Gauteng

Region ·🇿🇦 South Africa

Population 15,099,422

Area 18,212 km²

Time zone Africa/Johannesburg

Official website www.gautengonline.gov.za

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Explore Gauteng

Gauteng Essentials

Gauteng serves as South Africa's historical and economic engine, encompassing the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind where the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng museum detail early human evolution. In Pretoria, the granite Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park memorialize complex national narratives, while the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History houses significant fossil records. Johannesburg’s skyline is defined by the Nelson Mandela Bridge, connecting to cultural hubs like the Origins Centre. The region also features the Premier Diamond Mine, site of the record-breaking Cullinan Diamond discovery, and preserved Victorian architecture at Melrose House.

12 places

Popular Shopping Malls

This collection spans Gauteng’s diverse retail landscape, from massive regional hubs like Eastgate and Wonderpark to specialized lifestyle centers. It features major commercial destinations offering international brands, cinemas, and ice rinks alongside essential supermarkets and community-focused hubs. These locations provide a comprehensive mix of fashion, electronics, and grocery services throughout the Johannesburg and Pretoria metropolitan areas.

15 places

Major Airports in Gauteng

Gauteng serves as the primary aviation hub for Southern Africa, anchored by O.R. Tambo International Airport, the continent's busiest facility. This selection includes Lanseria International Airport, a privately owned gateway northwest of Johannesburg, and Wonderboom Airport serving the northern suburbs of Pretoria. It also features Grand Central Airport in Midrand, which caters to general aviation and business traffic, providing essential connectivity between the province's major urban centers and international destinations.

5 places

Campsites & Caravan Parks

This selection of outdoor accommodations across Gauteng ranges from the rugged bushveld atmosphere near Dinokeng to riverside settings in the Magaliesberg. These sites provide essential infrastructure for both tent and caravan campers, including dedicated power supplies and modern ablution blocks. Several locations, such as those on the shores of Bronkhorstspruit Dam, offer water-based recreation, while others serve as secure stopovers with proximity to OR Tambo International Airport for travelers in transit.

8 places

Entertainment & Leisure

This collection features diverse recreational venues across the Gauteng region. Explore wildlife conservation at the Lion & Safari Park or Bester Birds, and visit Lory Park Zoo for animal education. Sports enthusiasts can attend matches at the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe soccer stadium or the Willowmoore Park cricket grounds. For leisure and gaming, the Carnival City and Carousel complexes offer extensive casino floors, cinemas, and bowling. The Wild Waters park provides seasonal aquatic recreation with various slides and wave pools.

8 places

Museums & Galleries

Gauteng’s historical landscape spans from the dawn of humanity at the Cradle of Humankind’s Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng to the 19th-century military fortifications of Fort Schanskop and Fort Klapperkop. This collection features the Origins Centre's extensive rock art and the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History's paleontological fossils. It includes preserved Victorian estates like Melrose House and the Sammy Marks Museum, alongside the active Premier Diamond Mine and the unique traditional medicine displays at the KwaZulu Muti Museum.

10 places

Parks and Scenic Viewpoints

This collection highlights a diverse range of sites across Gauteng, from the poignant Freedom Park memorial on Salvokop, which honors those who fell in South Africa's liberation struggles, to the rugged peaks of the Suikerbosrand region. The list includes bird-watching opportunities at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve hide and panoramic vistas of the Magaliesberg mountains from elevated vantage points such as Tierbos and Kees se Uitkykpunt, showcasing both the province's complex history and its high-altitude natural landscapes.

6 places

Premier Golf Courses

Gauteng’s premier golf courses feature a mix of historic parkland layouts and modern estate designs. This collection includes the century-old Royal Johannesburg & Kensington and the Gary Player-designed Glendower, both frequent hosts of the South African Open. Many venues, such as Eagle Canyon and Silver Lakes, offer comprehensive amenities including driving ranges, squash courts, and restaurants. From courses set along the Vaal River to layouts carved out of former quarries, these locations provide diverse terrain and professional-grade fairways.

12 places

Religious Sites

This collection highlights the diverse architectural and spiritual landscape of Gauteng, featuring the Nizamiye Masjid, the largest mosque complex in the Southern Hemisphere, modeled after 16th-century Ottoman architecture. The list also includes significant Christian landmarks such as the Apostolic Faith Mission, a cornerstone of South African Pentecostalism, and the Gereformeerde Kerk, representing the region's Dutch Reformed heritage. These sites reflect the area's religious history, ranging from mid-19th-century missionary foundations to modern community centers.

5 places

Theaters and Cinemas

This collection highlights diverse performance spaces across Gauteng, from the historic Breytenbach Theatre in Sunnyside to the modern IMAX screens at Eastgate. It includes academic venues like UNISA's ZK Matthews Great Hall, known for its exceptional acoustics, and specialized sites like Theatre on the Track near Kyalami. The selection encompasses community stages, university training facilities, and major cinema complexes, reflecting the region's varied performing arts landscape.

8 places

Map of Gauteng

Practical information

Currency: South African Rand ZAR R · Card payments · Widely accepted
Electricity: Type C / Type D / Type M / Type N
230 V · 50 Hz

Languages: Afrikaans, English, South Ndebele, Swati, Southern Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Tap water: Safe to drink
Driving side: Left
Calling code: +27