It may be the smallest province in South Africa, but you know what they say…big things come in small packages. So do you love marvelling at flora or exploring the outdoors? Talking to animals or shopping till you drop? Gauteng has something for everyone on this list of fun things to do!
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For the social butterfly:
1. Emperors Palace
First on our list of fun things to do in Gauteng is a trip to Emperors Palace. If pleasure is what you’re seeking, you’ll find it here in abundance! Whether you’re in it to win it or want some laid-back fun, you can put your gambling skills to the test in semi-private to exclusive casino areas, poker rooms, or hot slots.
Give your poker face a rest and watch a live show at one of two on-site theatres or opt for a movie at the cinema. But, of course, you also have a myriad of restaurants to choose from when your stomach starts rumbling.
Since we’re on the topic of food, you should definitely check out this guide to the best Emperor’s Palace restaurants!
We highly recommend booking a night’s stay at Peermont D’oreale, Mondior or Metcourt to get the full Emperors Palace experience. After all, hotel guests can access the grand Olympus Sky Bar over weekends!
Address: 64 Jones Road, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park
2. Sir James van der Merwe
As you enter Katy’s Palace, you will find the eclectic Sir James van der Merwe bar atop a steep staircase. If you want to speak of experiencing unique bars, this spot would be the highlight of the topic – it is internationally renowned, after all. This comes after making Bloomberg’s list of “35 cocktails to try around the world”. Sir James van der Merwe trades exclusively on Wednesdays, so be sure to try a world-class cocktail at this esteemed bar if you’re in the area on that day!
Address: 6 Desmond Road, Kramerville, Johannesburg
For the anthophile:
3. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Aren’t you transfixed by this picture… because we are! If you are fond of all things floral, making your way to Johannesburg Botanical Gardens would be an absolute treat! Explore these grounds and get caught in a kaleidoscope of colours emanated by roundabout 2 500 succulents and 20 000 trees. The garden of more or less 125 hectares has developed from a large rose garden, which stands as a section of the area today. Other sections of Johannesburg Botanical Gardens include the hedge demonstration garden, herb garden, Shakespeare garden and more. Other natural phenomena include the Emmarentia Dam and its aquatic birds.
Address: Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
4. Jacaranda trees
Pretoria is synonymous with Jacarandas, which is why it is nicknamed the Jacaranda City. Paving these streets is one of the fun things to do in Gauteng that simply may not be missed! Of course, you can find these trees almost anywhere in Pretoria, but we suggest driving down Cilliers Street and Bosman Street to see some of the city’s oldest inhabitants. The blooming season for Jacarandas span from late September to mid-November, setting the right mood for spring.
Purple is such a calming colour… seeing these flowers in full bloom might just be what you need. You can even find Jacaranda trees in Johannesburg!
Addresses:
Pienaar Street, Marais Street & Murray Street (Brooklyn)
Johann Rissik Drive (Klapperkop Nature Reserve)
Government Avenue (Union Buildings)
For the shopaholic:
5. Mall of Africa
Built during a single phase, the name alone suggests that Mall of Africa is the biggest shopping complex in South Africa! With construction kickstarting in 2012 and opening its doors in 2016, Mall of Africa has over 300 stores that offer individuals ample options and one unforgettable shopping experience. We know how frustrating it can be when a shopping centre has limited choices – luckily, you won’t have this problem at the lavish Mall of Africa, where you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants in Midrand to satisfy your culinary cravings. Parking is a breeze, too. Happy shopping!
Address: Magwa & Lone Creek Crescent, Waterval City, Midrand
6. 27 Boxes
Allow Gauteng to show off its avant-garde flare with a trip to 27 Boxes. This one-of-a-kind shopping centre consists of shipping containers. That’s right… just shipping containers. As if this isn’t unique enough, 27 Boxes aims to promote up-and-coming entrepreneurs within the community. So, essentially, the centre strives to move away from flagship retailers. Here you are guaranteed to find a special handmade gift for someone you treasure if you just know what to get them anymore, or you can treat yourself to homemade ice cream or freshly-pressed juice. With its innovative architecture, a trip to 27 Boxes is undoubtedly one to remember!
Address: 76a 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg
For the zoophilist:
7. Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Journey along the Fountains Valley and make Groenkloof Nature Reserve your final destination. If you adore animals, you won’t regret stopping here! From impalas to jackals and ostriches to zebras, you will find them roaming the 600-hectare sanctuary. You’ll even have the opportunity to ride a horse on a guided trail! Exploring the reserve, you will also find the National Heritage Monument. If you want to see all of Groenkloof Nature Reserve’s wildlife, why not stay overnight in the guesthouse for six people or the hut for twelve? Fun fact: This is the very first game sanctuary on the continent!
Address: Christina De Wit Avenue, Pretoria
8. Lory Park Zoo
Lory Park Zoo is an animal and owl sanctuary that sets its sights on the conversation of as many animals as possible. With an ever-expanding family, you can expect to see different species of big cats, birds and reptiles, along with monkeys and apes. What makes this zoo so special? It runs an interactive programme, so you can get up close and personal with these creatures (and feed them, too!). With a hands-on staff, Lory Park Zoo practises safety at all times. You can even learn more about the animals via workshops and outreach initiatives along with school and holiday programmes. Lory Park Zoo equates to Encounters, Education and Conservation – what a wholesome experience this would be!
Address: 180/1 Kruger Road, President Park AH, Midrand
For the adrenaline junkie:
9. Hennops Hiking Trails
Head to Hennops Hiking Trails and say hello to scenic biking, hiking and off-road trails, a picnic area and more! This family farm is encircled by breathtaking mountain ranges and can take you from 0 to 100 with all it has to offer. In the mood for hiking? You can go for the Dasie (2 km), Zebra (5 km) or Krokodilberg (10 km) trail. What about mountain biking? This ranges from 10 – 40 km! You can also take on the Zonkie off-road trail for optimum excitement.
Take a breather and unwind at the Picnic Spot that runs adjacent to the Hennops River. If you’re planning on bringing the kids along, they can take a dip in the swimming pool while you whip up a braai feast! If this is a two-person trip, you can find heaven in Hennops Hiking Trails’ garden cottage. Are you ready for this adventure?
Address: R511, Pretoria
10. Honeydew Mazes
Last on the list of fun things to do in Gauteng; you can test your endurance and determination at Honeydew Mazes. Get ready to have your mind boggled and body exerted by quizzes, mazes and secret gardens. We are confident that these exercises will entertain the entire family! If you visit Honeydew Mazes between February and May, you will find a mielie maze (cleverly called a maize maze). Drop by between June and December, and you can take on an elemental reed maze to be completed in 90 minutes. This is the perfect weekend activity to engage in if you want to try something new. You can also book a private event during the week. Ready, set, go!
Address: 82 Boland Road, Zandspruit 191-Iq, Johannesburg
