauffeur-driven vehicles of diplomats and the upmarket shops and boutiques where the well-heeled shop. And when buying spices from the Asiatic Bazaar or admiring the beautiful Miriamman Temple, the oriental atmosphere is tangible.
Tshwane is often referred to as the Jacaranda city because of the 70 000 Jacaranda trees that line the streets and blossom in October.
Explore our colourful and often turbulent history in our many museums and at heritage sites. You can also view the art and the crafts of our talented people, relax in our parks and gardens and learn more about our history at places like The Cradle of Humankind and the Tswaing Crater.
Tshwane is host to the imposing Union Buildings, where the advent of democracy was ushered in with the inauguration of former president Nelson Mandela in 1994. You can also visit Freedom Park, a symbol of our people's struggle for freedom and a tribute to the truth and reconciliation process.
Tshwane’s zoo is the largest in the country and our botanical gardens are spread over 76ha, virtually in the centre of town. We boast a fig tree older than 1 000 years in the Wonderboom Nature Reserve and the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, which was proclaimed a game sanctuary by Paul Kruger in 1895, making it the oldest sanctuary in Africa. In the early 1900s, the Premier Diamond Mine in the town of Cullinan yielded the largest gem diamond ever found, and is still in production.
The list of attractions is endless and, coupled with our excellent tourism infrastructure, makes us a holiday and business destination that will not disappoint. We look forward to welcoming you in Tshwane.
www.tshwanetourism.co.za
Enquiries: +27 (0)12 3581430

Sedibeng

Sedibeng is the most southerly region of Gauteng, stretching from the Johannesburg Metro district in the north to the Vaal River in the south. The region is known for the Vaal River, a popular weekend destination for water sport lovers. The Vaal Dam, a source of hydroelectric power, is also a hot tourist attraction. The Emerald Safari Resort and Casino offers entertainment and leisure for all the family.
A visit to Sedibeng is incomplete if one does not recognise the rich talent of African sculptors. The African craft markets in most tourist host areas offer the perfect choice to buy souvenirs from this region, which is so rich in its diverse heritage.
The Sedibeng District Municipality consists of three local municipalities: Emfuleni, Lesedi, Midvaal

Metsweding

Metsweding, in the north-east corner of Gauteng, is where South Africa’s biggest diamond was discovered and the area sparkles with natural and historical attractions. The region has many game reserves and conservancies, which are being linked together and restocked with game, with the potential to form a large "Big Five" game reserve in the future.
Against this backdrop of natural beauty, Metsweding offers a melting pot of history and culture. The area's history is of particular significance to the Tswana, Pedi, Ndebele and Tsonga-speaking people, many of whom can trace their roots back to the ancient bush and rolling grasslands.
The present-day region, established in 2000, is developing a project known as “Dinokeng: Africa in One Day". You can explore traditional Ndebele culture, go on a game drive, take in a shebeen and explore a diamond mines all in just 24 hours. Dinokeng was financially developed by the Blue IQ initiative to establish a premier tourist destination close to Gauteng, and it is a good example of tourism transformation aiming to create jobs and encourage social upliftment.
The development of Dinokeng is further underpinned by the fact that many South Africans are now able to experience tourism for the first time. The Metsweding region is a great value destination, with a variety of reasonably priced places to stay. There are superb hotels and game lodges, homely chalets, charming bed and breakfasts and rustic self-catering camps, all offering a warm welcome and great value for money.
Being so close to major urban areas means that even those people living in Gauteng can afford a weekend – or even a day – away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This region offers the spiritual retreats of Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng's only wine estate – Loopspruit – and numerous picnic spots at dams and nature reserves.
The quaint Victorian mining town of Cullinan is a treasure chest of history. The Cullinan experience includes visits to stone-built miners' cottages, a turn-of-the-century station and authentic trading centre buildings, jewellery shops and museums, and surface and underground tours of the mine.

Johannesburg

The City of Johannesburg is South Africa's largest and most vibrant metropolitan area. Not only is it an area of commerce and industry, generating more than 35% of the country's gross domestic product, it is also an area of friendly people, large open spaces, sports and culture; truly a sunshine city. Placed at the heart of South Africa's communications network and boasting excellent infrastructure, Johannesburg offers easy access to many of the country's major tourist attractions.
Johannesburg and the surrounding area offer a large selection of recreational options ranging from hiking and mountain bike trails for the outdoor enthusiast, to elegant theatres and art galleries catering for the culturally refined. Other attractions in and around Johannesburg include the Apartheid Museum, the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, Melrose Arch and many, many more.
The city, especially the northern suburbs, hosts a large selection of comfortable and attractive accommodation facilities, ranging from budget backpackers and self-catering establishments to luxurious five-star hotels and lodges, while the gourmet diner has a wide choice of excellent restaurants with cuisine ranging from family fare to sophisticated a la carte menus.

Ekurhuleni

Ekurhuleni means “place of peace” in Xitsonga. The region is comprised of several towns, including Alberton, Benoni, Brakpan and Tembisa. Ekurhuleni is known for its strong manufacturing capacity, employing a significant portion of the regional population. It is not uncommon to find an idyllic farm situated next to a frenetic factory, Ekurhuleni offers the visitor a glimpse of life in South Africa, in all its forms.
Attractions in Ekurhuleni include Emperor’s Palace Casino and the Ubunye Museum.