Connecting African Culture Through the Seas
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
Gauteng – which means “place of gold” in the Sotho language – started out as a small gold mining region in the late 1800s, and since has grown to a thriving province of more than 12 million people from all over Africa, giving it a singular energy and outlook. But despite its size and position as the commercial and governmental hub of the country, Gauteng has something of an inferiority complex; though it is often the first place that visitors to the country arrive in the country (via OR Tambo International Airport) many stay here for just a day or two before heading out to Cape Town, Kruger Park, the Garden Route or another of the more “glamorous” tourist destinations in South Africa.
The truth is that Gauteng (pronounced “how-teng”) may not be as overtly touristic as other parts of South Africa, but it does indeed have plenty to offer the motivated traveler, and the province’s high altitude translates into a mild climate, which makes it perfect to visit almost any time of year.
The dominant city is of course, Johannesburg, an alternately engaging and infuriating place that combines poor townships, glittery shopping malls, extensive green spaces, and a smattering of trendy, emerging neighborhoods. It’s fascinating to experience, if you can handle the wicked traffic and lack of public transportation.
The capital of South Africa, Pretoria, is also found in Gauteng. Pretoria has its own sleepy charm, in the form of purple-hued streets when the jacaranda trees come into full bloom, the majestic Union Buildings and gardens, and the numerous monuments and museums that line wide boulevards.
Thirty miles northwest of the city is the idyllic region of Magaliesberg/Hartbeesport, which is filled with quaint country houses, luxury hotels, rustic lodges, stylish stores, funky arts and craft studios, working farms, horse and mountain bike trails. Those interested in archaeology and the origins of Homo sapiens should not miss the Cradle of Humankind, while animal enthusiasts usually end up at Lion Park or the Johannesburg Zoo. The Cullinan diamond mine, a still-going concern, offers a tour that connects Joburg’s storied past with its dynamic present.
Safety: The crime rate in Gauteng has been declining steadily for the past 20 years, making it a safe place to be out and about. Tourists are advised however to not go unaccompanied to townships, the CBD, or other less-touristic areas, and to be very cautious when driving in less-affluent areas (particularly when stopped at intersections).
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
If you’re a craft beer aficionado, you’ll go to great lengths to get your fix. Luckily in Gauteng, you don’t have to search too hard for a quality micro-brew. These …