Rent a motorhome in Gauteng

South Africa's smallest province is home to the vibrant metropolis of Johannesburg. Bordered by five other provinces, Gauteng is a great starting point for motorhome trips into the great safari areas of Northern South Africa. Gauteng itself also boasts a wealth of attractions and routes, including hiking trails, fishing spots and important archaeological sites. Get started with a motorhome rental in Gauteng to explore the province and country with motorhomebookers.com.

Motorhome trips from Gauteng give you ample time to explore Johannesburg, where you can trace the legacy of Nelson Mandela and discover the blossoming art and culinary scenes of Maboneng. The stately administrative capital of the country, Pretoria, is to the north, with the Magaliesberg Mountains beckoning campervan journeys. Game reserves and elephant parks are within easy reach for those looking to explore South Africa’s wild side.

In this guide, you’ll discover why Gauteng is one of the great South African destinations for an extended motorhome trip and which routes you should visit with your campervan hire.

Top 5 facts about Gauteng

1. Constitution Hill: Johannesburg's most important historical site hosts exhibitions across four sites. These include the incarceration sites of both Mandela and Gandhi.
2. Magaliesberg: The world’s oldest mountain range reaches some 1,852 metres in height and is accessible by hikes or cableway. Hot air ballooning is popular here.
3. Wild camping is not permitted nor recommended in South Africa. Instead, always book a campsite with facilities and services.
4. The R512 road route just outside Johannesburg to Hartbeespoort Dam is one of the region's most scenic, especially as it crosses the Magaliesrivier.
5. The Cradle of Humankind: Gauteng’s sole UNESCO World Heritage Site is where you can see the world’s oldest known hominid fossils within a captivating museum complex with access to the Sterkfontein Caves.

These highlights await you when you visit Gauteng with a motorhome

Gauteng's small size makes it easily navigable by campervan. Highlights include the historical apartheid centre of Soweto, a township rich with monuments and museums dedicated to South African struggle and success. The Apartheid Museum delves deeper into the history of Johannesburg. Johannesburg is packed with iconic sites and attractions, including Constitution Hill, Liliesleaf Farm and the Constitutional Court, all symbols of modern South Africa. For art, Spaza Art Gallery, with its sculpture garden, is a must-visit.

Leaving the urban centres, Maropent in the Cradle of Humankind is an iconic museum detailing humankind’s origin. It’s surrounded by beautiful savannah landscapes with access to the Sterkfontein Caves, an impressive cave system that hosts hominid exhibits. Natural landscapes like Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve, Kgaswane Mountain Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park provide safari tours, epic landscapes and campsites to escape to. In Krugersdorp, the alluring Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park is an ideal picnic spot after a day at the local rhino and lion nature reserve.

These camper routes through Gauteng are a must

Gauteng is well-placed for cross-country trips and local explorations of Johannesburg’s surroundings. Sticking to Gauteng, Magaliesburg is a popular route from either Johannesburg or Pretoria. Head to Hartbeespoort, a resort town overlooking a dam that carries the same name. From here, you can take the R104 west for campsites surrounding the Kranskloof hiking trail. You can circle back to Johannesburg or Pretoria via the Cradle of Humankind with campsites along the R96.

The road to Pilanesberg National Park in Gauteng’s neighbouring province of North West is an excellent route for those seeking wildlife. This dusty, volcanic crater landscape is a haven for lions and boasts some premium campsites, thanks to the luxury resort of Sun City that borders the national park. The route from Johannesburg takes in the Hartbeespoort Dam before joining the N4 highway. Pass antelope grazing areas as you head for the R565, which leads deep into the national park.

Camper van hire: Useful information for a trip through Gauteng

South Africa is a delight to explore by campervan, but there are some quirks to making the journey. First, staying at designated campsites is a must. These are found throughout the country and can range from basic farmer's fields to luxury, poolside options. Always park your vehicle securely and, ideally, avoid driving within cities where space is an issue. Always fill up your vehicle with fuel in advance, particularly when travelling long distances.

When choosing a camper, first finalise your itinerary. Standard campers are fine for relaxing stays at national park campsites with easy-access roads. However, if you’re planning on hitting safari trails and off-road parks, a 4WD vehicle is required. These typically come with canopies for sleeping. Remember: drive on the left in South Africa. While the legal driving age is 18 years, you’ll have to be 21 years or older to rent a motorhome. A credit or debit card is also required for booking.

Rent a motorhome now and discover Gauteng

Gauteng is the gateway to South Africa’s bushveld, offering camper trips deep into safari territory for wildlife watching, and tranquil nature park stays. After exploring the bustle of Johannesburg and the city’s rich history, head out with a motorhome rental from one of our partners in Gauteng. You can choose from pick-up locations in Johannesburg, as well as other depots across the country like Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

Book your dream campervan holiday to explore the safaris of Gauteng. Contact motorhomebookers.com today.