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Gauteng

Gauteng Gauteng - South Africa

Despite its small size, Gauteng is the powerhouse of South Africa. It’s high population and ethnic diversity makes it a melting pot of cultures. It has a sophisticated, first world infrastructure and is a gateway to Africa.

What to see and do

  • Cradle of Humankind at the Sterkfontein Caves

    Fossil remains of Homo Habilis, or Handy Man, were found at the Sterkfontein Caves. His tools are the earliest indication of human culture.

  • Gold mining

    Wander around the remnants of Joburg's first gold mine. Gold Reef City offers underground mine tours and gold pouring demonstrations.

  • Apartheid Museum

    Provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts that tell stories of the apartheid era. You can get more insight at Museum Afrika in Newtown and the Hector Pieterson Museum in Orlando West in Soweto.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg

With roots in mining dating back to 1886 when gold was discovered, Johanesburg exploded from a dusty, crowded mining camp into the modern economic hub of South Africa. Joburg attracted hopefuls from other parts of Africa. Today, it is not uncommon to hear French, Portuguese, Swahili and countless other languages in addition to the 11 official languages of SA.

Backpacker hostels in Johannesburg
 
Pretoria
Pretoria - Jacarandas

Named the Jacaranda City after the springtime sea of purple blossoms. Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. It was the heartland of the Afrikaner Volk, evident in many monuments around the city. Today, it is the academic capital too, with a student population of 76 000. A trip to the Union buildings and the diplomatic quarter is worth the minimal effort. Pretoria is an excellent place to visit some museums and to check out some great architecture. Pretoria is only 30 minutes away from OR Tambo Airport.

Backpacker hostels in Pretoria
 
Soweto
Soweto - Bicycle Tours

A sprawling township formed in the 1930’s that grew with the arrival of job seekers from the countyside. Soweto has a history closely associated to the struggle against apartheid. Sowetans adopted an urban culture and set trends in fashion and music. There’s so much to learn and discover, Soweto cannot be appreciated from a bus window. Stay a few nights and be surprised.

Backpacker hostels in Soweto

See Lebo's Soweto Backpackers under Johannesburg