Gold Reef City ranks among the city’s most popular attractions, due in large part to its theme park, which features fun rides for all ages as well as an underground mining experience. Entrance to the theme park requires purchasing a ticket.
Beyond the theme park, you can see a live performance, watch a movie at a Victorian train station-themed theater, hit the slots, or eat at one of the complex's many restaurants. Alternatively, visit the renowned Apartheid Museum to learn more about South Africa's history through thoughtful exhibits.
Gold Reef City is set in southern Johannesburg. It can be reached by car along the Villiers Graaff Motorway. It’s also a stop on the city’s hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus—a convenient option for travelers without a rental car.
The best time to visit Gold Reef City depends on what you want to do. The casino is always open, while the theme park is open Thursday through Sunday all year. In March, check the hours before you go as the timings vary due to school holidays. For the best weather and sparse crowds, plan to visit during the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to November).
Older visitors to Gold Reef City should plan to stop at the neighboring Apartheid Museum, a sobering attraction that tells the story of this dark time in history from the pre-apartheid era through to Nelson Mandela’s release after 27 years in prison.