The city of Gauteng, famously known as the place of gold, is one of the economic hubs of South Africa. Although considered small in terms of its province, it is still the favorite destination among tourists—a place to come to for deep immersion in the wildest Africa.
For all manner of experiences related to the real South African deal, Gauteng is the place to be, and below have been outlined some of the fun things to do and places to visit in the area.
Fun Things To Do In Gauteng, South Africa
1. Visit the Big Red Barn
What better way to start your tour of Gauteng than by visiting The Big Red Barn, one of the most famous recreational venues in the area, popular for its variety of activities and entertainment options throughout all of the days of the week?
Blessed as well with one of the most sparkling and breathtaking views of the countryside, there are also options to come enjoy a relaxed picnic under any of its shade of trees, as well as take a leisure stroll along the farm paths, which are just so serene.
What should I expect?
Guests visiting the Big Red Barn get to enjoy every single one of its exciting outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, trail running, and mountain biking. However, there are also options to spot some of the farm animals present on the ground as well.
Address: 7 Nelson Rd., Sunlawns AH, Ol, Gauteng, South Africa.
2. Have fun at Gold Reef City Theme Park
Another destination worth visiting in Gauteng is the tourist destination of the Gold Reef City Theme Park, offering a unique combination of thrilling rides, historical experiences, and cultural entertainment, guaranteeing you not only have fun alone but also get educated as well
Offering a fascinating glimpse into Johannesburg’s gold rush era, this is also the perfect spot to come enjoy like-never high-speed roller coaster rides that twist and turn through a series of loops and corkscrews.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here get to be part of its wide range of entertainment options that showcase the rich culture and heritage of South Africa.
Address: Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Gauteng, South Africa
3. Try something adventurous with Wi: Jump
The tourist attraction of Wi:Jump is an exciting indoor trampoline park nestled in the heart of Gauteng, open to individuals of all age groups to come be part of its thrilling adventures of wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and a range of other fun activities.
An ideal location for guests to come to unleash the burning desires they have in mind to try out activities that are considered wild and crazy, especially as it concerns jumping, flipping, and bouncing to their satisfaction in a safe environment.
What other things happen here?
Aside from enjoying the fun and thrills of its impressive trampoline facilities, some other activities and programs are being held here, such as fitness classes and birthday party packages
Address: Mall@Carnival, Cnr Airport and Hei, Gauteng, South Africa.
4. Enjoy horseback riding at the Shepherd’s Fold Stables
If you are in search of an experience that is all fun and thrilling, then you should be looking towards the direction of enjoying horseback riding at the Shepherd’s Fold Stables in Gauteng, just across the municipality of Muldersdrift.
A location that offers you the platform to come enjoy unforgettable horseback riding experiences in the most charming of settings, with various options available such as guided trail rides, private lessons, and pony rides for children.
What other things happen here?
Aside from enjoying horseback riding, there are also options of holding picnics and corporate team-building events at the venue.
Address: 55 Sunset Dr, Nietgedacht 535, Gauteng, South Africa.
5. Enjoy the luxury of Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
The Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge is a lodging facility in the area with a little touch of luxury situated at the bank of a scenic lake, just as its name points out. A lodging facility surrounded by nature, complemented by a unique wildlife experience.
This lodging facility is considered one with a little touch of luxury, with provisions made for amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private patios, making it ideal for you to come to enjoy a relaxing and nature-filled weekend in the area, should you be visiting either for a holiday or business trip.
What other things happen here?
This lodging facility also has a neighboring reserve offering a glimpse of wildlife with the presence of creatures such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and several species of antelope.
Address: Plot 59, Beyers Naude Drive, Mulder, Gauteng, South Africa.
6. Visit the James Hall Museum of Transport
The James Hall Museum of Transport is one of few tourist attractions in the area as well as having historic significance, providing a glimpse of the past life and rich history of transportation in South Africa with a variety of exhibits such as bicycles, motorcycles, buses, and cars.
Just as its name insinuates, it is an ideal location to immerse yourself in its variety of collections of vintage automobiles dating as far back as the early 1900s, most notably the 1909 Clement Talbot, a 1915 Model T Ford, and a 1927 Indian motorcycle.
What should I expect?
Visitors showing up here get to check out its extensive collection of steam trains, trams, and buses, as well as take part in any of its educational programs and workshops, which they would find fun and thrilling.
Address: Klipriviersberg 106-Ir, Johannesburg South, 2197, Gauteng, South Africa
7. Behold the beauty of the arts at the Victoria Yards
The tourist destination of Victoria Yards is a community of artists, artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs, ensuring you just can’t get enough items of art to come across. It’s a small, spaced area famous for its creativity and community development
Occupying a staggering length of space of 30,000 square meters on an industrial site, this very community is home housing plenty of workshops and art galleries, making it a creative hub worth visiting by art enthusiasts.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here get to be part of any of its regularly hosted events and exhibitions that you should find fun and interactive.
Address: 16 Viljoen St, Lorentzville, Johannesburg, 2094, Gauteng, South Africa.
8. Come check out the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial
Paying a visit to the Hector Pieterson museums and memorial should take you back to memory lane, a museum house commemorating Hector Pieterson, a 13-year-old boy who was fatally shot by the police during the Soweto Uprising in 1976.
Blessed with plenty of educational materials that both its residents and tourists should find fascinating, turning up at this museum house is basically to come to learn about the history of apartheid in South Africa and the struggle for democracy and equal rights.
What should I expect?
Here, you get to set your sights on different exhibits showcasing the events leading up to the Soweto Uprising and the broader anti-apartheid movement in the country, most notably a collection of artifacts related to what happened on June 16, 1976, particularly Hector Pieterson’s blood-stained clothes.
Address: 8287 Khumalo Rd., Orlando West, Gauteng, South Africa.
9. Grab a glass of beer at the SAB World of Beer
The SAB World of Beer is one of the preferred and favorite picks for the perfect spot to come spend and enjoy your weekend, especially if you are a lover of beer. A venue that offers the blend of the experience of you having fun and getting slightly intoxicated as well.
Showing up here is solely linked to being part of its interactive tour of exploring the various processes of beer-making, starting with its ingredients down to the finished product. After they might have been done with that, visitors are then ushered into its tasting sessions, where they sample a variety of beers.
What should I expect?
Visiting the SAB world of beer is to check out featured exhibits that best explain the cultural significance of beer in South Africa, with a collection of beer bottles and cans from around the world to spice things up a little bit.
Address: 15 Helen Joseph St, Newtown, Johannes Africa, Gauteng, South Africa.
10. Visit the Lesedi Cultural Village
Paying a visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village during one of your leisure hours on a Sunday makes its way into our list of fun things to do in the area, one which is expected to expose you to unique and immersive experience of traditional African cultures.
Dominated by the presence of the different tribes of Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele, there is a whole lot to learn about every single one of these tribes that you should find exciting and interesting, especially as it concerns beholding their way of life and watching traditional dance performances.
What other things happen here?
Visiting this village also allows you to take a walk into any of its restaurant houses to dine with the very best of traditional African cuisines such as pap, chakalaka, and boerewors, alongside local beers and wines.
Address: R512, Lanseria, 1739, Gauteng, South Africa
Also, Read 22 Fun things to do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
11. Visit the Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Nothing could be more fulfilling and satisfying to you as an outdoor & nature enthusiast than a holiday spent amidst bushes and a good braai on a summer afternoon—an experience that only the Rietvlei Nature Reserve can offer you.
A destination that also offers an avenue for you to come to check out some animal species of wild nature, such as cubs, hippos, buffalo, black-backed jackals, and many other animals. However, there is also the option of enjoying some sort of birdlife within its premises.
What other things happen here?
Aside from enjoying the sightings of different species of animals and birds, there is also the opportunity to stop by for a picnic and braai.
Address: 14 Game Reserve Ave, Rietvallei 377-Jr, Pretoria, 0181, Gauteng, South Africa
12. Enjoy hiking at the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
There is no denying the fact that Gauteng is naturally endowed with the presence of some majestic mountains, just like every other neighboring city, one of which is the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, which is suited for guests to come to enjoy to the fullest the very best of hiking experiences.
Blessed with the presence of top-notch hiking trails that are accompanied by spectacular views of the city, this is an ideal location to raise your fitness level while enjoying hiking under the not-too-har conditions of the sun.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here get to enjoy hiking, bird watching, and exploring the whole of the reserve generally.
Address: 129 Peggy Vera Rd., Kibler Park, Johannesburg South, 2091, Gauteng, South Africa
13. Enjoy Ice skating at the Northgate Ice Rink
If you are well equipped with your jacket and lace, then you should be good to go to this tourist attraction, Northgate Ice Rink. It’s the perfect spot to get chilly as you glide around one of the city’s best ice-skating rinks.
It is one experience you are always bound to enjoy to the fullest, irrespective of whatever season you might be visiting the area; be it summer or winter, ice skating here can be very entertaining.
What should I expect?
The Northgate Ice Rink Ice Skating Rink in Gauteng is a community rink offering public ice-skating sessions, rentals, & concessions in a casual atmosphere.
Address: Northgate Shopping Centre, Northumberland Ave, North Riding, Gauteng, Johannesburg, 2162, Gauteng, South Africa
14. Enjoy it all at the Fourways Farmers Market
The Fourways Farmers Market has moved from being just a mere market hub for food vendors in the past to one now bringing together local artisans, small business owners, farmers, artists, and musicians.
It is an ideal location to come enjoy the blend of an amazing shopping experience and a peaceful day out as well, enjoying the delectable variety of delicious treats that its variety of vendors has to offer while overlooking the dam with beautiful birds flying overhead and live performances.
What other things happen here?
The Fourways farmers market is also a place to come and enjoy running, walking, cycling, hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and fishing.
Address: Taroko Farm Modderfontein Reserve, Norfolk Ln, Klipfontein View, Lethabong, Gauteng, 1609, South Africa
15. Dine over at the Pachas Club Retail Park
The Pachas Club Retail Park is a club center nestled in Gauteng, offering the very best of a wide variety of seafood and poultry menu options for the dining pleasure of its customers, making it one of the favorite tourist destinations in the area as well.
That aside, this location is also known for catering for special occasions, business lunches, or dinners, making it a perfect fit for your year-end functions and celebrations.
What should I expect?
The Pachas Club Retail Park is an upmarket space for classic South African and international fare, with seafood, venison, and steaks.
Address: The Club Centre, 22 Dely Road, cnr. Elandslaagte Street & Dely Road, Hazelwood, Pretoria, 0081, Gauteng, South Africa.
16. Enjoy the steaks of The Grillhouse Rosebank
The Grillhouse Rosebank, which is famous for having bagged numerous awards for being the best steakhouse in the area, comes in next on our list of places to visit, dining under the ambiance of great vibes and music while also being surrounded by foodies like yourself.
Basically, for the very best of great steaks in the area, look no further than The Grillhouse Rosebank, considered family-friendly and blessed with an amazing service
What do they offer?
The Grillhouse Rosebank is an Upscale white-tablecloth outfit-themed restaurant house offering steak & ribs, plus fine wines & cocktails.
Address: 1, The Firs, Hyatt Centre, Oxford Road & Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, Gauteng, South Africa.
17. Cool off at the Linden swimming pool
The tourist attraction of Linden swimming pool is different from other attractions in the area; it is a destination designated for swimming to combat the harsh and rising temperature on sunny days in the area.
So should you be staying temporarily in any of the area hotels and lounges with no swimming pool, then it is about time you make your way to the Linden swimming pool, open to all members of the public, to cool off.
What other things happen here?
The Linden swimming pool has also gotten an outdoor splash pool for the kids, designated for the kids to come to enjoy their fun moments as well
Address: Corner of 4th Ave. and 11th St, Linden, Randburg, 2104, South Africa
18. Get in close touch with nature at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is one of the famous lush green open spaces in the area overlooking the Emmarentia Dam, set up in a way designed for guests to come get in close touch and behold the beauty of nature.
Moving forward, there are also some top-notch picnic spots in the garden, creating ample space to run, stroll, and play, meaning everyone is at liberty to do whatever they crave to do.
What other things do happen here?
Guests showing up here can also choose to relax on a bench, watching over the dam under a glowing afternoon sun.
Address: Olifants Rd., Emmarentia, Randburg, Gauteng 2195, South Africa.
19. Enjoy the seafood of Kream Brooklyn
The Kream Brooklyn restaurant house is more than a place to settle for a plate of meals; it is also one of the ideal locations best suited for hosting business functions since it is blessed with stunning outdoor seating offering breathtaking sunset views.
Regardless of that, it also takes care of its primary responsibility of offering diverse menu options considered appropriate to dine with, making provisions for fresh seafood, high-quality meats, and vegetarian options
What do they offer?
The Kream Brooklyn restaurant house is one offering global cuisine with a South African twist, plus sushi and whiskies, in a modern, stylish space.
Address: 283 Dey St., Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, Gauteng, South Africa.
20. Relax at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Should you be in search of a venue to come to relax and calm your nerves, as well as escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, then the tourist destination of Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden should be best suited for you.
A destination where you are also presented with the opportunity to either enjoy a leisure walk on a sunny afternoon on the lawns, settle down for your favorite treat at the onsite restaurant, enjoy hiking, or marvel at the waterfall.
What other things happen here?
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is an ideal location to also come to enjoy bird watching, a perfect spot to catch the sights of Verreaux’s eagles (also known as black eagle in southern Africa)
Address: Malcolm Rd., Poortview, Roodepoort, 1724, Gauteng, South Africa
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there is a wide variety of options for things to do over here, be it spending your weekend relaxing on the couch while binge-watching your current favorite TV show or stepping out to indulge yourself in any one of its fun-filled activities and adventures.
