Johannesburg & Gauteng
City energy and ancient history 🏙️🦴
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to high rates of violent crime (including carjacking and robbery) and localized unrest, government agencies (including the US, UK, and Australia) advise travelers to reconsider travel to this region or exercise extreme caution. Security situations can fluctuate. Families are strongly urged to consult their own government's official travel advisory before planning a trip, as risk assessments vary by nationality.
Gauteng is the economic heartbeat of South Africa, offering a fast-paced urban experience rich in history. While caution is required, the region holds significant educational value for older children. The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg provides a powerful, necessary lesson in human rights history, while a guided bicycle or tuk-tuk tour of Soweto introduces families to the vibrancy of South Africa's most famous township, including Nelson Mandela's former home.
For entertainment, Gold Reef City combines a rollercoaster theme park with a historical descent into an underground gold mine, illustrating the industry that built the city. Just an hour's drive away lies the Cradle of Humankind. The Maropeng Visitor Centre here uses world-class interactive exhibits to explain human evolution, and the nearby Sterkfontein Caves offer guided tours deep into limestone caverns.
Pretoria, the administrative capital, offers a quieter pace with the National Zoological Gardens and the sprawling Freedom Park. Families staying in the region often choose secure suburbs like Sandton or Rosebank, which offer high-end malls, hotels, and the convenient Gautrain rapid rail link to the airport.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind and Magaliesberg mountains, offering significant hiking, canopy tours, and wildlife exploration. Winter months are peak as they provide dry, clear conditions and optimal visibility for wildlife and outdoor trails.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
A vibrant hub of African contemporary art and history with major galleries and the heritage sites of Soweto. Spring and autumn offer the best weather, specifically October for the world-famous Jacaranda blooms in Pretoria, while mid-winter nights can be uncomfortably cold.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Internationally significant paleoanthropological sites at Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves make this a primary destination for scientific learning. The dry winter season is ideal for visiting these sensitive archaeological sites, while summer rains can complicate accessibility.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Established routes like the Magaliesberg Meander and the Jacaranda Route offer scenic rural and urban driving experiences. Spring and autumn provide the best visual displays and comfortable driving temperatures, avoiding the intense summer storms and dustier winter periods.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Strong infrastructure for cycling, especially in the Cradle of Humankind, along with unique urban adventure sports like the Soweto Towers bungee. The cool, dry winter months are preferred for high-exertion outdoor activities to avoid the summer humidity and heavy rainfall.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Features Gold Reef City and several aquatic centers that provide world-class family entertainment. Optimal during the mild transition seasons; winter is often too cold for water-based parks, and summer experiences frequent heavy afternoon thundershowers.
Attractions (68 total)
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg
A profound museum illustrating the rise and fall of apartheid through immersive exhibits and unique architectural storytelling.
Visit website →Constitution Hill
Johannesburg
A former prison complex turned living museum that now houses the country's Constitutional Court, symbolizing the journey to democracy.
Visit website →Maropeng - Cradle of Humankind
Sterkfontein
A UNESCO World Heritage visitor center shaped like an ancient burial mound, exploring the 3-million-year history of human evolution.
Visit website →Union Buildings
Pretoria
The official seat of the South African government, featuring grand sandstone architecture and terraced gardens with a massive Nelson Mandela statue.
Visit website →Voortrekker Monument
Pretoria
A massive granite structure commemorating the pioneer history of South Africa, offering panoramic views and intricate historical friezes.
Visit website →Nelson Mandela Square
Sandton
A bustling public plaza in the heart of Sandton featuring a towering six-meter bronze statue of Nelson Mandela.
Visit website →Orlando Towers
Soweto
Two decommissioned cooling towers covered in vibrant murals, serving as an iconic landmark and extreme sports hub in the heart of Soweto.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Cradle of Humankind Cycling Loop
Muldersdrift
25km to 45km moderate road cycling loop with a dedicated cycle lane. Elevation gain of approximately 500m. Popular for its safe environment and scenic views of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Bike rental: The Cycle Hub (thecyclehub.co.za).
Visit website →Braamfontein Spruit MTB Trail
Johannesburg
30km moderate point-to-point urban mountain bike trail. Elevation gain approximately 250m. It is the most popular urban trail in South Africa, following a river greenbelt through the city. Bike rental: Cycle Lab (cyclelab.com).
Visit website →Groenkloof Nature Reserve MTB Trails
Pretoria
20km of moderate mountain biking trails with 300m elevation gain. Located in the oldest nature reserve in Africa. Riders often encounter giraffe and zebra. Bike rental: Available at the main reserve gate.
Visit website →Castle Gorge Hiking Trail
Skeerpoort
11km moderate to challenging day hike with 400m elevation gain. Famous for its crystal-clear mountain pools and unique weathered rock formations. Requires a permit from the Mountain Club of SA. Typically takes 5-6 hours.
Visit website →Hennops Krokodilberg Trail
Pretoria
10km moderate to challenging circular hike with 350m elevation gain. Features include a suspension bridge, a cable car crossing, and views of the Hennops River. Typically takes 3-4 hours.
Visit website →Rustig Witwatersrand Trail
Magaliesburg
18km challenging circular day hike with over 800m elevation gain. This is a strenuous route leading to the crest of the Magaliesberg mountains. Typically takes 6-8 hours.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Cradle of Humankind (Maropeng & Sterkfontein Caves)
Krugersdorp
A UNESCO World Heritage site offering interactive exhibits and guided cave tours that explore the origins of humanity.
Visit website →Magaliesberg Mountain Range
Hekpoort
One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, providing dramatic quartzite ridges, deep kloofs, and expansive hiking trails.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Heidelberg
A vast conservation area with undulating hills and highveld flora, ideal for family wildlife spotting and scenic cycling routes.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Cradle of Humankind Scenic Drive
Circular
Approx. 45km circular loop, 4-6 hours, paved road. This UNESCO World Heritage site route traverses rolling dolomitic hills and archaeological hotspots. Key stops include the Maropeng Visitor Centre, Sterkfontein Caves, and various private game reserves and fossil sites along the R563 and R400.
Visit website →Magaliesberg Meander
Circular
Approximately 120km circular route, 1-2 days, paved road. This scenic drive skirts the ancient Magaliesberg mountain range and the Hartbeespoort Dam. Highlights include the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, Chameleon Village, local art galleries, and panoramic views from the mountain passes.
Visit website →Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve Scenic Loop
Heidelberg
60km paved circular loop, 3-4 hours, paved road. Located on the edge of the Witwatersrand, this route ascends through the Suikerbosrand mountains. It offers high-altitude vistas of the Highveld, sightings of Eland and Zebra, and access to the Diepkloof Farm Museum.
Visit website →Pretoria Jacaranda Route
Circular
Approx. 20km urban loop, 2-3 hours, paved road. Famous during October and November when over 70,000 Jacaranda trees bloom. The route follows streets like Herbert Baker Street in Groenkloof and the areas surrounding the Union Buildings, creating a 'Purple City' effect.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Ditsong National Museum of Natural History
Pretoria
Home to an extensive collection of fossils, including 'Mrs. Ples,' this museum explores the rich natural history of Southern Africa.
Visit website →Maropeng Visitor Centre
Cradle of Humankind
An award-winning world-class exhibition focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years.
Visit website →Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Johannesburg
Southern Africa's largest science centre offers hundreds of interactive exhibits and hands-on displays that make learning about technology fun.
Visit website →Sterkfontein Caves
Cradle of Humankind
A world-famous archaeological site where visitors can explore deep limestone caves and see where significant hominid fossils were discovered.
Visit website →Origins Centre Museum
Johannesburg
An engaging museum that traces the history of modern humankind and the ancient rock art of the San people through multimedia displays.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum
Pretoria
This national heritage site features the 'Garden of Remembrance' with symbolic water features and tranquil paths reflecting South Africa's history.
Visit website →Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Pretoria
Spanning 76 hectares, this garden showcases a diverse range of South African biomes and a dedicated succulent collection perfect for educational family walks.
Visit website →Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Roodepoort
This garden features the dramatic Witpoortjie Waterfall and provides a home to nesting Verreaux's Eagles, offering a scenic escape for families.
Visit website →The Wilds Nature Reserve
Johannesburg
A revitalized inner-city sanctuary featuring indigenous succulent gardens, vibrant public art, and elevated walkways with stunning views of the city skyline.
Visit website →Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Johannesburg
Boasting a world-class rose garden with over 10,000 bushes and a serene dam, this site offers vast green spaces ideal for family picnics.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Gold Reef City Theme Park
Johannesburg
A major theme park built over an old gold mine, featuring high-intensity roller coasters and underground mine tours.
Visit website →Aquadome at Emerald Resort
Vanderbijlpark
A popular climate-controlled indoor water park featuring multiple ship-themed pools and slides for year-round swimming.
Visit website →Happy Island Water World
Muldersdrift
One of Africa's largest water parks, offering massive wave pools, high-speed slides, and tropical-themed family play areas.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Irene Farm
Centurion
A historic working dairy farm where families can see cattle, explore the grounds, and enjoy farm-fresh products at the deli and restaurant.
Visit website →Lion & Safari Park
Lanseria
A world-renowned wildlife interaction park offering giraffe feeding, safari drives, and a children's play area in a vast rural landscape.
Visit website →Honeydew Mazes
Johannesburg
A popular rural destination featuring elaborate garden mazes and outdoor puzzles that offer a unique farm-based challenge for all ages.
Visit website →Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary
Midrand
A highly-rated boutique zoo specializing in bird and animal rehabilitation with intimate interaction opportunities for families.
Visit website →Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
Krugersdorp
A wildlife park in the Cradle of Humankind with a variety of animals, a petting zoo area, and extensive family play facilities.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Johannesburg Art Gallery
Johannesburg
The largest gallery on the subcontinent, housing a world-class collection of European and South African landscape and figurative art.
Visit website →Nirox Sculpture Park
Krugersdorp
A sprawling outdoor art sanctuary in the Cradle of Humankind featuring large-scale installations set within beautifully landscaped gardens.
Visit website →Javett Art Centre at UP
Pretoria
A bold architectural landmark housing the Mapungubwe gold collection and significant modern South African art pieces.
Visit website →Pretoria Art Museum
Pretoria
Located in Arcadia Park, this museum focuses on South African art history and features a notable collection of local masters.
Visit website →Wits Art Museum
Johannesburg
A vibrant contemporary museum in Braamfontein showcasing an extensive collection of African beadwork, textiles, and modern artworks.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Johannesburg Zoo
Johannesburg
A historic 54-hectare zoo offering a family-friendly atmosphere with a wide variety of animals and beautiful picnic spots.
Visit website →National Zoological Garden of South Africa
Pretoria
The largest zoo in South Africa features a cable car, a large aquarium, and diverse habitats spread across hilly terrain.
Visit website →Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre
De Wildt
A world-renowned conservation facility focused on the survival of cheetahs and wild dogs, offering educational guided tours.
Visit website →Montecasino Bird Gardens
Johannesburg
An impeccably maintained park featuring walk-through aviaries with over 60 species of birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Mandela House
Soweto
The former residence of Nelson Mandela, now a museum offering an intimate look at his life and the struggle against apartheid on the famous Vilakazi Street.
Visit website →Melrose House
Pretoria
A grand Victorian museum that served as the headquarters for the British forces and was the site of the signing of the peace treaty ending the Second Boer War.
Freedom Park
Pretoria
A cultural heritage site that honors the people who died in the struggle for humanity and freedom through symbolic architecture and sacred spaces.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Maropeng (Cradle of Humankind)
Sterkfontein
An interactive visitor center at a UNESCO World Heritage site where families explore the origins of humanity through immersive exhibits.
Visit website →Vilakazi Street
Soweto
The world's only street to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners, offering families a vibrant walk through South African history.
Visit website →Cullinan Diamond Village
Cullinan
A quaint historic mining town where families can see Victorian architecture and tour the mine where the world's largest diamond was found.
Visit website →Lesedi Cultural Village
Lanseria
A living museum where families can visit traditional homesteads and experience the diverse cultures of South Africa's indigenous tribes.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Maropeng: Visitor Centre for the Cradle of Humankind
Krugersdorp
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring an iconic burial mound-shaped building that houses world-class fossils and interactive evolutionary exhibits.
Visit website →Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Pretoria
The oldest game sanctuary in Africa, providing a scenic escape for mountain biking and viewing giraffe, zebra, and various antelope.
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Hammanskraal
The only Big Five game reserve in Gauteng, providing a authentic bushveld safari experience within an hour's drive of the city.
Visit website →Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Pretoria
A massive urban reserve centered around a dam, offering excellent opportunities to see rhinos, cheetahs, and buffaloes in a family-friendly setting.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Soweto Towers (Orlando Towers)
Soweto
An iconic adventure hub offering bungee jumping and base jumping between two vibrantly painted decommissioned cooling towers.
Visit website →Acrobranch Melrose
Johannesburg
A popular treetop obstacle course and zipline park located in a lush green belt, offering varying difficulty levels for all ages.
Visit website →Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park
Johannesburg
A wildlife adventure park where visitors can zipline directly over enclosures containing large Nile crocodiles.
Visit website →Ariel Cableway Hartbeespoort
Hartbeespoort
A panoramic cable car ride to the top of the Magaliesberg mountains featuring educational walkways and exceptional valley views.
Visit website →Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris
Magaliesberg
A premier outdoor activity providing sunrise hot air balloon flights over the Magalies River Valley and the Cradle of Humankind.
Visit website →Magaliesberg Canopy Tour
Magaliesberg
An eco-adventure zipline tour through the ancient Ysterhout Kloof in the Magaliesberg mountains, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Animal World at Emerald Resort
Vanderbijlpark
A family-friendly wildlife park featuring a dedicated aquarium building with a diverse collection of exotic and local fish species.
Visit website →National Zoological Garden of South Africa - Aquarium
Pretoria
The largest inland marine aquarium in South Africa, featuring an impressive walk-through tunnel where families can see sharks and rays swimming overhead.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Pines Resort
Krugersdorp
A popular family destination offering multiple swimming pools, high-speed water slides, and extensive picnic facilities in a garden setting.
Visit website →Emerald Aquadome
Vanderbijlpark
A climate-controlled indoor aquatic center featuring shipwreck-themed play areas, multiple pools, and slides for year-round family fun.
Visit website →