Accommodations in South africa

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gauteng, accommodations

When looking for Gauteng accommodation options in this bustling and vibrant province, the selection ranges from simple to utterly lavish – with everything you could want between. The commercial hub and economic powerhouse of South Africa, Gauteng Province is a treasure trove of historical sites, heritage attractions, luxury shopping and vibrant nightlife. The Highveld, the area in which Gauteng is situated, offers a truly amazing climate. Warm and clear summer days are punctuated on occasion by breath-taking thunderstorms, while the winters are crisp and clear.

At the heart of the province lies the city of Johannesburg or ‘Jozi’ to her residents. Famed as the ‘City of Gold’, Jozi is a unique contradiction where thoroughly modern skyscrapers stand next door to spectacular examples of nineteenth century architecture. South of the city lies Soweto, the township synonymous with the struggle against Apartheid and more recently, famous for the stadium that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.

Although the smallest province in SA, Gauteng is overflowing with things to see. From the country’s administrative capital, Pretoria with its masses of purple jacaranda trees and the renowned Union Buildings – government offices designed by Sir Herbert Baker – to the small, well-preserved 19th Century mining town of Cullinan, where the world’s largest diamond was discovered in 1905. Once you’ve settled in at your choice of accommodation, Gauteng is teeming with places of interest for you to explore.

For history buffs, the self-explanatory Apartheid Museum or the Hector Petersen Museum, commemorating the student uprising of 1976, is a must see. The SA National Museum of Military History (adjacent to the spectacular Zoological Gardens) and the SA Air Force Museum provide fantastic insight into the wartime history of a nation that, in its time, has fought the British Empire twice, Germany and her allies twice. If it’s less about the history and more about fun, then try the SAB World of Beer Museum for the history of brewing, while Gold Reef City is a recreation of turn-of-the-century Johannesburg.

If you’d prefer quieter and more rustic accommodation, Gauteng also boasts the Cradle of Humankind - the reputed birthplace of mankind and home to some of the world’s most important hominid fossils. There’s also the Tswaing Crater, an ‘environ-museum’ situated at a 220 000 year old meteorite impact site. Of course, if it’s shopping and nightlife you’re after, the province is a playground. From fabulous boutiques in Sandton and flea markets in Rosebank to trendy brassieres in Melville and traditional taverns in Soweto - Gauteng has it all.

Whatever the reason for your visit – business or pleasure, history or culture, quiet introspection or serious partying – the smallest province in South Africa will surely offer you the biggest welcome and some of the most fabulous and sought after Gauteng accommodation.

Things to do:

Visit the world-famous Sterkfontein and Wonder Caves at the Cradle of Humankind.
The Vaal Meander offers arts and craft routes, tea gardens, restaurants nature reserves and various adventure activities. Plan a trip along this route and find some spectacular Gauteng accommodation to rest your wonder-filled head at along the way.
See members of the famed ‘Big Five’ and other big cats at the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, the Elephant Sanctuary and the De Wildt Cheetah Research Station.
Try abseiling, bungee Jumping, power swings or rap Jumping from 100m up at Orlando Towers in Soweto.
Check out the unique and inspiring ‘calabash’ design of the FNB Stadium, which hosted the 2010 World Cup final.
Tour Soweto and learn the history and culture of this vibrant place.
Shop ‘til you drop at Nelson Mandela Square, a shopping and restaurant hub where a six metre tall statue of the great man stands in the outdoor piazza. If you’re looking for some of the most lavish Gauteng accommodation around, Sandton is one of the best places to go.
Visit the Top of Africa at the Carlton Centre, Africa’s tallest building – from the 50th floor observation deck, you obtain panoramic views across the whole of Johannesburg.
At the Ngwenya Glass Village you can watch the ancient art of glassblowing at work and buy fabulous handmade recycled glassware.
Learn more about the African and southern hemisphere night skies at the Johannesburg Planetarium, located on the campus of the Witwatersrand University.

Top Festivals and Events:

The Rand Show is a massive consumer home exhibition, including art, music and film festivals and over 800 exhibition stalls – it takes place in April.
The Cradle Festival is a music, food and arts festival that takes place at the Cradle of Humankind in May. It features mountain biking, running, cooking competitions, fly fishing and a beauty pageant.
Sunday Picnic Concerts at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens take place throughout winter and feature live classical or jazz performances. In addition, the gardens host a ‘Carols by Candlelight’ in December.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival takes place in August in the eclectic Newtown precinct in Johannesburg. If you’re looking for easy city access accommodation, Gauteng has a variety of options that are close to major hot spots.
The Morula Hotel and Casino Formula 1 Powerboat Grand Prix forms part of the South African Grand Prix Series and is held north of Pretoria in September.
The Soweto Festival Expo in September offers a complete culture and entertainment experience - including music, stand-up comedy, poetry readings and storytelling. Depending on which Gauteng accommodation spot you stay at, you are able to have other tours into various parts of the city organised at your request.
The SA Tattoo encompasses a tradition dating back to the Dutch rule in the Cape in the 17th Century. Held at MonteCasino in the north of Johannesburg in September, it features a cast of more than 600.
The City-to-City Ultra-Marathon takes place on Heritage Day (September 24). This 50km race between Pretoria and Johannesburg is one of the biggest and oldest athletic events in SA.
Joburg Day is an all-day family-oriented concert featuring many of the country’s top bands. It takes place in September at Riversands Farm in the north of Johannesburg.
The 94.7 Cycle Challenge is the world’s second largest timed cycle race, with between 20 000 and 30 000 participants tackling the challenging 94.7-km course through Johannesburg’s northern, western and central business districts. If you are staying at a Gauteng accommodation spot near any of these areas at the time, they’ll help you navigate your way through the city without being hampered by the road closures which occur during this esteemed event.

Things you should know:

OR Tambo Airport is the largest of the three South African international airports and is the hub for all the regional flights to SA’s main cities. When arriving by plane in Gauteng, accommodation is dotted around the airport and ranges from affordable rooms to luxurious suites to cater for any traveller.
Lanseria Airport also services the province, particularly for national flights.
The inner city of Johannesburg is a vibrant and exciting place filled with lively hawkers, street stalls, artists and bustle. It is currently in the process of undergoing a total revitalisation.
Winter time on the Highveld is one of the best times to experience a traditional SA pastime – the ‘braaivleis’. Similar to a traditional barbeque, this is best enjoyed in the winter sun with a group of good friends.
The weather in Gauteng is dry and cold in winter, although the days are still warm. Summers are balmy and temperatures average 25-30°C, with occasional and beautiful afternoon thundershowers - which you’ll find truly beautiful watching from the patio or balcony of your chosen Gauteng accommodation.