Best Things to Do in Gauteng, South Africa

Gauteng (meaning “Place of Gold” in Sotho) sits on the Highveld plateau at 1,700m elevation. The things to do in Gauteng are anchored by Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and economic engine. The Apartheid Museum, opened in 2001, is one of the world’s most powerful historical museums, documenting the rise and fall of South Africa’s apartheid regime with extraordinary archival material; it is considered essential context for any visit to the country. Soweto (South Western Townships), the city southwest of Johannesburg where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu both lived, offers township tours that walk the story of the anti-apartheid struggle; the Hector Pieterson Museum, documenting the 1976 student uprising, is the emotional center. The Cradle of Humankind, 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, contains the Sterkfontein Caves and the Maropeng Visitor Centre, where fossil hominins including Mrs. Ples (Australopithecus africanus, 2.6 million years old) were discovered. Pilanesberg National Park, 2 hours northwest, is the most accessible Big Five safari destination from Johannesburg. The Maboneng district in eastern Johannesburg is the city’s creative neighborhood: art galleries, restaurants, weekend markets, and street art.

Best time to visit

May through September (winter) is the most comfortable season: dry, clear days (20-25°C), cold nights (2-8°C), and excellent game viewing at Pilanesberg (vegetation is low, animals gather at waterholes). October through April is warmer, often thunderstormy, and the summer game viewing is different but still good. The Johannesburg Art Fair (May) and the Cape Town Design Indaba (February, but draws Gauteng participants) are the major cultural events.

Getting around

OR Tambo International Airport is one of Africa’s busiest and best-connected hubs, with flights to Europe, Asia, the Americas, and across Africa. Within Johannesburg, the Gautrain rapid rail connects the airport to Sandton (the business district) in 15 minutes and to Pretoria in 38 minutes. Uber is reliable throughout Johannesburg and Pretoria. Renting a car is the best option for the Cradle of Humankind and Pilanesberg. The N14 highway connects Johannesburg to Pilanesberg (2 hours); the N1 connects to Pretoria (30-45 minutes).

What to eat

Johannesburg’s restaurant scene is one of Africa’s most diverse and sophisticated, with concentrations in Sandton, Melville, Parkhurst, and Maboneng. For South African food, the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein (Saturday) and The Market Kitchen in Maboneng are the best introductions. Braai (barbecue) culture is central to South African food; Carnivore restaurant (no longer operating its famous “all you can eat” exotic meat menu but still open) and Casalinga in Muldersdrift are longstanding institutions. Bunny chow from Durban is served at specialist restaurants in Johannesburg’s Indian community areas.