Gauteng – which means “place of gold” in the Sotho language – started out as a small gold mining town in the late 1800s, and since has grown to a thriving province of more than 12 million people from all over Africa — which gives it a unique energy and outlook. It’s home to Johannesburg, South Africa’s commercial and financial hub, Pretoria, the country’s capital, and numerous cultural, recreational and culinary attractions. And even though it’s primarily urban, there are numerous less-dense areas where nature lovers and animal-lovers can get their fix as well.

Click here to read the Gauteng guide on AFKTravel.com.