~ ABOUT GAUTENG PROVINCE ~

Gauteng: This tiny province, with only 1.4% of South Africa's land area, punches way above its weight contributing 33% to the national economy. Sesotho for "place of gold", Gauteng was built on the wealth of gold found deep underground. The economy has since diversified, with more sophisticated sectors such as finance and manufacturing. Johannesburg is the capital, and by far the biggest city in South Africa. The city is one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world, and is also the world's largest city not situated on a river , lake, or coastline. Also known as Joburg or Jozi, the city is served by the O.R Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa and a gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of Southern Africa.

Sharing with Johannesburg the province of Gauteng is the city of Pretoria. Sedate, leafy Pretoria tends to endure a fairytale complex in comparison with the vibrancy of its neighbouring city, Johannesburg. Known as the Jacaranda city due to all the purple blossom-covered trees that literally make this city come alive when they are in full bloom. Pretoria functions as one of three capitals of South Africa with a population that exceeds a million people, the bulk of whom are government officials. Home to many must – see attractions such as the Union building and the Pioneer museum this city is worth the visit.

Cradle of Humankind ( Sterkfontein Caves) – This world heritage site of over 47000 hectares, produced the very first australopithecine. The almost complete skull of an adult female Australopithecus Africanus was found. Named pesianthropus transvaalensis ( near-man of the Transvaal) inspired it's now nickname, Mrs Ples. This fossil is estimated between 2.8 and 2.6 million years old, this finding is the cause of the popularity the Sterkfontein cave enjoys today. The caves are situated within the Isaac Edwin Steggman Reserve just outside of Krugersdorp. This site offers over 400 attractions, including restaurants, arts and crafts outlets, lodges, wildlife facilities and places of historical interest.

Soweto- to the south west of the city centre, a mostly black urban area constructed during the apartheid regime for the housing of African people who were instructed by the government to live in designated areas, is now the home of many historical sites related to those trying times in South Africa's past. The Apartheid museum, Hector Peterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela family museum to name a few, are some of the must see designations. The Apartheid museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. Discover the true history of South Africa and experience a deeper understanding and appreciation of this diverse country, its darkest days and brightest triumphs. Nelson Mandela, the prisoner turned president 's humble home in Orlando west serves as an interesting stop over. The museum contains family memorabilia and photo's as well as a collection of honorary doctorates bestowed on Nelson from universities and institutions around the world.

Even though this province is at a sub tropical latitude the climate is comparatively cooler especially in Johannesburg. Humidity never becomes uncomfortable and winter's are crisp and dry with frost. Snow is rare but has occurred in the Johannesburg metropolitan areas. Gauteng is a summer rainfall area and has hot summers and cold winters. Hail is common during summer thunderstorms. Lying as it does in a warm, sheltered valley surrounded by the hills of the Magaliesberg range Pretoria is invariably a few degrees warmer than Johannesburg.