Gauteng Background If variety is the spice of life then Gauteng is surely the biggest bag of mixed herbs out there. Covering only about 1,4% of South Africa’s total land surface does make this province the smallest of the lot, but crammed into its borders is an array of beauty, experience and opportunity, making this the destination that offers all the different strokes to all different folks. In 1886, an unemployed miner stumbled across a rock bearing traces of gold. It was a rock that would spark a gold rush. This rock would also form the corner stone of a province that would grow from these mining roots to an economic powerhouse that comprises the commercial heart of its country. Appropriately, Gauteng derives its name from the seSotho word meaning ‘place of gold’. The rich history that led to what the Gauteng province is today is also open for all to see. In addition to Victorian buildings and mine dumps that can still be seen in many areas of Gauteng, the province also boasts over 60 museums (more than any other province). Museum Africa, the Apartheid museum and Former President Nelson Mandela’s Orlando West home are a few highlights that can definitely not be missed. There is also the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in the West Rand area where evidence can be found that even our bi-pedal human ancestors enjoyed walking in the beautiful sunlight that bakes the Gauteng province. Gauteng does however have much, much more to see and do then learn of its history. Theme parks, shopping centers, flea markets, theatres, nightclubs, shebeens and other colorful forms of entertainment are littered across the cities, such an array that one visit can never provide enough exposure to the life that is Gauteng. Yet as busy as the province is, it also saved some spaces to provide for two of the world’s best zoos, various botanical gardens and an abundance of nature reserves with hiking trails and picnic spots. It would be ridiculous to imagine that you have seen all of Gauteng because of its ever changing and developing nature and since accommodation suiting any pocket is available in every corner of Gauteng, there is really no excuse for missing out on the Province of Gold.