Gauteng is South Africa's smallest providence and the area's history is linked with the discovery of gold, as "gaut" is thought to come from "goud," the Dutch word for gold, according to the South Africa Venues website. The discovery of gold in the area lead to to a mass migration to Johannesburg, located within Gauteng. The city is the "powerhouse of the African continent" according to South Africa Venues and features numerous boutique hotels and area tours.
The Forum Homini is a five-star boutique hotel in Sterkfontein, Gauteng located at The Cradle of Humankind, a private reserve and one of the world's most famous heritage sites with dramatic views of the surrounding valley, according to the Gauteng Hotel Guide website. 12 luxury suites, a honeymoon suite and a presidential suite make up this hotel. The luxury suites are partially covered by veld grass roofs and include handmade stalactite lights, fireplace, a luxury king-size bed, open air showers and large oval bathtubs. The honeymoon suite's decor includes stone age-style artwork in a classic cave structure with the same amenities as the luxury suites. The presidential suite offers two fireplaces, rock pool and separate boardroom. All rooms come with satellite television, DVD player, coffee maker, hair dryer, private courtyard, 24-hour room service, mini fridge, bathrobes and internet connection, among other amenities. Hotel activities include tours of archeological sites, a golf course, trout fishing, museums and shopping among others.
Forum Homini
P.O. Box 1138
Ruimsig, South Africa 1732
+27 (11) 668 7000
forumhomini.com
Like the Forum Homini, the Maropeng Boutique Hotel is located in the World Heritage Site of the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng. The hotel's decor is inspired by the four elements, earth, fire, water and ice. 14 of the 24 luxury rooms are twin executive studio rooms and 10 are king executive studio rooms. All rooms feature an en-suite bathroom with separate shower, mini bar, safe and air conditioning. Facilities include a swimming pool and bar and the Tumulus Restaurant located on the hotel's first floor. Hotel activities include tours of the Sterkfontein Caves, "one of the richest and most productive paleao-anthropological hominid fossil sites in the world," according to the Gauteng Hotel Guide website. Additional activities include trips to nearby Johannesburg and Pretoria and hot air ballooning.
Maropeng Boutique Hotel
R400 (just off the R563)
Hekpoort
Cradle of Humankind
Magalieberg
Gauteng, South Africa 0001-0299
+27 (0) 14 577 9100
maropeng.co.za
The Riviera on Vaal Hotel and Country Club is located 45 minutes from Johannesburg and offers a range of accommodations suitable for families, business travelers and couples. The hotel features 28 standard rooms as well as six garden suites and luxury family and executive suites. Garden suites feature large bedrooms and a separate lounge area, and are located in the hotel's garden with lounge chairs facing the Vaal river. Executive suites feature a balcony overlooking the river while luxury family rooms feature a sleeper couch besides bedrooms. Children receive special pajamas, cookies and milk. All standard rooms feature large windows with views of the river. Hotel activities include golf, water sports, fitness center, spa and several fine dining restaurants.
Riviera On Vaal Hotel & Country Club
Mario Milani Drive, Vereeniging
Gauteng, South Africa 0001-0299
+27 0861 967 485
rivieraonvaal.co.za
