Gauteng and Johannesburg Travel Guide

Located in the heart of South Africa‘s Highveld region, Gauteng is a highly developed an hugely populated province, home to major industry headquarters and cultural centres. Although it is the smallest province, it is nonetheless the economic source of power of South Africa necessary. Gauteng means place of gold in Sesotho. This referred to the thriving gold industry in the province following the 1886 discovery of gold in Johannesburg.

Gauteng has hot summers with summer rainfall and cold winters with frost. Hail is common during summer thunderstorms.

The province blends cultures, colours, first and third-world traditions in a spirited mix, flavoured by a number of foreign influences. The world’s languages can be heard on the streets and in offices, from English to Mandarin, Swahili, French, German and more.

Johannesburg is the capital of Gauteng and the biggest city in South Africa – and Africa as a whole. Also known as Joburg or Jozi. Mine-dumps and headgear remain symbols of Johannesburg’s rich past, while modern architecture resembles fine examples of 19th-century engineering. Shiny skyscrapers contrast with Indian bazaars and African medicine shops, and the busy streets crowded with fruit sellers and street vendors. An exciting blend of ethnic and western art and cultural activities is reflected in theatres and open-air arenas throughout the city.

The Johannesburg Metro and the City of Pretoria are the two major cities in Gauteng. Pretoria provides a more laid-back feel with jacaranda lined wide streets and lovely old buildings a more tranquillize choice for many who make the daily commute to Johannesburg. The Vaal River, which separates Gauteng from the Free State, provides number getaways and is a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts and fishing. The Magaliesberg Mountains is virtually on Johannesburg’s doorstep, another graceful journey into endless quiet space. Limpopo – just to the north of Gauteng, with its glamorous game reserves, waterfalls, forests and streams – one more escape destination of note.

Fact Sheet: Gauteng
Population	9 525 571 (2006)
Capital	Johannesburg
Area	16 548 square kilometres
Population density	576 people per square kilometre
Gross regional product	R413.6-billion (2003)
Share of total GDP	33.3%