JOHANNESBURG: THE UNIQUE AND DIVERSE CITY OF GOLD
Johannesburg (JHB) is the biggest city in South Africa and the second largest on the African continent. It’s the capital city of the Gauteng Province and was established in 1886, following the discovery of gold in the area now known as the Witwatersrand. When the discovery became public knowledge, thousands of people flocked to Johannesburg in search of fortune and new opportunities. Today, this city still attracts those who want to better their lives and achieve success.
Johannesburg is centrally located in South Africa and the largest transport hub in the country – making local, cross-border and international travel very easy. More international airlines fly to Johannesburg than any other city in southern Africa, with direct flights to and from most American and European cities. Buses from the Johannesburg central business district (CBD) offer you a cheap way to get to many destinations within the country and beyond. Gautrain is a rapid transit railway system in Gauteng which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, and O.R. Tambo International Airport.
WHAT TO DO
Johannesburg offers you an experience as unique and diverse as the city itself. Whether you are in search of cultural encounters, an adrenaline rush, on a business trip or simply looking to unwind and relax, the city has everything you’re looking for. With the multitude of fun things to do and places to see in and around Johannesburg, you are bound to find entertainment to suit your taste and your budget.
If you are searching for a cultural experience – there are more than 40 art galleries and a host of cultural organisations, museums and studios to satisfy your needs. Enjoy a show at one of the many theatres in Johannesburg, or learn more about the traditional cultures in the cultural villages of the city. If you’re looking for more energetic entertainment, then a visit to one of the many night life hotspots in Johannesburg is recommended – from clubs to pubs and shebeens (township taverns).
Johannesburg is also one of the premium shopping destinations in Africa. You can take your pick of locally crafted items or find international brands at very low prices.
Take a stroll through or have a picnic in Johannesburg Botanic Gardens – an 81-hectare garden consisting of open, grassy spaces scattered with trees. It also hosts the occasional music concert and fun activities like kite-flying competitions. The gardens have a beautiful mix of indigenous and exotic plants surrounded by lawns that overlook the 7.5-hectare Gold Reef City is one of South Africa’s top family attractions and conveniently located just 8 kilometres from the Johannesburg central business district (CBD). It’s reminiscent of an authentic turn-of-the-century mining town and provides you and your family with so many experiences in one amazing destination – from A-list entertainment at the stunning Lyric Theatre, to some of Johannesburg’s best restaurants. Get your thrills at the exhilarating theme park or experience the excitement of the casino.
The the Joburg Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions and situated in the leafy northern suburb of Johannesburg. It was founded in 1904 and covers 54.7 hectares of land. The zoo has over 320 species of animals – from gorillas to white rhino to African hippo and even Siberian tigers! The perfect place to visit if you’re an animal lover. If you are looking for a true African safari, then you will be spoilt for choice with the very large variety of parks and reserves just outside of the city. Experience the Big 5 up close and personal!
A visit to the Nelson Mandela House is a highly recommended cultural activity in Johannesburg. It strives to be a world-class visitor attraction and is situated in Vilakazi Street – the most famous street in Soweto and the only street in the world to have had two Noble Prize winners as its residents. Soweto was a separate city from Johannesburg from the late 1970s until the 1990s. It was originally an acronym for ‘South-Western Townships’, and originated as a collection of settlements on the outskirts of Johannesburg, mostly populated by native African workers from the gold mining industry. Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived and live in Vilakazi Street. Nelson Mandela’s house has become a museum and the Tutu’s house is still used as a home by the Tutu family. You can enjoy these sights on one of the many Soweto township tours that are offered by Johannesburg tourism.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Accommodation in Johannesburg is extremely diverse and caters for your every taste and budget. If you are travelling on a tight budget, then you might want to choose to stay in one of the city’s backpackers lodges or one of the many other cheap accommodation alternatives in Johannesburg. Self-catering accommodation is also a great option for the more DIY traveller. If you prefer a more 5 star experience, the city can offer you a luxury boutique hotel or even an elegant guest house to satisfy your unique needs. The possibilities are endless in the City of Gold!