1 2 3 4 Johannesburg & Pretoria

Gauteng, with Johannesburg or the ‘City of Gold’ as its capital, is an interesting place for visitors. With its frenetic pace, gleaming shopping malls, surprisingly good restaurants and trendy spots it is a vibrant city surrounded by established suburbs. It is also the cultural, political and economic ‘soul’ of the country. If you want to understand South Africa properly, you have to visit Johannesburg.

Gauteng is rich in history. It is here that Nelson Mandela and his colleagues acquired their political education in the 1940’s and 1950’s and where their notions of leadership and democracy were formed. There are many sites linked to the anti-apartheid struggle.The Apartheid Museum explains the major political events that took place in South Africa in the 20th century and is an extraordinary and emotive place.

The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Johannesburg, with fossilised remains of animals from which human beings evolved. These were discovered in the early 20th century at the Sterkfontein limestone caves in this area. Magaliesberg is also an attractive getaway close to the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Soweto (SOuth WEst TOwnship) in the south west (!!) offers a look into township life. Portfolio and Africa Collection offer an opportunity to gain an insight into this township life and to experience ‘ubuntu’ – the tradition of African hospitality. Spend a night in Soweto and enjoy the richness of its history, art, crafts, music and food.

Safety and crime are clearly issues that are associated with this area and whilst undeniably there is a problem in this respect, this problem needs to be placed in context. We have all read the statistics regarding crime but I’m sure everyone is also aware that statistics don’t always tell the whole story. As a tourist on a well planned itinerary you are no more likely to encounter a problem than you are in many large urban areas in the world. Johannesburg, Pretoria and their surrounds contain important and relevant historic, cultural and social sites and attractions.

Contact us for more information on Gauteng and South Africa Holidays

Selection of Places to Stay