Gauteng may be an urban mecca, but there are a number great game-viewing and birding opportunities.

In Johannesburg is the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, with walks, trails and waterfalls. Its biggest attraction is a pair of Verreaux's eagles that live in the cliffs.

At the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, just a short drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, visitors can view a variety of animals, including the spectacular white lion.

The 13 000ha Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, about an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, has about 200 species of birds and a number of antelope species, including steenbok, kudu and eland.

Pretoria has a number of nature reserves within and surrounding the city. The Fountains, Groenkloof, Rietvlei and Wonderboom nature reserves are among its best natural attractions.

Travellers should also make a point of visiting the Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng’s first Big Five reserve. Here visitors also get to see rare white lions, along with hippos, crocodiles and over 300 bird species.

Gauteng is a malaria-free area.