Gauteng a Traveller's Pot of Gold

Most local South Africans, when asked aboutWalter Sisulu Botanical Gardens and the Lion Park,
Gauteng, would mention something along the linesto name just a few.
of gold, money or business. Gauteng actuallyThe Lion Park, which is located just outside
means "Place of Gold" and it is most definitelyJohannesburg, is one of the very few places
South Africa's financial capital. However, all workwhere visitors can see the rare white lion. There
and no play isn't much fun!are over 80 lions at the Park, as well as a number
Gauteng Country Getawaysof other carnivores such as cheetahs, wild dogs
The Magaliesberg region is a country paradise ofand the brown hyena. A popular attraction at Lion
mountains, streams and lush valleys in which aPark is Cub World, where you can get up-close
number of superb country getaways are situated.and personal with lion cubs, interact with them and
The Magaliesberg Mountains, west ofeven take a few photographs.
Johannesburg, feature scenic hiking and 4X4 trails.Back to Beginnings
If you are a 4x4 enthusiast and quite advanced inGauteng unlocks some of the mysteries about
terms of your driving skills, venture to thethe beginning of humankind. Declared a World
south-west of Johannesburg to Hennops, whichHeritage Site in 2000, the Sterkfontein Caves
offers a variety of routes that take anythingwere aptly named the "Cradle of Humankind".
from an hour to four hours to complete. TheBack in 1947 an archaeologist by the name of Dr.
routes include difficult axle-twisters on up-hills andBroom discovered a complete skull of an adult
rocky climbs to really get the adrenalin rushing!female dating back between 2.6 and 2.8 million
Balloon Safarisyears, the oldest yet found. Excavations continue,
If you are looking for an adventurous outing forand tourists are given the privilege to go down
the whole family, include a trip to the Magaliesinto the caves and explore for themselves. Even
River Valley. Only 65km away fromthe kids can get their hands a little dirty here.
Johannesburg, hot air ballooning in SkeerpoortThe cultural side of Gauteng
gives you the chance to gently float over theGauteng features numerous museums and
beautiful landscape followed by a champagnegalleries, as well as Gold Reef City, a large
breakfast. It is advised that only children sevenentertainment complex which transports you back
and older be allowed on these balloon safaris.to the time when gold was first discovered in the
Gauteng's other attractions include exhilaratingJohannesburg area. A combination of fun, facts
Balloon Safaris, the Dinokeng Nature Reserve,and fantasy should keep you and your family
water sports at the Hartbeespoort Dam, thesuitably entertained.