Gauteng ("Place of Gold") is the economic powerhouse of the South Africa and home to Johannesburg, one to Africa's greatest cities - a cosmopolitan, multicultural mix of people from all walks of life, from all four corners of the world.

Gauteng boasts a diverse cultural and social mix not only in its people but also the amazing variety of galleries, museums and theatres as well as both the formal and informal shopping precincts and craft markets.

Johannesburg is the most powerful commercial centre on the African continent and generates 16% of South Africa's GDP. The luxurious, world class infrastructure and shopping malls and boutiques offer everything from designer labels to African style and being among the world's largest producers of gold and diamonds, jewellery and precious stones shops are abundant.

(1) Affordable handcrafted souvenirs can be found at the myriad of informal craft markets and curio shops provide more diversity when shopping for African art, crafts and beadwork as well as quality African art, from genuine tribal masks to colonial watercolours and oils.

(2) Whatever your taste in food there is something for everyone - from the conventional to the more adventurous palate. Whether you are after a burger or more indigenous food (try fried mopane worms) or French, Italian, German, Indian, Chinese or Thai cuisine - you will not be disappointed.

If you are looking for nightlife the choice of entertainment is unlimited - intimate jazz clubs, traditional dancing, classical music concerts, comedy clubs, rock 'n roll, rap, Afro-rock, kwaito and some first-class theatre and movie entertainment abound.

(3) Johannesburg has a wonderful, mild climate, neither humid nor too hot for comfort. There are about six weeks of cold weather in mid-winter with nights being particularly chilly (July-August). The region has a summer rainfall and summer boasts warm African sunshine and balmy nights (from October to March).

Take a leisurely drive westward from the bustle of Johannesburg towards Pretoria and within an hour you will discover the small village of Magaliesburg which lies at the heart of a beautiful region of mountains, valleys, rivers and indigenous woodland, extensive birdlife and natural bushveld in the southern hills of the Magaliesberg Mountains where the quaint, characterful buildings date back to the late 1800's.

The main crops in the area are tobacco and citrus and tropical fruits grown in the valleys at the foot of the mountain range which is densely forested with conifers and which consists of quartsite rock with a red coloured sediment with sparkling streams.

(4) Here a mix of cultures can be found nestled in the ancient mountains of the Magaliesburg - from the sound of African drums to the peaceful tranquility of a local market where an abundance of ethnic and modern arts and crafts can be found at roadside vendors or in curio shops in the village where you will also find an array of guest houses, hotels, lodges, stores, working farms, horse and mountain bike trails. Relax while you explore the local countryside, try fly fishing or the more adventurous can take a Hot Air Balloon or Microlight flight over the breathtaking countryside.

Whether you drive to Magaliesburg or take the delightful journey on the weekly steam train from Johannesburg, you will find it well worth the journey.