Johannesburg, or Jo’burg, is the biggest city in South Africa. It’s also indisputably the economic powerhouse in all of Africa.
Originally established because of its rich gold seams, Jo’burg is a vibrant megacity with a current population of almost 11 million inhabitants, most of whom are resident in the Greater Johannesburg area.
The city offers plenty of attractions. The Apartheid Museum is a super place to learn about township life in the years gone by. Also, pay a visit to Nelson Mandela Bridge, connecting Newtown Cultural Precinct to the Central Business District.
Then, go have a picnic at Zoo Lake, where you’ll find a plethora of sycamore and oak trees to offer some much needed shade from the mid-day sunshine.
Given Jo’burg’s proximity to Pretoria, it’s possible to schedule a day trip to experience one of the game reserves. Most of the reserves are now certified as ‘malaria free’.
Of course, being the heart of South Africa, at least in many respects, Johannesburg is a shopper’s paradise. Check out the malls in Sandton where you’ll find many designer outlets. If you head to Rosebank, you’ll be able to experience an African-focused craft market which caters to handmade artworks. At Fordsburg, the market consists mostly of antiques, Indian fabrics, and general retro items.
For those who seek the vibrancy of a fun packed nightlife, head to Melville for the clubs and bars scene. If cultural dances, opera, and musicals are more your penchant, head on to Johannesburg Civic Theatre.
Immensely popular with tourists are the Specialty Museums. Besides the Apartheid Museum, you can learn about the purported origins of mankind by going to the Origins Centre. The Peacemaker Museum serves to commemorate the memories of those who have won the Nobel Peace Prize, given their contribution to society.
Fun in the outdoors is to be had by taking a visit to Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. Additionally, within the grounds of the botanic gardens is Emmerantia Dam, which offers canoeing, kayaking, and boating activities.
Near the gardens, you can take a trek around the Wonder Caves, which comprises an aspect of the Humankind World Heritage Sites. Many ancient fossils have been excavated from within the caves.
Moving onto Gold Reef City, and you’ll be treated to one among a number of authentic gold mines which combines various historical attractions together with fun rides for the family. For those who prefer a less energetic activity, the Story of Gold is worthy of attention. Also available are underground tours of the mine.
A trip to Jo’burg remains incomplete without a visit to one of the townships. Soweto, towards the south west of the city, is by far the largest. The official township tour takes in a visit to Walter Sisula Square which resides in Kliptown. This is the location that South Africa’s Freedom Charter was officially signed in 1955.
A further important landmark which serves to commemorate the 1976 Soweto uprising is the Hector Pieterson memorial and museum. The tour also pays a visit to VilaKazi Street, which was previously the home for both Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.
Worthy of a visit is the Emperor’s Palace, which is also known as the “Palace of Dreams” given its amazing architecture. The palace caters to four hotels, and offers a grand casino development, while also hosting conferences and various other extensive events.