It's the capital of Gauteng, and was built on the discovery of gold in 1886. It is now a vibrant and large city (the greater Johannesburg area is home to about 10-million people). It's been home to celebrities and icons including Nelson Mandela, actress Charlize Theron and golf stars Gary Player and Charl Schwartzel.

Soweto is the acronym for South-Western Townships – a group of townships just outside of Johannesburg to which Africans were moved by the apartheid government during the early 1900s. Today Soweto is home to millions and is South Africa’s largest township. Image © Albinfo

This is the administrative capital of South Africa and the home of the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government and the offices of the president. In Pretoria, visitors will also find Freedom Park, a multi-faceted heritage precinct. It is also home to the State Theatre. Image of the Union Buildings © JW Hurter

Vereeniging is situated on the banks of the Vaal River, a 45-minute drive from Johannesburg. Much of its early growth was due to the surrounding coal mines. It is now an important centre of industry, and is also known as the site where a treaty to end of the South African War (also known as the Anglo-Boer War) was signed.

Kempton Park is home to Africa’s biggest airport, OR Tambo International Airport. It is situated next to Tembisa, one of the largest townships in South Africa, and is also the home of the Emperors Palace hotel and casino. It's a short trip from here into Johannesburg or Pretoria.