Meaning ‘Place of Gold’, a reference to Gauteng’s thriving gold industry, this prominent yet tiny province is South Africa’s economic epicentre. From its capital, Johannesburg, to the tree-lined streets of Pretoria, Gauteng has witnessed an explosion of culture in the last decade. As well as being an urban oasis, this diverse province is also home to the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site, and one of Africa’s oldest and most significant archaeological discoveries. Our collection of the best places to stay in Gauteng, combine the urbane attractions of Johannesburg, the leisurely stays of Pretoria, as well as several rural escapes.

Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, is defined by its urban sprawl, with each neighbourhood being entirely distinct from the next. Once considered a place to avoid, Johannesburg now boasts a thriving art and music scene, with culture lovers travelling from around the country, and indeed to the world, to attend its long list of festivals and musical events. The neighbourhood of Maboneng in particular is especially hipster-friendly. From Maboneng to Soweto (standing for ‘South West Townships’), another of Johannesburg’s main attractions, originally an informal settlement, it has thrived from forced habitation to an address of social prestige. Visit to experience African culture at its most welcoming and delve deeper into Soweto’s rich historical significance, including the former home of Nelson Mandela and the Hector Pieterson Museum.

To the north, the more chilled out Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, lives life in a slower lane. Famed for its purple-haze of jacaranda-lined streets (blooming between October and November) it is home to stately museums and smart leafy suburbs. Once the height of the apartheid regime, today, Pretoria, though still less cosmopolitan than the other major cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, welcomes a new sense of multiculturalism. Though still largely Afrikaans (you’ll hear plenty of it spoken around town) you’re unlikely to meet anyone who doesn’t understand English. As with Johannesburg, Pretoria's inner-city has witnessed an impressive urban renewal. A once rundown locale, it has welcomed plenty of new trendy bars, restaurants, and cafés.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

• Explore Johannesburg’s historic downtown area’s colourful corners and energetic markets. From the famed music of Soweto to sampling some of its roadside food vendors.
• One of Pretoria's liveliest dining experience, Afroboer blends the best of African cultures and flavours, under one roof, and one menu.
• If you really want to get under the skin of one of Johannesburg’s most significant neighbourhoods, embark on a cultural tour of Soweto. From their internationally acclaimed gospel choir to the annual Soweto Wine Festival, held each September, there is plenty going on!
• If you're interested in the history of South Africa, visit the Nelson Mandela House Museum and the Apartheid Museum in Soweto, Johannesburg. The South African National Museum of Military History is also worth seeing, boasting an impressive collection of howitzers and ME 262 jetfighters.
• Johannesburg’s once bad-mouthed locale of Yeoville is now home to the city’s most memorable meal. Yeoville Dinner Club, a tiny, artily decorated room with a balcony overlooking Rockey Street. Sanza Sandile, your host and chef, spins a wonderful yarn about the city he grew up in whilst rustling up delicious Pan-African dishes.
• When they were built, over a century ago, The Union Buildings was the largest structure in South Africa. The official seat of the South African government, in Pretoria, this enormous, Acropolis-shaped building watches over the city from its highest point. Wander the lovely gardens and take a picture with the nine-metre tall statue of Mandela.
• For a night out in Johannesburg, head over to the Market Theatre area - arguably the city's cultural hub - which brims with music venues and bars, or 7th Street in Melville.
• Explore the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site of major historical significance, where humans have lived since the Stone Age, and the ridges are estimated to be 2.9 billion years old, just a short drive from Johannesburg town.
• Explore Kruger House, the home of South Africa's former president, Paul Kruger, who rose to popularity by leading the Transvaal War against Britain. A must see in Pretoria.
• Another painful reminder of South Africa’s blemished past can be witnessed at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, comprised of The Old Fort, Number Four Jail, the Women's Jail; and the Awaiting Trial Block, which housed men and women, black and white, who resisted the apartheid regime.
• Head out of Johannesburg for the day, to the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and crisscrossed with mountain hiking trails. On your way back, go to the Lion Park.
• If a safari is not on your itinerary, then you're guaranteed a sighting of the Big 5 at Pretoria Zoo, a 210 acres complex, home to Africa's wildest animals.
• If you can't make it as far as the Kruger Park, there are still plenty of wildlife opportunities in Pretoria. From birding at Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, big cats and game at Dinokeng Game Reserve, as well as excellent walking trails and bird spotting at The Faerie Glen Nature Reserve.

Our collection of the best places to stay in Gauteng, showcase the best in family, couples, boutique, and best value stays.

WHERE TO STAY IN GAUTENG

FOR A BUDGET FRIENDLY STAY

• Great value, Arum Place Guest House provides guests with a homely family-run stay, within easy reach of Johannesburg, complete with a hearty English breakfast served each morning.
• Quirkily decorated, offering very good value, Motel Mi Pi Chi, has a contemporary feel that younger travellers will love. A great Jo’burg stay.

FOR A BOUTIQUE STAY

• The perfect combination of modern meets heritage, The Residence’s contemporary structure is filled with antique pieces. Quirky outdoor spaces juxtaposed with classic interiors create a winning stay in Johannesburg.
• A delightful owner-managed stay, guests at The Parkwood are well taken care of. Comfy rooms, an inviting pool, plus a superb breakfast included in the rate. It’s a great value yet charming stay in Johannesburg.
• A private house lovingly turned into a 15-bedroom boutique hotel, 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate, is a homely yet luxurious stay in Johannesburg. Well taken care of by your hosts, there’s a superb menu, spa treatments, and an outdoor pool to enjoy.

FOR FOODIES

• One for the travelling gourmands, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa’s ‘Into The Woods’ menu has been picked right from their own vegetable garden. One of the best restaurants in Johannesburg is located in a very refined setting, with manicured grounds and opulent rooms.
• Boasting a seasonally inspired, locally sourced, haute cuisine restaurant, Clico Boutique Hotel, which boasts a pool, expansive grounds, and stylish rooms, will wow foodies the world over.

FOR A FAMILY STAY

• A drive outside of town, aha La Sedi’s cultural village is a great stay for all ages. Sleep in traditional, colourfully painted, thatched-mud huts for an authentic South African experience. Fun, well, priced, it’s perfect for families.

GREAT FOR COUPLES

• A little slice of Tuscany in Pretoria, Castello di Monte’s olive groves and lavender plantations evoke a sense of romance. The rustic-chic rooms and Juliet balconies only add to the charm.
• Adults only, The Munro Hotel provides guests with an urban hideaway in the heart of Johannesburg. In-room curtained four-posters and plant-filled bathrooms create a Regency-feel, whilst outdoors trickling ponds and leafy gardens offer total seclusion. Bliss.
• Pure relaxation, Valley Lodge & Spa is the perfect couple’s escape with an eighteen-hole golf course, fine dining, and a long list of relaxing spa treatments. Just a short drive from Johannesburg it’s the perfect urban escape.
• A thirty-minute drive from Johannesburg, Riboville is something truly special. Total relaxation, guests can enjoy horse-riding, a swim in the pool, a strong amidst its grounds, or an indulgent spa treatment. Adults-only, it’s a great couples’ retreat.

FOR CITY CHIC

• A sleek ten-room hotel, Atholplace Hotel is great for solo travellers and couples. Chic interiors set the scene for a very civilised stay. Ideally placed for exploring Johannesburg, and well equipped for a sunny afternoon by the pool.
• A glamorous city hotel, The Michelangelo is right in the heart of Johannesburg city and provides opulent dining with all the amenities of a five-star hotel.
• Right in the heart of town, the trendy 54 on Bath boasts minimalist rooms, a bubbly champagne bar, and a very popular rooftop pool. A great stay amidst central Johannesburg.
• A heritage stay in a former Johannesburg post office, Monarch Hotel is filled with period features and provides guests with a stay amidst history. Centrally located, it’s great for exploring on foot.
• Designed by acclaimed architect, David Adjaye, Hallmark House is a fashionable stay amidst this up and coming corner of Johannesburg. Smart, jewelled coloured rooms and sparse yet inviting.
• Excellently priced and beautifully decorated at Pablo House wood, glass, and natural materials are combined to create stylish yet tranquil living spaces, surrounded by greenery.

FOR SOMETHING TRULY SPECIAL

• Arguably Johannesburg’s finest address, The Saxon Hotel boasts stylish rooms and lavish dining, right in the heart of town. Be sure to earmark an afternoon by the pool and for afternoon tea – plus don’t miss dinner at Qunu.
• Johannesburg’s best new boutique hotel, The Peech champions mix-match prints and quirky décor, blending traditional African styles with modern patterns. Guests will love the laidback, open-plan feel of the communal areas.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Wherever you’re travelling to, the best time to visit Gauteng is in the winter months of between November and February, when the temperatures generally remain in the 20°Cs, dropping to close to freezing in the evening. Summer months can get hot and sticky during the day, with a burst of refreshing rainfall in the afternoon.
• With worldwide international flights to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport and daily flights from and to all of South Africa’s major domestic airports, it’s very accessible.
• Though by European standards, public transport is limited, taxis are widely available, and many travellers opt for a self-drive holiday. We recommend our partners Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Why not focus on our recommendations in Johannesburg or Pretoria?

• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Gauteng