Stretching all the way from Pretoria in the north to Vereeniging in the south, Gauteng is the beating heart of South Africa. Its status as South Africa’s wealthiest province has made it a paragon of ‘Modern Africa’ – but there’s much more to Gauteng than prosperity. Its stark Highveld landscape is steeped in South African history.

Johannesburg is the economic epicentre of both Gauteng and of the country. Nicknamed the ‘City of Gold’ – thanks to its past as a mining mecca – Johannesburg is a magnetic metropolis that attracts people and money to its buzzing streets. Home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and one of the largest shopping centres in Africa, this city might as well make ‘work hard, play hard’ its unofficial motto. Pretoria is Joburg’s more relaxed neighbour, with its jacaranda-lined streets and historical monuments offering a pleasant change of pace.

Gauteng is, however, not just a province of cities. If you want to break away from the hustle and bustle, head west: the small town of Magaliesburg offers a tranquil bushveld getaway while the Cradle of Humankind in Sterkfontein allows visitors to venture back to the roots of their existence. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, the Cradle of Humankind is the birthplace of humanity and is home to around 40% of the world’s human ancestral fossils.

Gauteng Highlights

  • The Cradle of Humankind in Sterkfontein – the birth of humanity – where you’ll where around 40% of the world’s human ancestral fossils were found
  • The affluent Sandton in Johannesburg where the country’s stock exchange as well as one of Africa’s biggest shopping centres can be found
  • Pretoria – the administrative capital of South Africa – is home to the Union Buildings and the Presidential Office
  • The town of Magaliesburg allows you to have a tranquil countryside getaway – without straying too far from city life 

Frequently Asked Questions

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Gauteng

  • Winter (May–September) offers optimal safari conditions, while summer brings newborn wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Timing is tailored to your interests.

  • Major international gateways include Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo), Cape Town, and Durban. From Johannesburg, charter flights reach private lodge airstrips in around 90 minutes, avoiding long road transfers. Light aircraft require soft bags and minimal luggage (a small trade-off for time and comfort).
    Self-driving is possible on well-maintained roads, but most luxury travellers prefer private transfers or flights after long-haul journeys.

  •  Sabi Sand for leopards, Timbavati for value, Eastern Cape for malaria-free travel. The “best” safari depends on your priorities.

  • Where you stay shapes your safari, so we match accommodation to your travel style – from honeymoons and family trips to conservation-led escapes.

    We generally prioritise private concessions for their exclusivity and conservation impact. Top choices include Sabi Sand Game Reserve (leopards and high-end lodges), Timbavati (excellent Big 5 value), Madikwe & Pilanesberg (malaria-free), and Tswalu (desert luxury with a strong conservation focus).

    Our Travel Experts recommend the right lodge for your priorities, whether that’s photography, romance, family ease, or purpose-driven travel.

  • Private concession safaris range from $500–$2,500 per person per night, depending on exclusivity and season. Our curated journeys typically start around $1,700, including meals, activities, and drinks.

    We recommend at least three nights in any safari location to move beyond sightings into understanding behaviour and rhythm.

  • With proper planning and expert guidance, South Africa is safe to travel. Private lodges maintain high security standards, and our locally based team provides real-time advice.

  • Yes, particularly along routes like the Garden Route. However, many guests prefer guided transfers or flights for comfort and efficiency.