Sean Fraser - Gauteng A-Z

Sean Fraser

First published in 2011 by Struik Travel & Heritage

(an imprint of Random House Struik (Pty) Ltd)

Company Reg. No. 1966/003153/07

Wembley Square, First Floor, Solan Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001,

South Africa

PO Box 1144, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

www.randomstruik.co.za

Copyright in published edition: Random House Struik 2011

Copyright in text: Sean Fraser 2011

Copyright in maps: Random House Struik, MapStudio 2011

Publisher: Claudia Dos Santos

Managing editor: Roelien Theron

Project manager: Leah van Deventer

Project coordinator: Alana Bolligelo

Designer: Catherine Coetzer

Editor: Patricia Myers Smith

ISBN 978 1 43170 087 5 (Print)

ISBN 978 1 43170 088 2 (ePub)

ISBN 978 143170 089 9 (PDF)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers and the copyright holder(s).

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Welcome to Gauteng

Gauteng is both the literal and figurative heart of South Africa. Its major cities set the pace for the rest of the country: Johannesburg, the financial and economic hub, steers banking, mining and other industries pivotal to the national economy, while Pretoria is the administrative capital and seat of government. Both have long and proud histories Johannesburg traces its roots to the gold rush of the 1800s and Pretoria dates back to the early pioneering days and the Boer Republic and yet they remain as different as chalk and cheese. Whereas the metropolis that is Joburg is widely considered among the most modern and progressive in Africa, Pretoria is where small-town living meets a contemporary city lifestyle, a delightful mix of old and new.

Located on the Gauteng Highveld, both enjoy a temperate climate that makes them ideal holiday destinations and tourist drawcards, and the scenic setting, in parts stark and severe and in others green and welcoming, adds much to their attraction. Naturally, there is much of historical significance to see and experience in this province, from world-acclaimed archaeological sites to the socio-political arena that includes the humbling Apartheid Museum and the awe-inspiring Union Buildings. Also to be found are restaurants, galleries, malls, museums and entertainment venues acknowledged as some of the best in Africa.

While the greatest attraction of these urban conglomerations is arguably the animated nature of city life and how it has managed to marry an African aesthetic with world-class sophistication, there is plenty to see further afield in the province. For nature lovers, there is an impressive range of wildlife in the numerous reserves and parks of the rural surrounds. Exciting activities in the Magaliesberg range include hot-air ballooning and kloofing, while watersport fanatics will love the Vaal Dam.

It is all this that makes Gauteng one of the most exciting destinations on the continent. These jewels, and more, are listed alphabetically in this practical little handbook, your personal tour guide to Johannesburg, Pretoria and the surrounding area.

For easy reference and quick and efficient planning, each of the alphabetical entries provides a brief rundown of what to expect. Each destination is also star-rated for your convenience:

Dont miss it!

Make a special effort

If you have the time

To make your visit fun and hassle-free, the following information is supplied at the end of each entry:

Opening and closing times

Telephone number

Street address

Website

All entries are also indexed according to category namely architecture; arts and culture; casinos and resorts; entertainment for children; festivals and events; food and drink; markets and shopping; museums and historical interest; parks and reserves; places of worship; and sports and physical activities at the back of the book.

There are also three locator maps of Gauteng, Johannesburg and Pretoria that show you where to find most entries, or what there is to do in a particular area. Gauteng is Africas showcase. Enjoy!

Sean Fraser