Gauteng Province, South Africa - Self Drive Tour of Major Sites

Even though Gauteng is dominated by thenorth, take the Bela-Bela or Warmbaths offramp
surrounding suburbs of Johannesburg and Pretoria(R516) and proceed to Warmbaths.
it also boasts some of the worlds mostIn Warmbaths town take the Thabazimbi road
spectacular nature reserves. A self drive tour isand continue on for approximately 34km to the
probably the best way to discover the region, soturn off for Mabula, this is clearly signposted. From
pick up your car hire and off you go!Sandton to Mabula Game Reserve this is
Gauteng is the smallest province, but it is also theapproximately a 2-3 hour journey
richest as it's South Africa's economic, financial,This certainly is an experience to remember and
business and entertainment hub. If you're hiring ahere you can catch a glimpse of the abundance
car your best bet is have it organised before youof wildlife and birds that call The Mabula Game
travel - it'll save you time and hassle at the otherReserve home.
end.Over the years there have been over 60
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africamammals recorded here, 300 birds and many
and is one of the world's youngest, thriving,different reptiles and insects. At The Mabula
vibrant and most powerful cities. With its amazingGame Reserve you can also avail of horse
tree lined avenues, shops, restaurants,trekking tours, land rover safaris, bush walks and
cafés, friendly people and much more it'swhy not reach new heights with a hot air balloon
no wonder Johannesburg is such a popular touristtour of the reserve.
destination.You can spend a night or two here, and can
Gauteng offers the golfing enthusiast a hugecontact the reserve directly for accommodation.
selection of top golf courses. In the past aDay 4 and 5:
number of Johannesburg's courses have playedAfter an early morning departure from Mabula
host to the European PGA and the South Africanyou can head for the beautiful Nature Reserve of
Sunshine Tour in the past. The Gauteng ProvinceMadikwe. This malaria free game reserve covers
is actually one of the world's premier golfing75,000 hectares of restored farmland and is
destinations.home to the Big 5 as well as other endangered
So if you want to discover Gauteng from behindspecies. Again you can spend the night here and
the wheel, here's a sample self drive tour of theavail of tours with experience game rangers who
region.will inform you about the area and its inhabitants.
Day 1Day 6:
When you arrive at Tambo International AirportThe next part of the journey will take you on a
(formerly Johannesburg International Airport), just2-hour drive to the Bojanala Region of the North
pick up your car hire.West Province, where you'll find Pilanesberg Park.
And now let the journey begin! At JohannesburgHere you can avail of open safari tours with
take the exit marked M40 Sandton / Graystonexcellent viewing opportunities.
Drive located approximately 30 minutes fromYou can also take a break from your busy
Johannesburg airport. It's one of the richest areasholiday schedule and pamper yourself with some
in Johannesburg and is located in the northern partof the local spas and treatments available or why
of the Greater Johannesburg area.not take a lazy tour on an elephants back!!
If it's late you can stop for the night here -Day 7:
otherwise just keep going! You can book SandtonThe final stop of your self-drive tour will take you
accommodation and you'll be spoilt for choice withto South Africa's answer to Las Vegas...Sun City
the selection of shopping centres, restaurants andin the North West Province. Sun City is a world
cafés.famous holiday resort and it's easy to see why.
If you wish you can also pick up your car rental inIt boasts fantastic views, friendly people, and an
Sandton.abundance of holiday activities including golf, game,
Day 2 and 3:and gambling in the many and very popular
Depart Sandton and make your way towards thecasinos as well as a range of top attractions.
spectacular Mabula Game Reserve, a 12,000Day 8:
hectare reserve, located 200km north ofAll good things must come to an end!
Johannesburg. From Johannesburg follow the N1