A summer rainfall area, Gauteng experiences hot summer days that often result in short but intense afternoon thunderstorms, commonly accompanied by thunder and lightning. Summers nights are also hot.
The real-time Irene radar map [http://www.weathersa.co.za/Imagery/ShowRadarMap.jsp?map=68263] provided by the South African weather service is a great tool to help you plan any afternoon outdoor activity in summer. It gives ample warning of any approaching thunder storms.
Winter is dry and cold with temperatures dropping to a little above freezing at night, however, winter days are beautiful with comfortable temperatures.
Tshwane is generally 2°C to 3°C warmer then Johannesburg.
Gauteng is considered the gateway to Southern Africa. Many spectacular destinations are a short flight or drive away. It is a small province, flanked by four other provinces in South Africa.
English is widely spoken in Gauteng and you will rarely meet someone who can't speak it. Afrikaans, Sotho and Zulu are also common.
Almost all international flights arrive at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport [http://www.airports.co.za], so it's highly likely that Gauteng with be your first destination on a holiday to Southern Africa.
Gauteng is bordered by four provinces:
Road are generally in good condition, but peak hour traffic (7AM to 9AM and 4PM to 6PM) can be very busy and slow. Congestion is very common on the N1 between the west of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the N3 between Alberton and the Buccleuch interchange where it joins the N1 and the N12 and R24 between Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo Airport.
Anyone interested in the recent history and transformation of South Africa will find the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and the Mandela Family Museum in Soweto fascinating.
The Johannesburg Art Gallery is the largest on the African continent and offers a good collection of both local and international work.
Johannesburg is also home to the only officially recognized Lipizzaners school outside of Vienna
There are a number of small nature reserves located throughout Gauteng. These are surprisingly underutilized by the local population and offers a good quite getaway from the busy city life. The exception to the rule would be the Lion Park in the north of Johannesburg as it has become a bit of a tourist trap and will be very busy over weekends.
Much of Gauteng's wealth originally came from the Main Reef of gold that runs east to west through the province. A visit to one of the preserved goldmines in Johannesburg and the West Rand is both interesting and educational.
In Gauteng the locals eat out a lot, so there are plenty of restaurants & take-away places around. Johannesburg, Pretoria & surrounding areas are filled with places offering a variety of cuisine. From traditional African to American, Asian & European foods.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a non-licensed restaurant in Gauteng. There are many coffee shops, most of which are unlicensed since they serve hot beverages.
Though Gauteng (In particular Johannesburg) has a reputation for crime, rest assured it isn't all bad. As with everywhere in the world, some places are less safe than others.
It might be helpful to ask someone - perhaps several people - who would seem to know, what are or are not safe activities in a particular area. If you are staying in a hotel, for instance, you might ask the management where and when it is okay to walk or drive in the area. Even upscale parts of Johannesburg can be dangerous to drive through. As a general rule, it's smart to leave yourself an opening when traveling in traffic. If you are threatened, or even feel as much at an intersection, don't be afraid to run a red light if it's your means of escape.
Certain sections of the major cities (Pretoria & Johannesburg) are best visited in a group with an experienced guide, while others can be safely visited by the individual. Though many tourists are keen to visit a Township, be advised that the only safe option is to go with a tour operator that offers the service, '''''do not go into a township by yourself or without an experienced guide!'''''
Unfortunately petty theft is a problem everywhere in South Africa, so keep an eye on your belongings. Don't, for example, leave your mobile phone lying unattended on a table at a restaurant. Make sure that if you are carrying a handbag, that is is secure, & not easily grabbed off your shoulder or out of your hands. Also make sure that your belongings are not visible when in your car, as "smash and grab" incidents do occur, particularly at traffic lights.
If you are travelling with a laptop or camera, use a bag that doesn't advertise its contents. Disguise your laptop by using a normal backpack bag instead of a laptop bag & do the same with your camera.
HIV infection rate is high, '''DO NOT HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX'''.
Municipal water is safe to drink.
It is best to avoid public hospitals when possible, but private hospitals are of world class standard.
The following hospitals all cater for 24 hour accident and emergency treatment: