This article is for you if you’re seeking for family activities in Gauteng, exciting ways to spend a weekend or day trip in Gauteng, or if you’re looking for a break from the city and a refreshing vacation in nature. I’ve compiled a list of the finest tourist attractions in Gauteng.
Though Gauteng isn’t recognised for its natural charms, it does have outdoor activities, nature retreats, and even locations to go on game drives. Okay, there’s no beach, but let’s look at the bright side!
Gauteng is by far the busiest province in the country; it appears that no one in Gauteng ever sleeps, and the culture is one of metropolitan excess and a work-hard, play-hard attitude. The nightlife in Johannesburg is fantastic, with many of the country’s top pubs, restaurants, and clubs located here. It’s also a shopping paradise, with malls selling worldwide designer labels alongside locally made items — the perfect place to get some truly South African haute couture.
Check out some top tourist attractions in Gauteng you need to visit during your vacation.
Tourist Attractions In Gauteng
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the world’s largest concentrations of early human fossils, is about 44 kilometres from Johannesburg.
The spectacular Sterkfontein Caves, with six connected underground tunnels where many of the fossils were discovered, are also located on the property. The skull of a humanoid creature known as Australopithecus africanus, estimated to be two million years old, as well as a skeleton estimated to be 3.5 million years old, are among the discoveries.
Visit the Maropeng Visitor Center to discover more about the site and its amazing fossil stories. Another popular day trip from Johannesburg is this interesting voyage through time.
The Apartheid Museum
In Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum portrays the tale of the triumph of the human spirit against hardship.
Beginning in 1948, the white-led National Party government began the process of reclassifying 20 million people as second-class citizens, condemning them to a life of servitude, humiliation, and cruelty. The election of Nelson Mandela, a former prisoner who later became president, in 1994 marked the end of a narrative of a nation’s struggle, heroism, and endurance.
Discover the actual history of South Africa in just 15 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport or 20 minutes from Sandton (South Africa’s business centre). Regardless of who you are, you will leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of this country, its darkest days and proudest successes.
The first of its type, the Apartheid Museum depicts apartheid’s rise and fall: the racially discriminatory system that hampered much of its progress and the triumph of reason that capped half a century of struggle. A multi-disciplinary team of curators, filmmakers, historians, and designers put together and organised the Museum.
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill portrays the intriguing, and at times tragic, story of actual South African history, a past rife with social, cultural, and political injustices. This is also a triumphant one, as South Africa reclaimed its independence and now safeguards the rights and dignity of all citizens. At Constitution Hill, the journey to this state of liberty is traced and brought to life through a variety of tours and exhibits.
Johannesburg is Gauteng’s metropolitan epicentre and has played a significant role in the country’s history and heritage. The Constitutional Court is housed here, and it was built on the site of the Old Fort Prison Complex, Number Four. The courthouse is still one of the city’s most important historical sites. It also has a unique architectural style that distinguishes it, making it a fitting emblem of democracy.
Number Four used to be where political and other prisoners were held, and it was noted for its macabre atmosphere, based on the sometimes unjust convictions and sentencing of these individuals. Today, the majestic Constitutional Court stands proudly on these grounds, symbolising South Africa’s final liberation achieved through much bloodshed, heartbreak, and the constructive initiative of dedicated freedom fighters.
Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City is a massive and popular entertainment facility that includes a theme park and casino. You’ll find experiences at Gold Reef City that you won’t find anywhere else – it’s a mix of fun, imagination, and historical fact, all in a safe atmosphere with plenty of parking.
Gold Reef City’s casino is open 24 hours a day and features a vibrant ambiance, well-trained personnel, and a wide range of gaming options. With slots, tables, sports betting, a Salon Privé for high rollers, and more, the arena accommodates to everyone’s gaming preferences.
Gold Reef Cities has a wide appeal. International visitors like the complex’s offerings of traditional African music, dance, and history. The Museum’s meticulously recorded history of Apartheid, which is chillingly yet wonderfully displayed, is a must-see on any trip to South Africa.
Hector Pieterson Museum
The Hector Pieterson* Memorial and Museum opened in Soweto in 2002, not far from where 12-year-old Hector was shot on June 16, 1976, during the Soweto uprising, which is now a symbol of resistance against apartheid’s cruelty.
School children gathered on the 16th of June, the day Hector was slain, to protest the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in township schools. There are conflicting stories of who gave the first order to shoot, but the police opened fire as children began singing Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, and before they could be dispersed. Approximately 20 children perished as a result of the chaos that ensued.
Hector Pieterson has become an iconic image of that fatal day, thanks to a photograph taken by Sam Nzima, photographer for The World newspaper in Johannesburg at the time, of the dying Hector being carried by a fellow student, with Hector’s sister beside him, her hands stretched out in terror. Today, June 16th, is National Youth Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and honouring young people.
Nelson Mandela Bridge
The Nelson Mandela Bridge, South Africa’s longest cable-stayed bridge, begins at the end of Jan Smuts Avenue and connects the Constitutional Hill precinct in Braamfontein to the Cultural precinct in Newtown, at the heart of the city’s inner city renewal effort.
The Nelson Mandela Bridge, which was officially opened by Nelson Mandela himself, cost R38 million to build and took two years to complete. It spans 40 railway lines.
The bridge includes two lanes of traffic, two pedestrian pathways, and a bicycle lane, and it’s a ride worth taking because of the remarkable diversity of artworks that adorn the buildings that the bridge passes across (the city has some 65 artworks in total decorating its buildings).
Pretoria National Botanic Garden
Pretoria National Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat near the city centre that focuses on South Africa’s diverse flora. These 76-hectare gardens, which are home to more than half of the country’s tree species, are brightened by cycads, aloes, and colourful flowering plants.
A quartzite ridge that separates the gardens allows cold and warm climate plants to thrive in various portions of the park, creating contrasted vistas.
Coastal woods, Karoo savannas, and Namibian grassland plains are among the themed plantings at the National Herbarium, which houses the country’s greatest collection of plant specimens.
You may unwind at the renowned restaurant with magnificent views of the lake after strolling through the gardens and natural bush on the scenic nature trails.
Pretoria’s Historical Monuments
The Voortrekker Monument, a South African Heritage Site that recognises the Boers’ pioneering heritage, is one of the most well-known monuments. This 40-meter-high monumental granite memorial is surrounded by a wall of carved ox waggons, which depict the trip waggons used by the Boers in the mid-nineteenth century. The Hall of Heroes, which features marble reliefs depicting the Great Trek of 1838, instructive museum exhibits, and sweeping views of the city from its rooftop, are all highlights.
Freedom Park, located on the crest of Salvokop Hill and overlooking the Voortrekker Monument, tells the story of South Africa’s democratic transition through a series of moving memorials and museum exhibits. The Wall of Names, which honours victims of South Africa’s conflicts, and the Gallery of Leaders, which honours some of the country’s most inspirational figures, are both located here. A visit to this poignant site is enhanced by guided tours.
The Union Buildings, surrounded by beautiful gardens, are perched atop the city’s highest point near historic Church Square, the site of the city’s first settlement. These sandstone structures, designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1913, are the seat of government and also house the president’s office and the state archives.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort, Gauteng, is over 300 hectares of groomed and natural veld that is a home for birds and a favourite picnic spot for Gautengers. It is one of Johannesburg’s great retreats.
In March 2004, the garden was renamed the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in honour of South African freedom fighter, anti-apartheid activist, and African National Congress leader Walter Sisulu (1912-2003).
Despite the prospect of development encroaching on this stunning garden set against the magnificent Witpoortjie waterfall, a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles still nest in the cliffs alongside the waterfall, and no visit is complete unless they have been located. In order to photograph these exquisite birds, enthusiasts arrive with telephoto lenses and tripod stands, and will sit for hours until they appear.
The Nature Reserve is home to around 600 plant species, 220 bird species, and a variety of reptiles and small mammals such as antelope and jackal, as well as several great walks through the garden and a trail up to the waterfall for the more adventurous.
Orlando Towers
The iconic Orlando Towers have been transformed from two unattractive cooling towers to the home of some of the country’s most entertaining and thrilling adventure sports. They are located in Soweto, Gauteng province, just outside of Johannesburg.
Soweto is a significant cultural and historical landmark in South Africa, and it is still the country’s largest informal community (or township). Gauteng is also the country’s wealthiest and most globally linked province, and it is home to OR Tambo International Airport. All of these features work together to make the location of the Orlando Towers suitable for visitors from all over the world.
The Orlando Towers are constructed on the site of a former coal-fired power plant. The construction of the Orlando Power Station began in 1935, but due to unforeseen delays caused by World War II, it took 20 years to finish. It was subsequently decommissioned in 1998 and sat empty and underused for another ten years before being turned into the fantastic adventure and business centre that it is now.
Madikwe Nature Reserve
Madikwe Nature Reserve is only a three-and-a-half-hour journey from Johannesburg and only 90 minutes from Sun City, and it offers superb game viewing. In more than 750 square kilometres of malaria-free natural bushland, you’ll have the chance to view the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
In addition to endangered African wild dogs, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, antelopes, and more than 300 kinds of birds, the park preserves endangered African wild dogs, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, antelopes, and antelopes.
Budget wilderness camps, self-catering villas, and guesthouses are also available, as are full-board luxury lodges. You can fly in from Johannesburg or O.R. Tambo International Airports.
Freedom Park
When Nelson Mandela said in 1999 – “the day should not be far off, when we shall have a people’s shrine, a freedom park, where we shall honour with all the dignity they deserve, those who endured pain so we should experience the joy of freedom.” – he was describing the Freedom Park, which today stands on 52 hectares on Salvokop in Pretoria; a monument to democracy.
In December 2007, the Freedom Park opened its doors. It is a place where South Africans and visitors can reflect on the past while also being inspired for the future. It is regarded as one of the government’s most ambitious heritage projects, an attempt to encapsulate South Africa’s heart and soul in a physical space.
The park is built on the foundations of human dignity, rights, and freedom, and it honours the nation’s sacrificial achievements. Isivivane, a symbolic resting place for those who gave their lives in the struggle, is one of the features of Freedom Park. It features a symbolic burial place surrounded by eleven Lesaka stones, a body of water for baptism and drinking at both entrances, and Umlahlankosi trees.
Brenda Fassie Memorial
Brenda Fassie’s bronze sculpture outside the Bassline music venue in Newtown, Johannesburg, is one of 40 memorial art works erected across the country by the Sunday Times to commemorate the newspaper’s 100th birthday and promote national identity.
Angus Taylor’s sculpture is a 1570 metres life-size monument of the top-selling pop diva, known to her admirers as Ma Brr, in an odd stance. Two bronzes by Jose Soberon Villa of John Lennon on a park seat and Ernest Hemingway propping up a bar in Havanna inspired the artist.
Fassie is perched on a barstool, her microphone in front of her (which was shattered and restored in 2012). A unoccupied barstool, on the other hand, sits next to her, enticing passers-by to take a seat and ‘talk’ with her.
The stool serves as a technique to get visitors to interact with the sculpture. A number of Fassie lines are embossed in bronze in tiny characters. You can find them if you take the time to look for them.
Brenda Fassie, dubbed the “Madonna of the Townships,” was an anti-apartheid Afropop singer. She was born in the township of Langa in Cape Town, the youngest of nine children. Brenda earned money when her father died by singing for tourists, with her mother accompanying her on the piano.
Montecasino
MonteCasino is a premier entertainment location in Gauteng. A R1.4 billion gambling, retail, and leisure complex is located within the tranquil village.
Montecasino, as it is known by locals, is smack bang in the heart of Fourways, almost where the former set of stop streets originally stood before development ushered in a major set of roads and lights that admittedly make navigating Fourways far easier, but take away the charm of what used to be ‘Fourways-out-in-the-sticks.’
Montecasino appears to be a classic Italian town from the road, like a picturesque Tuscan or Umbrian hilltop village smack dab in the middle of modern Johannesburg’s northern suburbs. It is advertised as one of Gauteng’s top entertainment places, which it is.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is a protected area in South Africa’s Suikerbosrand Range. It is one of the most popular ecotourism sites in Gauteng. This reserve, located just outside of Johannesburg, an hour’s drive from Johannesburg International Airport, and near the historic town of Heidelberg, has a representative sample of the rocky Highveld grassland biome’s animals and flora. The reserve offers an absolutely refreshing getaway from the frenetic city life, with 134 km2 of unspoilt natural environment and a mountain range characterised by meandering twists and turns of hiking trails. The elevation here ranges from 1,545 to 1,917 metres above sea level.
The Suikerbosrand ridge was called after sugar cane that was discovered growing here by general Hendrik Potgieter’s party on June 5, 1836. The ridge, and hence the reserve’s name, became connected with the distinctive Transvaal-sugar bush, a dominating vegetation type within the area’s boundaries, later.