Gauteng Province – Self drive tour of major sites

• By: Editor
• On: 28/Oct/2008
• In: South Africa Travel Tips

Even though Gauteng is dominated by the surrounding suburbs of Johannesburg and Pretoria it also boasts some of the worlds most spectacular nature reserves. A self drive tour is probably the best way to discover the region, so pick up your car hire and off you go! 

Gauteng is the smallest province, but it is also the richest as it's South Africa’s economic, financial, business and entertainment hub. If you're hiring a car your best bet is have it organised before you travel – it'll save you time and hassle at the other end. Book cheap car hire South Africa. 

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and is one of the world’s youngest, thriving, vibrant and most powerful cities. With its amazing tree lined avenues, shops, restaurants, cafés, friendly people and much more it's no wonder Johannesburg is such a popular tourist destination.  

Gauteng offers the golfing enthusiast a huge selection of top golf courses. In the past a number of Johannesburg's courses have played host to the European PGA and the South African Sunshine Tour in the past. The Gauteng Province is actually one of the world's premier golfing destinations.

So if you want to discover Gauteng from behind the wheel, here's a sample self drive tour of the region.

Day 1

When you arrive at Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International Airport), just pick up your car hire. Check out our car hire Johannesburg International Airport page.  

And now let the journey begin! At Johannesburg take the exit marked M40 Sandton / Grayston Drive located approximately 30 minutes from Johannesburg airport. It's one of the richest areas in Johannesburg and is located in the northern part of the Greater Johannesburg area.

If it's late you can stop for the night here – otherwise just keep going! You can book Sandton accommodation and you'll be spoilt for choice with the selection of shopping centres, restaurants and cafés.

If you wish you can also pick up your car rental here. Book car hire Sandton.

Day 2 and 3:

Depart Sandton and make your way towards the spectacular Mabula Game Reserve, a 12,000 hectare reserve, located 200km north of Johannesburg. From Johannesburg follow the N1 north, take the Bela-Bela or Warmbaths offramp (R516) and proceed to Warmbaths.

In Warmbaths town take the Thabazimbi road and continue on for approximately 34km to the turn off for Mabula, this is clearly signposted. From Sandton to Mabula Game Reserve this is approximately a 2-3 hour journey

This certainly is an experience to remember and here you can catch a glimpse of the abundance of wildlife and birds that call The Mabula Game Reserve home.

Over the years there have been over 60 mammals recorded here, 300 birds and many different reptiles and insects. At The Mabula Game Reserve you can also avail of horse trekking tours, land rover safaris, bush walks and why not reach new heights with a hot air balloon tour of the reserve.

You can spend a night or two here, and can contact the reserve directly for accommodation.

Day 4 and 5:

After an early morning departure from Mabula you can head for the beautiful Nature Reserve of Madikwe. This malaria free game reserve sovers 75,000 hectares of restored farmland and is home to the Big 5 as well as other endangered species. Again you can spend the night here and avail of tours with experience game rangers who will inform you about the area and its inhabitants.

Day 6:

The next part of the journey will take you on a 2-hour drive to the Bojanala Region of the North West Province, where you'll find Pilanesberg Park. Here you can avail of open safari tours with excellent viewing opportunities. 

You can also take a break from your busy holiday schedule and pamper yourself with some of the local spas and treatments available or why not take a lazy tour on an elephants back!!  For further details on

Find out more about Pilanesberg Park.

Day 7:

The final stop of your self-drive tour will take you to South Africa’s answer to Las Vegas…Sun City in the North West Province. Sun City is a world famous holiday resort and it's easy to see why.

It boasts fantastic views, friendly people, and an abundance of holiday activities including golf, game, and gambling in the many and very popular casinos as well as a range of top attractions.

Day 8:

All good things must come to an end!

As always we'd be delighted to hear from you. Drop us a line in the comment box below and we'll get back to you.