Interesting places to visit in Gauteng

South Africa is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the continent of Africa with one of the most diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and world-renowned cities, any visitor will be amazed by what the country has to offer. Each province brings a unique opportunity to explore its hidden gems and take in the sights of a wide assortment of different pockets within South Africa. So let’s explore interesting places to visit in the famous province of Gauteng.

Lesedi Cultural Village

One of the interesting places one can visit is the Lesedi Cultural Village which is located within the Cradle of Humankind. This village successfully depicts African traditions and cultures with five homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele tribes.

Maboneng

Visiting Maboneg is one of the activities one can engage in when visiting the city of Johannesburg. Maboneng was once a run-down part of town but was successfully renovated and turned it into one of the most up and coming neighborhoods, where you’ll find great restaurants, cafés, bars, fashion boutiques and art galleries. Arts on Main and Revolution House is also a place of interest, there is something for everyone and you do not want to miss it.

Food & Craft Markets

Johannesburg has a thriving market culture with something for everyone, they have everything from food, music and crafts to sample and enjoy, these market areas include:

• Neighborhoods Market in Braamforntein hosted on Saturdays from 09:00 to 15:oo

• Market on Main in Maboneng hosted on Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:00 pm

• Bamboo Farmers Market in Melville hosted on Saturdays from 09:00 to 01:30 am

• The LoCrate Market in Soweto hosted on Fridays from 09:00 to 17;00 pm

• Fourways Market hosted on Saturdays & Sundays from 08:00 - 16:00 pm

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

There are nine national botanical gardens in South Africa, and Walter Sisulu is one of them. It is the perfect place to visit if you feel like exploring nature without having to leave the city. The highlights certainly are the Witpoortjie Waterfall and the views of red-rock cliffs. There is a Birds and Butterfly Garden (black eagles are known to nest in the park) there is also a Fern Trail, and a lovely Children’s Garden too.

Hop-on hop-off bus

Hop-on hop-off buses are actually a great way to get to know a city, as they connect all the main tourist sites. Johannesburg attractions are all connected on an easy-to-follow tour that you can do independently over the course of one or two days. It is one of the top things to do in Johannesburg.

Hennop Hiking Trail

A popular trail in the Gauteng area is the Hennop Hiking Trail, located close to Johannesburg and Pretoria. This hiking trail can be started from either the Zebra Trail or the Krokodliberg Trail. The trail itself passes the Hartbeespoort Dam, a busy watering hole for the indigenous wildlife, then meanders through the mountain.

• Starting Point: Hartenbees Dam, Krokodilberg Trail

Sugarbush Hiking Trail

This is a 9km relatively easy walktrail that runs along the escarpment of the West Rand. The land itself is protected by the Cradle Of Human Kind World Heritage and runs through both reserve and private land. The summit will find you at the top of the Magaliesburg mountains. The best time to hike this trail is in the late spring, when the Sugarbushes are in full bloom.

Johannesburg Art Gallery

Johannesburg Art Gallery is one of the best places to visit in Johannesburg. Located in Joubert Park, the exhibit includes prints dating back to the 15th century; 17th century paintings and the works of artists such as Dalí and Picasso. There is a section entirely dedicated to local artists such as Sekoto and Pierneef. Admission is free.

Below is a list of some of the best galleries and most prestigious art galleries in Joburg.

• The Apartheid Museum

• The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory

• Gallery Momo

• Goodman Gallery

Visit the James Hall Museum of Transport

team locomotives, penny farthings and ox-wagons will keep kids intrigued for hours. These exciting vehicles can be seen at the James Hall Museum of Transport in Johannesburg. This incredible establishment is the largest and most comprehensive museum of land and transport in South Africa.

Fun for kids

The city of Johannesburg is also home to paintball wars and waterparks which is very ideal and recommended to visitors with the idea of traveling with families or with kids. These places include:

• Yeesh! Fun for Kids

• Johannesburg Planetarium

• Honeydew Mazes

• Hashtag Escape

• Jozi X

StokeCity Wakepark

This park is situated in Midrand, and very convenient if you stay in either Johannesburg and Pretoria, so if you’re looking for a fun in the sun, adrenaline-filled adventure close to the city. it is also fun packed with other adventure activities that involve cable waterskiing.

Magalies Meander

Magaliesburg is perfect for travelers who seek an escape into nature with activities ranging from mountain biking, fly-fishing, hiking, horse riding, and even adventurous canopy tours to quaint restaurants, this is also ideal for families and lone travelers as well.

Rock Climbing

You can learn the exciting and adrenaline-filled sport of rock climbing right in Johannesburg. You can also learn moves in an indoor climbing gym and learn to climb on some sport routes in Magaliesberg and Bronkhorstspruit.

Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind

Located 50km outside of Johannesburg, Curious adventure seekers will enjoy a visit to the Cradle of Humankind were there was a discovery of a fossil that’s over 2 million years old in the Sterkfontein Caves. Ideally travelers are advised to dress comfortable when visiting the site as there are also interesting caves to explore. There is also an educational exhibition centers where you can learn more about the history and all the details related to the site.

Township Tourism in Soweto

Soweto is a vibrant tourist hub that offers unique sightseeing, an abundance of historical, political and cultural heritage. This township has developed over the years to be the most visited township tourism destination by tourists from all over the world because of the history and tourist attractions that it possesses. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, and haven’t been to Soweto yet, it definitely needs to go on your to-do list.

One of the famous tourism attractions in Soweto include;

The Mandela House

Hector Pieterson Museum

The Orlando Towers

Vilakazi Street

Credo Mutwa Cultural Village

Walter sisulu Square

The uBuntu Kraal Brewery

Orlando Towers Vertical Adventure Centre (bungee jumping, Scad freefalling & wall climbing)