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    Gauteng
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    South Africa

    Gauteng

    Gauteng, South Africa's smallest but most populous province, features Johannesburg and Pretoria, just 50 kilometres apart, forming the country's economic heart.

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    Gauteng, South Africa's smallest but most populous province, features Johannesburg and Pretoria, just 50 kilometres apart, forming the country's economic heart. For visitors, the focus is on the history of Apartheid and resistance, a vibrant art and culinary scene, plus the fossil sites of the Cradle of Humankind.
    Pretoria
    Davinci77 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

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    Pretoria

    Pretoria, part of the metropolitan municipality of Tshwane, is the seat of government of South Africa. The Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument, and Freedom Park tell two very different chapters of the country's history.

    Pretoria is the seat of government, while Parliament sits in Cape Town and the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg. The city is quieter and greener than Johannesburg, with a compact center around Church Square.

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    Cradle of Humankind
    flowcomm / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

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    Cradle of Humankind

    The Cradle of Humankind northwest of Johannesburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant sites worldwide for early hominins.

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    Johannesburg

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    Johannesburg

    Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and the country's economic center. Situated at around 1,750 meters high on the Highveld, it emerged after the gold discoveries on the Witwatersrand in 1886.

    Johannesburg, or Jo'burg/Jozi for short, has approximately six million residents within its city limits, forming the country's largest metropolitan area with Pretoria and surrounding cities. The city lacks a classical historic center, instead comprising diverse, widely spread-out neighborhoods.

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    The smallest province

    Gauteng means "Place of Gold" in Sesotho. The province occupies only about 1.5 percent of the country's land area, yet it is home to roughly a quarter of the population, and a large portion of the economic output is generated here. For travellers, Gauteng is typically the arrival point at O. R. Tambo Airport and a departure point for safaris in Kruger National Park or Pilanesberg. Those who stay two or three days will find the most important sites of the country's recent history in Johannesburg, Soweto, and Pretoria.

    Traveling in Gauteng

    The Gautrain connects O. R. Tambo Airport with Sandton, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. For excursions to the Cradle of Humankind or Soweto, you'll need a car, Uber, or a guided tour. To Kruger National Park, it's about a five to six-hour drive; alternatively, there are domestic flights to Skukuza, Nelspruit, and Hoedspruit.

    Nearby

    Sandton

    Sandton

    Discover Sandton, the financial heart of Johannesburg, also known as 'Africa's Richest Square Mile,' home to luxury shopping malls, hotels, and Nelson Mandela Square.
    Rosebank

    Rosebank

    Visit Rosebank, an upscale district known for its shopping malls, boutiques, art galleries, and the popular Rosebank Sunday Market.
    Braamfontein

    Braamfontein

    Braamfontein in Johannesburg presents itself as a vibrant district, characterized by its dynamic cultural scene and urban rejuvenation. Here you'll find the renowned University of the Witwatersrand, which gives the neighborhood a distinct student energy. A central attraction is the Saturday Neighbourgoods Market, offering a diverse selection of local foods, crafts, and live music. Historically, Braamfontein has evolved from a former business district into a hub for art and design, reflected in numerous galleries and impressive street art. Visit the Joburg Theatre for performances or explore independent boutiques along Juta Street. A practical tip: The Neighbourgoods Market is most relaxed in the early morning. After dark, it's advisable to stick to the main streets or take a taxi.
    Maboneng Precinct

    Maboneng Precinct

    Immerse yourself in the Maboneng Precinct, a creative district that transformed from a rundown neighborhood into a hub for art, design, food, and entertainment.
    Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and the country's economic center. Situated at around 1,750 meters high on the Highveld, it emerged after the gold discoveries on the Witwatersrand in 1886. For travelers, the history of Apartheid, a vibrant art and music scene, and Soweto take center stage.