 Johannesburg is a popular gateway destination for backpacker and independent travellers. Hostels in Johannesburg specialise in information on overland tours and safaris to Kruger National Park and up into Africa. Backpacker hostels in Johannesburg can also offer you advise on getting around South Africa - whether it be with Baz Bus or by car rental. Most hostels offer some type of free airport pick-up service. Gauteng IntroductionDespite its small size, Gauteng is the powerhouse of South Africa. It’s high population and ethnic diversity makes it a melting pot of cultures. It has a sophisticated, first world infrastructure and is a gateway to Africa. What to see and do | | | | | | Cradle of Humankind at the Sterkfontein Caves | | Gold mining | | Apartheid Museum | Fossil remains of Homo Habilis, or Handy Man, were found at the Sterkfontein Caves. His tools are the earliest indication of human culture. | | Wander around the remnants of Joburg's first gold mine. Gold Reef City offers underground mine tours and gold pouring demonstrations. | | Provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts that tell stories of the apartheid era. You can get more insight at Museum Afrika in Newtown and the Hector Pieterson Museum in Orlando West in Soweto. |
Where to stay JohannesburgWith roots in mining dating back to 1886 when gold was discovered, Johanesburg exploded from a dusty, crowded mining camp into the modern economic hub of South Africa. Joburg attracted hopefuls from other parts of Africa. Today, it is not uncommon to hear French, Portuguese, Swahili and countless other languages in addition to the 11 official languaes of SA. SowetoA sprawling township formed in the 1930’s that grew with the arrival of job seekers from the countyside. Soweto has a history closely associated to the struggle against apartheid. Sowetans adopted an urban culture and set trends in fashion and music. There’s so much to learn and discover, Soweto cannot be appreciated from a bus window. Stay a few nights and be surprised. | 
