Gauteng safaris, tours & holiday packages
The financial and urban heart of South AfricaCustom Gauteng
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For South Africa's smallest province, Gauteng packs a big punch: from energetic Johannesburg, cultural Pretoria to the ancient history of the Cradle of Humankind.
The commercial heart of South Africa has a lot to offer visitors beyond business. Johannesburg is the country's most cosmopolitan and dynamic city, with exciting nightlife, world-class museums such as the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene, while gentler-paced Pretoria, with its avenues of purple flowering jacaranda trees, is home to South Africa's version of the White House - the Union Buildings - as well as other historic monuments.
One of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, the Cradle of Humankind, is a must-visit: an area of cave complexes where 40% of the world's human ancestor fossils were found. Here you can tour the Sterkfontein Caves where famous fossils were excavated and see their replicas in the Maropeng Visitor Centre.
“Gauteng is often overlooked by tourists who are lured by Kruger or the Cape, but it has a shine all of its own, not unlike the gold that first drew people here. I love the energy of Joburg - the most exciting city in South Africa - and I think the fossils of the Cradle of Humankind are the country's most valuable treasure.”
More on Gauteng holidays
There's more to Gauteng than just city life and fossils - the province also offers adventure activities and natural attractions for outdoors-lovers. At the Vaal River, you can go waterskiing and boating, while fishing, hiking, rock climbing, abseiling and hot air ballooning are on offer at the Magaliesberg mountain range.
There are several small nature reserves in the province: spot hyena and cheetah on hiking routes in the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, or visit the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve where you can see rhino, lion and wild dog, or go bird watching in Marievale Bird Sanctuary. If you're after more wildlife, Gauteng makes a great base for visiting South Africa's nearby Big Five reserves such as Kruger National Park and Madikwe and Pilanesberg Game Reserves in the North West, Mpumalanga or Limpopo provinces, which are most visited in the winter months of June to September when game viewing is at its best.
Gauteng Map
Gauteng's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Gauteng
A Grumeti safari is rewarding throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Grumeti Game Reserve is during the migration months of June and July - when massive herds of wildebeest arrive to cross the crocodile-infested Grumeti River… go there.
The best time to visit Arusha National Park is from June to October, during the dry season. It is easier to spot the wildlife - since they normally gather around the waterholes, rainfall is minimal, vegetation is not too thick and mosquitos… go there.
The best time to visit Zanzibar Island is from June to October - during the dry months of spring. However, another popular time to visit the tropical Island is from December to February - when it’s hot and dry. go there.
Rubondo Island National Park is best visited in the dry months of July to February. The jungle is less humid - however, there are also less mosquito’s and the temperatures are not as extreme. go there.
June to August during the dry season, is the best time to visit Saanane Island National Park. This season is great for game drives, picnic as well as rock hiking. go there.
June to October is the best time to visit Mkomazi National Park. During the dry season - when the wildlife viewing is at its prime. go there.
July to October, during the dry months - is the best time to track the chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park. Chimpanzees can be found easily on the low mountains slopes. go there.
June to October is the best time to visit Mikumi National Park. During the dry season, the wildlife concentrate around waterholes and rivers - making it easier to spot them. go there.
There is no need to go overboard with fitness preparation for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. However, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a physical undertaking, so you should prepare yourself accordingly with a Kilimanjaro training program. Being in… go there.
Reviews on our Gauteng safaris
Discover Africa and Carel has put in such an effort for us to experience the annual wildebeest migration, meticulous planning and accurate predictions with logical and the best accommodation options both sides of the Mara River guaranteed us…
Jates and Hil Oettle
from South Africa
I just wanted to thank Discover Africa and Karl Svendsen - the safari was great - we saw many more animals than expected including cheetah, leopard, many lions and even a three-day old elephant calf. Additionally, we had our own hippo…
Margaret Dean
We had the most wonderful time in Tanzania. We left yesterday and miss it already. We saw the big 5 and felt super lucky to see the lions and leopard with their kill. Our guide was also wonderful. Thank YOU for planning our trip of a…
Debbie Wei
We had a wonderful experience with the Discover Africa team on our trip to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Due to unforeseen circumstances we needed to head down early and their team were most helpful in arranging exciting new options for us while…
Mark Tomlinson
from South Africa
Our service from Carel at Discover Africa was outstanding. His recommendations on the timing of our trip, the lodges we should book, communication and overall assistance ensured that our trip went off very smoothly and that we were in the…
Patti Legg
from South Africa
History was made in supporting Chaeli Mycroft to become the 1st quadraplegic female to summit Kilimanjaro. What amazing partners Discover Africa are! Great communications from home team ensured that getting to Tanzania happened without a hitch.
Zelda Mycroft
from South Africa
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