Visitor Guide
This is Gauteng!
Welcome to Gauteng, the South African province built on gold. Welcome to the little-big province with economic clout, hustle and bustle, and glamour and glitz!
All about Gauteng
Minibus taxi a popular mode of transport. Photo courtesy de:Benutzer:Zakysant
Gauteng has a unique geography, offering a combination of natural beauty and mineral wealth. Situated on South Africa’s Highveld, a high-altitude grassy plateau, the province is home to the picturesque Magaliesberg and Witwatersberg mountain ranges. The province is also the site of coal and diamond extraction operations, but it is best known for its gold deposits. The Witwatersrand (“ridge of white waters”), which runs through Gauteng – meaning “place of gold” in Sesotho – is famous for being the source of 40% of all the gold ever mined from the Earth.
Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of South Africa, accounting for a third of the country’s gross domestic product. Politically, the three metropolitan municipalities – the cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane (Greater Pretoria)and Ekurhuleni (East Rand)– have come together to build a globally competitive city-region.
Gauteng also boasts a rich history.Our unique heritage revolves around the origins and evolution of humankind, mining and politics, especially the legacy of the system of apartheid.
Transport
Getting to Gauteng is simple enough: fly to OR Tambo International Airport – the gateway to Africa – catch a bus or train from anywhere in South Africa or, for the brave at heart, take an overland trip through Africa!
Once here, getting around the province is easy. Gauteng has a well-designed road system and hiring a car from a major rental agency or organising a reliable and safe transfer or lift is straightforward.
Read more about transport options to and around the province.
Communications
Jo'burg Tower. Photo courtesy Tara Turkington
South Africa has a well-developed mobile telecoms infrastructure and four national operators: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and the newly launched 8ta service. Visitors to the country can rent phones linked to local service providers or utilise roaming facilities, should their home providers offer such a service in the country.
Read more about internet access, fixed-line communications and postal services in Gauteng.
Things to do in Gauteng
There’s never a dull moment in Gauteng, and visitors to the province will not be short of activities to fill their hours. Whether you enjoy exploring heritage spots, absorbing arts and culture, trawling the markets and malls for interesting memorabilia or simply soaking up the sunshine in the great African outdoors, Gauteng’s sure to have something to suit your tastes. Sample traditional cuisine, enjoy local theatre or music or get your sports shoes out for some more vigorous activities.
Safety and security
Despite alarmist travel guides and negative press, tourists should not feel fearful in Gauteng. The provincial authorities have put various initiatives in place to improve security, such as installing surveillance cameras and increasing the visibility of police.
For more advice and tips from the Gauteng Tourism Authority on ensuring your personal security and that of your belongings, click here.
Personalities
From Oscar-winning movie stars and international sporting icons, to world-renowned statesmen and Nobel Peace Prize laureates, a number of the world’s best known and most loved faces are proud to call Gauteng home.
To read more about our rich and famous residents, click here.