Gauteng – February is the month of love and what better way to celebrate than to treat your loved one to a weekend trip or holiday in the golden province.
With expanded air routes into Africa – eSwatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, – and cities across South Africa now including Gqeberha, through OR and Lanseria International Airports, Gauteng is a mere hour or two away for that special getaway. Alternatively, if you’re planning a business trip to the big metropolis bring your better half and combine business with pleasure. If you need a little inspiration to help make the month feel extra special, spoil or romanced – Gauteng has just the thing! Get the full #LoveGP experience – here’s a list of events, getaway ideas for you and your loved ones.
Explore cuisine with #GautengEats!
Eating out is always top of visitor itineraries and vibey Gauteng is known for top restaurants that provide a vast selection of cuisine from across the African continent and the globe. Here are two options: Imbizo Shisanyama is one of South Africa’s most acclaimed African cuisine restaurants that celebrate the authentic African culture and heritage. Cafe Billi Bi has combined the intimacy of a breakfast nook with the elegance of a posh restaurant which invites you to east with your hands and talk with your eyes.
Head out of town and explore the #AdventureGP
Plan a special weekend getaway to a place that matches your loved one’s interests.
If its nature and wildlife, there is plenty to choose from. Within a 75-minute drive from OR Tambo International Airport you can immerse yourselves in the tranquil wilderness of the Dinokeng Game Reserve with elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and lions. It offers lovely lodges, self-drive safaris, restaurants, and guided walks to get up close to nature. Spend some special quiet together time in the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden which is recognised as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world; have lunch at the restaurant and buy a special gift to remember the day.
Go on a shopping spree
A place to experience is the Sandton City/Nelson Mandela square where you can shop to your heart’s content: from inexpensive to high end luxury. If you’re planning to pop the big question or just want something uber special for your loved one, don’t’ leave without experiencing the Diamond Walk, glittering with exquisite jewellery, top-tier diamonds, luxury shopping, exclusive boutiques, prestigious international brands.
For a luxury African shopping experience The Mall of Africa is the place to go and don’t miss that hub that offers local African designers a platform to showcase their work.
#GautengByAir – Take to the skies
Get carried away on a gentle breeze, under a colourful canopy of hot air to a destination unknown as the sun rises. This is a really special way with which to celebrate your Valentine. There are several providers to choose from. Take an exclusive romantic flight for two. Sip champagne as you drift silently across the beautiful African landscape, watching a spectacular sun rise. Join a bigger group and soar over the Cradle of Humankind or the Magaliesberg mountain range on a sunrise hot air balloon flight followed by a sumptuous breakfast as you take in your experience. Or combining a hot air balloon ride with a game viewing experience. Fly over several game reserves in the scenic Cradle of Humankind area and look out for the wildlife including four of the “Big Five”.
Lovey-Dovey Events
The province is full of Valentine’s Day events throughout the month of love. Think the ever-popular Randburg Harriers Valentine’s 10km Night Race, a couple of love-themed markets, and chocolate and wine tasting. Before time runs out, look at our list of Valentine’s events. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Goodbyes
When it’s time to say goodbye give yourself enough time so as not rush and spoil yourselves shopping at duty free and enjoy a leisurely wait for your flight at the Airport VIP lounge or one of many restaurants or coffee shops.
There’s plenty to choose from – think intimate dinners for two, sweet gift ideas, some lacy delights, and much more. For more information, visit www.gauteng.net @visitgauteng on Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok, and I love Gauteng on Facebook and Gauteng Tourism Authority on LinkedIn.
Enquiries: Barba Gaoganediwe, Spokesperson Gauteng Tourism
0834467844
barba@gauteng.net
@Barba_G74 on Twitter
124 Main Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg
