Gauteng is the smallest of South Africa’s nine provinces. Its three main cities are Johannesburg, Soweto and Tshwane (Pretoria - the national capital).
Johannesburg is a Sotho word meaning Place of Gold. The city was founded in 1886 and now has a population of about 2.5 million people, in a country of about 46.5 million. It is recognised as the financial capital of South Africa and is home to many big businesses. Tourists tend to spend very little time in Joburg, but should you have time here, there are many museums, art galleries, restaurants and a good nightlife. The city has a reputation of being rather dangerous, however with sensible precautions most visitors have a trouble-free time here.
Here are just a few ideas of things to do in and around Joburg: Sandton Shopping Square; Botanic Gardens; Lion Park; Zoo; Gold Reef City; Ranburg Waterfront.
Many people travelling in South Africa end up with at least some time in Johannesburg whilst travelling from place to place, as Joburg is a major hub connecting lots of different areas of the country.
