The Best of Gauteng

Suggestions on things to do in and around Gauteng, including; the biggest zoo in South Africa, Theme Parks, Township Tours, the infamous Blue Train and much more...

Top things to do in and around Gauteng

• Visit the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria which is the largest zoo in South Africa. The zoo has 202 mammal species, 202 bird species, 190 fish species, 4 invertebrate species, 93 reptile species, and 7 amphibian species.
• Do a Soweto Township Tour – unique in that it is the only place in the world to have a street where two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived.
• Experience the fun and thrills of Johannesburg's Gold Reef City Theme Park with its amazing Tower of Terror ride
• Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
• Bring some luxury into your life and take the Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town with a stop in Kimberley (1600km); travelling at 90 kilometres per hour, you will experience spectacular scenery and luxury throughout your journey.
• Go clubbing in Johannesburg in one or more of the many fantastic clubs and bars.

For more information on Gauteng, other provinces in South Africa, Accommodation and things to do - go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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South Africa vs Mexico - World Cup 2003 Kick Off

So South Africa has kicked off the World Cup at Soccer City in JHB with a 1-1 draw against Mexico. After a nervous start the Bafana Bafana settled down and started to play some attacking football towards the end of the first half. The noise in the stadium from the Vuvuzela's was extraordinary and like nothing we have heard before in a World Cup match. 

The stadium was alive with colour as the yellow and green of South Africa dominated the crowd. The second half started in a similar way to the first with Mexico dominating possession but looking vulnerable on the break. In the 55th minute of the second half the crowd erupted when the South African Siphiwe Tshabalala controlled a great through ball and fired a wonder strike past the hapless Mexico goalkeeper. 

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as South Africa's dream of winning the game suddenly became a real possibility. But the Mexicans never gave up and in the 79th minute a cross from Andres Guardado caught the South African defence asleep and was beautifully controlled by Marquez who brought the ball down and shot past Khune for the equaliser.

 The South Africans never gave up hope and in the dying momens of the game Katlego Mphela almost won the game only to see his shot hit the post. 

Overall South Africa will be the happier team to have grabbed a point and give their supporters hope that they could actually qualify for the next round.

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First ever World Cup in South Africa kicks off in style

South Africa's first ever World Cup has kicked off with a huge celebration concert held at the enormous Orlando Stadium in Soweto. On the eve of the first game between South Africa and Mexico thousands turned up to watch local and international stars perform in what was the first ever World Cup music event.

Black Eyed Peas performed 'I got a feeling' and had the whole crowd bouncing and cheering. The crowd braved freezing night time temperatures to enjoy performances from Alicia Keys and Shakira as well as local artists such as the Parlotones, John Legend and Angelique Kidjo.

There were appearances from past and present football heroes as well as a video montage of Nelson Mandela. The diverse crowd created a fabulous atmosphere as the FIFA World Cup 2003 in South Africa kicked off in style.

In just a few hours “Bafana Bafana” kick off their World Cup campaign against Mexico at the 94,000 capacity Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.  The stadium which looks like a calabash (an African storage pot) will host a 40 minute opening ceremony with performances from R Kelly and likely appearances from President Zuma and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

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Gauteng - Diversity, Gold, World Cup Stadiums, Great Accommodation

Gauteng

With a population of over 9 million people and a history of discovering gold; Gauteng offers a vibrant mix of diversity and is one of the wealthiest provinces in Africa. Rapid development has swept the province in the last 03 years with new chrome structures rising overnight. The two major cities are Johannesburg and the city of Pretoria.

Johannesburg - This is the third largest city in Africa, after Cairo and Alexandria, and the world's youngest city to pass the million mark. For many visitors to South Africa, Johannesburg is their first port of call, and many of them stay no more than a day or two before moving onto another city /game reserve or other South African attractions. Although to many, Johannesburg is not considered a beautiful town, it is the South African city with the most stimulating atmosphere. Johannesburg is considered to be the heart beat of South Africa and a gradual process of getting together between whites and blacks has begun. Against this background, it is well worth spending several days in South Africa's largest city but you shouldn’t ignore the fact that the city has a high crime rate. However, if you heed common sense, as you would do in most major cities around the world, then you can still enjoy this city.

Pretoria - The best way to visit the many historic and interesting sights which are located outside the city is by rental car. The heart of Pretoria is geared up for the corporate and governmental business side of things. Hiring a car is also beneficial in terms of venturing into the suburbs where you will find excellent places to stay and a good choice of restaurants with some lively student nightlife. Hatfield and Brooklyn are suburbs worth visiting. If you visit the Church Square in Pretoria you will find some of the oldest buildings. This spot is a haven for locals to meet despite the rather unattractive statue of Afrikaner political hero Paul Kruger which stands in the middle.

Not to miss – Soweto - Of course, the most popular attraction in Soweto is the house where Nelson and Winnie Mandela lived before Nelson was imprisoned in 1962. This three bedroomed house was bombed several times by security forces and rebuilt. Today it is a small museum. On the very same road, is former home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu who also won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work. Although it is not safe to visit Soweto on your own, there are some well run tours by reputable operators. We recommend you pick a tour that includes a walk where you can have the chance to talk to the local Sowetans. Although there are not your usual tourist sites to see here, it is an experience to take in the atmosphere of this unique place.

Accommodation recommendations:

Honeydew (North-western suburbs of Johannesburg) Guest Lodge

http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=96

Centurion (located between Pretoria and Midrand (Johannesburg) Apartment rentals – Blue chip accommodation to corporate and business executive travellers http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=95

Pretoria - Luxury Boutique Hotel http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=74

Johannesburg - Distinctive and contemporized Guest House http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=73

Johannesburg - Boutique-style manor http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=71

For more accommodation options in Gauteng – please visit www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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5* South African Luxury Accommodation

When it comes to luxury, pampering, attentiveness and a great stay – South Africa’s guest houses don’t disappoint. Here’s a taste of some of the fantastic accommodation available.

Budmarsh Private Lodge - Magaliesburg, Gauteng - Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the heart of the magical Magaliesberg, Budmarsh Private Lodge awaits to welcome you to its world of understated elegance, tranquillity, and personalised attention.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=129

Villa L’Apparita - Salt Rock, KwaZulu-Natal - Nestled in a magnificent indigenous garden, a mere stroll from the Salt Rock beach on the Northern Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, lies Villa L’Apparita, a stylish 5 star guest house, which pleasantly surprises at every turn with charming and thoughtful detail. This tranquil Tuscan Guest Home will leave the traveler or discerning business person well rested & recharged.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=48

Forest Manor Boutique Guest House and Spa - La Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal - Forest Manor is an impressive contemporary classic luxurious 5 star boutique guest house situated in the lush prestigious suburb of La Lucia a stone’s throw from the beach and its warm Indian Ocean.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=146

Bateleur Theresa - Camps Bay, Western Cape - This is where refined elegance meets casual simplicity. Where classic service is warmed by genuine desire to please. Where space comes in abundance, choices are both numerous and exciting, and quality is felt as well as seen. With Bateleurs House, the best South Africa has to offer is yours to experience
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=132

Castle in Clarens - Clarens, Free State - Castle in Clarens brings you Rapunzel’s Tower. Rapunzel decided to open the fairytale book and let you stay in her Castle, just outside Clarens in the heart of the Maluti Mountains. This self-catering guesthouse (with breakfast on request) will introduce to you the world of royalty, fantasy and luxury
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=42

Plumbago Guest House - Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga - Superbly positioned on a ridge with a magnificent panoramic view of subtropical Hazyview & the Kruger National Park. Plumbago offers luxurious suites in the lush garden.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=54

Highland View Executive - Johannesburg , Gauteng - Highland View is a distinctive contemporized Guesthouse offering double en-suites and self contained apartments, comfortable queen size beds dressed in percale cotton linen, each with its own spa bath and shower.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=73

Summerwood Guest House - Stellenbosch, Western Cape - Summerwood is a private mansion dating from 1904, and has been completely restored to the very highest standards. The property has been awarded 5 stars by the SA Tourism Grading Council. Winner: "Best B&B Guest House Style Large" 2002 AA Travel Guides & American Express Accommodation Awards
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=66

Shamwari Game Reserve - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape - A favourite amongst international celebrities including royalty, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to the coveted Big Five. Situated close to Port Elizabeth, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve offers an unsurpassed nature experience.
http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=037

For more information and accommodation options in South Africa - see www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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