For an extensive list of activities, nature and wildlife attractions visit www.gauteng.net/attractions and browse the various categories.

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg documents South Africa’s Freedom Struggle during the days of apartheid. Set on 7ha of landscaped grounds, the museum has over 20 exhibition areas that include film footage, text panels and artifacts. www.apartheidmuseum.org

The Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is one of eight South African World Heritage Sites. It is the world’s richest hominin site, home to around 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils. The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is an easy drive of about an hour from Johannesburg. Our ancestors have lived in this area for more than 3-million years. By coming here, you are coming to the birthplace of humanity. www.maropeng.co.za

The Sterkfontein Caves at Maropeng

An hour’s drive from Johannesburg, the Sterkfontein Caves are world famous for their fossil finds and a well-known visitor destination. After an extensive face-lift in 2005, the Sterkfontein Caves site is home to a top restaurant, easy access to the caves themselves, modern walkways and a boardwalk past the excavation site where world-acclaimed fossils have been discovered. The Sterkfontein Caves are owned by the University of the Witwatersrand, whose scientists have been responsible for the main excavations of the World Heritage Site. They are credited with many of the famous discoveries including the world famous “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot”, an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton dating back more than 3-million years.

Sun City

One of Africa’s premier vacation destinations, Sun City in South Africa is internationally recognized for its superb resort offering of hotels, attractions and world-class events. From the lavish opulence of The Palace of the Lost City to the casual elegance of the Cascades, the glamour of the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge to the tropical thrills of the Valley of the Waves, Sun City delivers plenty to see and do in a beautiful malaria-free landscape. www.sun-city-south-africa.com

Orlando Towers

Originally the site of a coal fired power station, the Orlando Towers have become one of the most distinctive landmarks in Soweto and the site of the world’s first bungee hump between two cooling towers. The towers are the site of the world’s highest SCAD freefall. www.orlandotowers.co.za

Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum

The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, situated in Orlando West, Soweto, commemorate the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid. The two commemorative sites are just a few blocks from where 12-year-old Hector Pieterson was shot in 1976. www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/hector_pieterson_memorial_and_museum/

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

One of the eight botanical gardens in South Africa, the Walter Sisulu Gardens in Roodepoort is a haven for birds, reptiles and small mammals, and those wanting to escape the bustle of city life. Part manicured laws, part nature reserve, the focal point is the waterfall, the cliffs of which are home to a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles so be sure to take your binoculars along to see if you can spot them. In addition, look out for the 220 varieties of birds, and the number of reptiles and small mammals, including antelope and jackal, which can be found in the gardens. Picnic on the lawns, go bird spotting at the hide, take a stroll through the water-wise garden, cycad garden, succulent rockery, fern garden, or browse through the indigenous nursery and gift shop. A number of leisure events take place throughout the year including afternoon concerts, astrological evenings and carols by candlelight. www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/walter_sisulu_botanical_gardens

Newtown

Newtown is situated in Johannesburg’s inner city and forms part of the city’s cultural and creative hub. The district houses theatres, art galleries, museums, restaurants, book stores, craft markets, clubs and cafés. Some of the more significant landmarks in Newtown include the Market Theatre, renowned for its role in the fight against apartheid as the “Theatre of the Struggle”. Museum Africa, which promises a “fascinating rediscovery of the Africa’s glorious ancient past”, can also be found in the artistic district; as can popular live music venue, the Bassline. Newtown also houses the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Southern Africa’s largest science centre, which seeks to promote interest in science and technology. Still within the district lies the SAB World of Beer which is a popular tourist attraction focused on the history of brewing using tools such as floating holograms and 3D movies. www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/newtown/

The Teatro at Montecasino

The Teatro at Montecasino, situated in the northern Johannesburg suburb of Fourways, is the largest theatre in South Africa and one of the 10 biggest lyric theatres in the world, accommodating 1 870 people at full capacity. The Teatro is set in the Montecasino complex, one of Gauteng’s premier all-round entertainment destinations. The centre is home to a number of restaurants and cocktail bars, where visitors can enjoy a meal or appetizer before or after the show. Montecasino’s casino, with its slot machines and gaming tables, offers additional entertainment. www.montecasino.co.za

Montecasino Bird Gardens

For great entertainment, come and experience the wonder of the Montecasino Bird Gardens. Here, you can wander along enchanted walkways within magnificent gardens and marvel at a variety of colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals from around the world. In the walk-through Aviary, you’ll find over 60 species of birds including Scarlet Ibises, and Nicobar pigeons, reptiles and small mammals, with smaller antelope wandering freely in the undergrowth. www.montecasino.co.za/entertainment/family/Bird%20Gardens/Pages/default.aspx

The African Craft Market of Rosebank

The African craft market is a unique African cultural shopping destination. An exercise in social upliftment, this initiative formalised the hawker trade in the area and is now a bustling market known for its quality exotic African artifacts. Not only does the market contain South African art and curios, it also includes art and crafts from all over the African continent. There are vendors from Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Congo, the Ivory Coast and many more with a diverse range of fabric, jewellery, clothing, carvings, beadwork, ceramics and other décor and art items. There is a lot more on offer than the stereotypical wooden giraffe, this indoor market has a unique and vibrant atmosphere and rhythm. It is conveniently located next to the Rosebank mall and if the shopping builds up your appetite, there are a multitude of restaurants, stalls and fast food to keep you going. A must-see for tourists and locals. http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/the_african_craft_market_of_rosebank/

Melville

The lively suburb of Melville, west of Johannesburg, is known for its down to earth meets trendy, coffee shop vibe – and its bustling nightlife. More like a café-style village lined with quirky shops, bistros, restaurants and clubs, peppered with a cultural mix of art and antique dealers, clothing and beading shops, Melville has become famous among locals and visitors as not to be missed for a night out in Gauteng. www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/melville/

Mammas Shebeen

Mammas Shebeen concept became an instant success with thousands of patrons wanting to experience an authentic shebeen dining and entertainment. This success has systemically turned Mammas Shebeen into an iconic destination for dinners and fun-seeking patrons alike. It is pure African funkiness and all décor may be purchased. Mammas, as she is affectionately known, embodies a typical South African shebeen culture through its ambience, décor, conversations corners, music, meals, and people. It is a melting pot of cultures, creeds and nationalities. The food on offer is traditional South African and varies from all-time favourites like pap and stew to dishes of Mopane worms or chicken-feet!. The sound gets you into the rhythms of Africa and makes you feel alive. You’ll find old irons on the tables, a football table, zebra print painted walls and OMO washing powder branding all over the place. It makes for great dining and a fun evening. http://mammasshebeen.co.za/

Liliesleaf Farm:

Located in the suburb of Rivonia, Johannesburg, Liliesleaf is an award-winning heritage site and owes its preservation to the vital role it played in the liberation movement during the apartheid era. It is open to the public and is a recommended attraction for those who want to explore South Africa’s rich history. In the early 1960s, the leafy, affluent northern suburbs of Johannesburg were reserved for white people only who, under the segregation of the Group Areas Act, enjoyed genteel lifestyles on their large properties staffed by black domestic workers. Arthur Goldreich – a member of the Communist Party – moved to Liliesleaf, a semi-rural smallholding in Rivonia, in December 1961 with his family and appeared to be the legitimate owner of the property. This was merely subterfuge to provide cover for Nelson Mandela, dubbed the “Black Pimpernel”, and other banned African National Congress (ANC) members on the run from the vicious security police. http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/liliesleaf_farm/

Gaabo Motho Cultural Village

Feel the vibe of Township Life and enjoy the Gum Boot dancers as many different types of traditions coexist at Gaabo Motho Cultura Village. Experience village life as practiced by the Zulu, Ndebele, Tswana and Venda tribes emulating the ancestors of long ago. Traditional accommodation, conference facilities and a comfortable guesthouse are available. The world is united with traditional drums, music and dance. Get caught up in the excitement. Enjoy the beauty and the rhythm of the culture and experience African games as they have been played for hundreds of years. Learn about the Tswana spirit, their graves and maternity ward. Visit the Traditional Healer for the prediction of your future and a shebeen shack called “Mokhukhu” to help your spirit. An experience not to be missed as the beat of Africa follows you home… www.gaabomotho.co.za/

Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park

Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park provides the opportunity to observe one of the world’s most spectacular predators at close range. Visitors may hold a croc hatchling, various exotic snakes, lizards and even a tarantula! On display are some of South Africa’s biggest Nile crocodiles and various venomous snakes. The park opens daily at 9 until 4.30 and don’t miss the feeding of the reptiles on weekends at 2.pm. Well informed staff, enjoy sharing their special stories with guests. When you have finished with the reptiles enjoy a lovely tea garden and playground with interesting eats or take some special gifts home from the curio shop. This park also has a cultural dance experience considered to be the best in Johannesburg. The dances, an hour long, are at 10, 12.30 and 15h00. Definitely worth spending a day. http://croccity.co.za/

Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris

Meet at sunrise at the Magalies River Valley, and moments later you’ll be hovering over the tree tops sipping champagne and watching the light travel over the land as you look out over the Cradle of Humankind, or perhaps drifting above the Magaliesberg range, a region boasting some of the best ballooning weather in the world. Either way you’re doing it in style. Professional pilots and attentive crew mean you can relax and enjoy the experience knowing you’re in good hands. After landing enjoy a magnificent and generous champagne breakfast at the new, exquisite clubhouse as you think back over your inspiring journey. Suitable for both the discerning individual traveller or a corporate group. Internationally praised, Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris will give you lasting and cherished memories and an absolutely unique way to view the world. www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/bill_harrops_hot_air_ballooning

Shopping

Johannesburg has a diverse range of shopping experiences from world-class malls to outdoor markets offerings instant gratification and no dull moments.

44 Stanley: www.44stanley.co.za/

Irene Village Market: www.irenemarket.co.za

Sandton City: www.sandtoncity.com

Nelson Mandela Square: www.nelsonmandelasquare.co.za

Village Walk African Cultural Market: www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/village_walk_african_cultural_market/

Hyde Park Corner: www.hydeparkcorner.co.za

Rosebank Mall: www.themallofrosebank.co.za

Rosebank Rooftop Market: www.craft.co.za

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