Gauteng, the landlocked South African province surrounding Johannesburg, boasts a rich archaeological and geological history. This fascinating history has created a multitude of unusual tourist activities within an hour or two of Jo’burg – from fossil-filled caves to ancient diamond-mining towns and breathtaking balloon safaris over some of the oldest mountains in the world. Here are five of the best Johannesburg day trips.
The Cradle of Humankind
The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gauteng province, the Cradle of Humankind is home to some of the oldest hominid fossils ever discovered. Located just over an hour from downtown Johannesburg, the Cradle feels like a primordial landscape, featuring infinite grassy savannahs occasionally interrupted by modern buildings.
This expansive area occupies 470 sq km and is dotted with limestone caves, including the Sterkfontein Caves, where Dr. Robert Broom discovered ‘Mrs Ples’ – a 2.3 million-year-old Australopithecus africanus fossil in 1947. Sterkfontein offers guided tours and features an excellent museum dedicated to human evolution.
Maropeng, the official visitors center for the Cradle of Humankind, is a few kilometers from Sterkfontein. This massive dome-shaped structure, resembling an ancient burial mound and covered in grass, serves as a family-friendly museum that narrates the story of humans on Earth. Visitors can tour both Maropeng and Sterkfontein for a combined price of R190 (US$13).
After a long day of exploring human history, consider stopping by the luxurious Cradle Boutique Hotel for a glass of wine or cappuccino while overlooking the ancient hills.
Hot-air Balloon Safaris
Experiencing the serenity of floating silently in a hot-air balloon is awe-inspiring, especially above the rolling hills of the Magaliesberg – one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges – at sunrise. The fog rising from the Magalies River, coupled with glimpses of wildlife like zebras and giraffes, creates a picturesque scene at Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris in Skeerpoort.
While the tour requires participants to wake up early, particularly in summer, the experience is well worth it. Depending on availability, lucky guests might find themselves in a balloon with Bill Harrop himself, known for his charming personality and witty jokes. The balloon trip concludes with a hearty champagne breakfast, and participants receive a certificate of achievement for their aerial adventure.
Tour Magaliesberg’s Canopies by Zipline
Ziplining has surged in popularity across South Africa, and the Magaliesberg mountain range is an ideal location to experience it. The Magaliesberg Canopy Tour, hosted at the Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa about 90 minutes from Johannesburg, takes participants on a series of ten exhilarating zips over a scenic gorge known as Ysterhout Kloof. The longest line measures 140 meters, with the entire tour lasting approximately 2½ hours.
As riders glide over the gorge, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and rich vegetation, the experience combines beauty with thrill. The canopy tour includes a light lunch, making for a rewarding experience.
Explore the History of Cullinan
In 1898, Sir Thomas Cullinan discovered diamonds approximately 100 km north of Johannesburg, leading to the creation of the Premier Diamond Mine. The town that emerged around the mine was named after him, as was the 3100-carat diamond found by Frederick George Stanley Wells a few years later. The Cullinan Diamond, the largest diamond in the world, was presented to the Queen of England and is now part of the British Crown Jewels.
Today, the diamond mine remains operational, while Cullinan attracts visitors with its charm. The town features several historic homes and churches, alongside a couple of museums. Tours of the diamond mine are also available.
Notable historic sites include McHardy House, the oldest house in town, built for mine manager William McHardy and his family in 1903. St. George’s Anglican Church, designed by renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker in 1908, also deserves a visit. Cullinan is home to quaint antique shops and atmospheric pubs along the old railroad tracks. One of Gauteng’s best Greek restaurants, As Greek As It Gets, is conveniently located just outside the diamond mine’s gates.
Go Twitching at Marievale Bird Sanctuary
Virtually unknown to those outside the birding community, Marievale Bird Sanctuary is one of Gauteng’s best-kept secrets. Located an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, near the town of Nigel, Marievale comprises wetlands established by the local mining industry in the 1930s. Since then, it has become home to more than 230 bird species, with free admission offered by the Gauteng provincial government.
For the best experience, arrive at Marievale close to sunrise when the air is fresh, and soft morning light enhances the surroundings. From one of the sanctuary’s several bird hides, the only sounds are the rustling grass, sweet birdsong, and the gentle lapping of water as birds take flight from the tranquil wetland.
Marievale offers a charming picnic area where visitors can indulge in a breakfast barbecue after a delightful morning of birdwatching.
