If you are looking for family activities in Gauteng or fun ways to spend a weekend or day trip in Gauteng or if you want a break from the city and a refreshing escape in nature – this article is for you. I’ve rounded up the best places to visit in Gauteng.
Though Gauteng is not popularly known for attractions in nature, there are outdoor activities, nature escapes and even places to go on game drives in Gauteng. Fine, there is no beach but let’s focus on the positives!
*This article is continually updated to include more attractions so keep it in your favourites.
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Map of Gauteng Province, South Africa
Gauteng is a landlocked province bordered by Free State, Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo provinces. This makes it a great departure point for road trips to attractions in surrounding provinces. I love to make the most of great weekend road trips from Joburg.
Gauteng is the smallest but most populated province/region in South Africa and is known for it’s major cities, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Places to Visit in Gauteng, South Africa
Outdoor family-Friendly activities in Gauteng:
Obstacle courses at Acrobranch
Challenge yourself by doing an outdoor obstacle course at Acrobranch. They have branches in different locations in South Africa. In Gauteng, you will find Acrobranch in Pretoria North, Pretoria East, Centurion, Melrose and Huddle Park. The obstacles consists of, “zip lines, bridges, monkey bridges, Tarzan jumps and many other activities to challenge you”
This is not only a fun option for kids but is offered to adults too! The Acrobranch in Melrose, Johannesburg has:
- 3 courses for children aged 3 – 6 years old
- 2 courses for adults and for children 7 years and older
Mountain Sanctuary Park, Magaliesburg
Mountain Sanctuary Park is a private nature park in Magaliesburg, Gauteng. Experience natural rockpools and hiking trails within Gauteng province. They only allow access to their facilities to guests staying at Mountain Sanctuary Park. Learn more about how to get there, what the accommodation options are and things to do at Mountain Sanctuary Park by checking out my review.
Canopy Tours at Canopy Tour Magaliesburg
Explore Gauteng by air by ziplining from tree top to tree top with Canopy Tour SA. While ziplining, remember to not only look ahead but look around too to really take in the views.
You can find this experience in Gauteng at Canopy Tour Magaliesburg.
I enjoyed the Canopy Tour in Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape and visited the Canopy Tour in Magaliesburg with my mother.
Use the code GOPHARI for 10% off at any Canopy Tour SA branch
Boat Cruises At Stonehaven on Vaal
The Vaal River is the second longest river in South Africa and forms the border between Gauteng and Free State provinces. If you head to the south of Gauteng past Alberton and Vereeniging, you will arrive at Vanderbijlpark. This is where you can experience the Vaal area while in Gauteng. It is a 45 minute drive away from Johannesburg.
Stonehaven is a restaurant, event venue and outdoor relaxing space along the Vaal River in Vanderbijlpark. You can easily spend a full day here by going on a boat cruise and then having a meal at the restaurant.
You can combine your trip to the Vaal with a stop at Emerald Resort which is also in Vanderbijlpark.
Quad bike at Segwati Quad Trails in Muldersdrift
Have you ever heard of a safari quad bike tour? I hadn’t until I heard about Segwati Quad Trails in Muldersdrift which is 40 minutes away from Pretoria and Johannesburg. This unique quad biking experience on their 650 hectare game farm is a fun day activity in Gauteng.
Note that you will need to call or email Segwati to book a tour. Do this a few days in advance to avoid dissappointment.
Hike at Cradle Moon Game Lodge
Cradle Moon Game Lodge is 5 minutes away from UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cradle of Humankind. They offer a variety of outdoor activities such as boat cruises, game drives and canoeing. For the hike lovers, there is a 5km and 9km hiking trail at Cradle Moon Game Lodge.
City Skate Tours in Maboneng
Skate boarding is for everyone and that’s what City Skate Tours is proving. Bring your friends or family together for this unique guided tour of Johannesburg’s inner city on a skateboard.
You don’t need to have any skating experience to join a tour.
Tours start from CURIOCITY Joburg.
Hike at Hennops Hiking Trail
This popular hiking destination in Gauteng has 4 hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. The suspension bridges over Hennops River make this trail special.
Take note that you need to pay using cash to access Hennops hiking trails. Entrance is R100 per adult and R50 per child (Last updated on 8 August 2020).
Cycle Tours in Soweto
Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers offer educational and fun bicycle tours, tuk tuk tours and walking tours of Soweto. While on these Soweto tours you get the opportunity to learn about Soweto’s history from knowledgable guides and support local vendors.
Safaris/Game Drives in Gauteng:
Some first time tourists in South Africa are surprised that there are no wild animals roaming the streets in Gauteng. Many Gauteng residents, on the other hand, are surprised that you can go on a safari in Gauteng and see the Big 5 (Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).
Enjoy a self drive through these game reserves in Gauteng.
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Dinokeng Game Reserve is in Hammanskraal which is about an hour drive from Johannesburg. This malaria free game reserve in Gauteng is home to the Big Five. You could also opt for an overnight or weekend stay at one of their accommodation facilities.
Rietvlei Game Reserve
Another option for a safari in Gauteng is Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Pretoria. Rietvlei is home to two of the Big 5 (the white rhino and buffalo) and other wild animals including zebra, cheetah and Wildebeests. You can spend the day viewing animals in their natural habitat while on a self-drive through this nature reserve in the city.
Parks in Gauteng:
Spending an afternoon in a well kept park can do wonders to relieve stress and brighten your mood. Parks are also a good FREE and family friendly place to hang out in Gauteng. And for the couples, consider a walk at a park for a romantic afternoon in Gauteng. Here are some options:
Lonehill Park
Lonehill Park is located in Lone hill, Sandton. It’s open all day.
Zoo Lake
Zoo Lake is located in Parkview, Johannesburg.
Moyos Resturant is on the premises. They serve African cuisine.
Gilooly's Farm
Gilooly’s Farm is located in Bedfordview, Johannesburg. It’s free to access and is a popular location for braais and picnics.
Gilooly’s Farm is open daily from 7am till 7pm.
National Botanical Gardens in Gauteng:
Unlike the free parks mentioned earlier, you will need to pay an entrance fee at the National Botanical Gardens in Gauteng.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is located in Roodepoort
Open daily from 8am till 5pm
Entrance fee is R60 per adult and free for children under 6 years old (Last updated on 8 August 2020)
Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is located in Brummeria, Pretoria.
Open daily from 8am till 6pm with final intake at 5pm.
Entrance fee is R40 per adult and free for children under 6 years old (Last updated on 8 August 2020)
This article is continually updated to include more attractions in Gauteng so keep it in your favourites.
If you would like your service/attraction added to this list, send me a mail at contact@gophari.com.
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