Johannesburg

Johannesburg, informally known as Jozi, Joburg, or “The City of Gold”,[citation needed] is the largest city in South Africa and one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world.[10] It is the provincial capital and largest city of Gauteng, which is the wealthiest province in South Africa.[11] Johannesburg is the seat of the Constitutional Court, the highest court in South Africa.[12] The city is located in the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills and is the centre of large-scale gold and diamond trade. The city was established in 1886 following the discovery of gold on what had been a farm. Due to the extremely large gold deposit found along the Witwatersrand,[13] within ten years, the population had grown to 100,000 inhabitants.

Tourists Hotspots

1. Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum graphically portrays the apartheid story through photos, artifacts, newspaper clippings, chilling personal accounts, and film footage. The sights and sounds of the apartheid era assail visitors as they move through the thought-provoking permanent exhibits on an emotional journey through South Africa’s history. Paths follow the country through decades of oppression to the birth of democracy. Reserve at least two hours and preferably longer to get the most out of a visit here. Those interested in learning more about South Africa’s struggle for freedom, should also visit Liliesleaf Farm Museum, the former center for the leaders of the liberation movement.

2. Constitution Hill

3. Gold Reef City

Gold Reef City, eight kilometers from the city center, takes you back to the gold rush days through a series of thrilling theme park rides and historical exhibits. This family-friendly attraction hosts reproductions of buildings and businesses from the era, and you can also tour a disused shaft of the Crown Mines, one of the richest gold-mines in the world. Children love the trampoline park, ten-pin bowling alley, and exhilarating theme-park rides, including the twisting and turning Anaconda roller coaster. The park also offers dedicated rides for young children, as well as a petting zoo. Putt-putt golf, sideshow games, and gold panning round out the adventures. If you can’t tear yourself away from all the fun, you can stay overnight in the Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel.

4. Soweto and Mandela Museum

Soweto (an abbreviation for Southwestern Townships) lies 20 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg and offers a journey into the soul of the fight for freedom. This was an area of planned segregation, where black laborers were housed far from the city center, many in shacks made of corrugated iron. It was also the birthplace of the struggle for democracy. In 1976, the Soweto Uprisings sought to overthrow the apartheid state and spread from here to the rest of the country.
Today, you can see a land of contrasts. Mansions have sprouted up among the shanties, and the democratic government is trying to establish much-needed infrastructure and green spaces. A popular attraction to visit here is the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, which honors the brave students who protested apartheid during the Soweto Uprisings, some of whom were shot by police, including the museum’s namesake, who was only 12 years old.

5. Lion and Safari Park Day Trip

At the Lion & Safari Park, you can get up-close with some of Africa’s famous wildlife less than an hour’s drive from downtown Johannesburg. Animal interactions are the highlight here. You can cuddle a lion cub, take the Cheetah Walk, and hand feed giraffes. Self-guided tours are permitted, but you can also join a guided game drive in the park’s vehicles to see lions, cheetahs, zebras, ostriches, wild dogs, hyenas, and various species of antelope. Nighttime feeding tours and river rafting tours are other popular things to do. Make sure you adhere to all safety regulations and keep your windows up when driving through the park.

6. Cradle of Human Kind Day Trip

About an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most productive and important paleo-anthropological areas. One of the top attractions here are the Sterkfontein stalactitic caves, which consist of six linked underground chambers with a lake at a depth of about 40 meters. Archaeological excavations here unearthed the skull of a humanoid creature known as Australopithecus africanus, estimated to be two million years old, called “Mrs Ples,” and in 1998, scientists discovered a skeleton that dates the presence of early humans in the valley at 3.5 million years ago. Stop by the Maropeng Visitor Center to view related exhibits and learn more about this fascinating site. Better still, explore all the highlights with an expert guide on the Cradle of Humankind Tour from Johannesburg. This eight-hour excursion includes a guided visit of the Sterkfontein caves and the Maropeng visitor center, as well as an open-vehicle game drive at the Lion & Safari Park.

7. Day Trip to Pretoria

About 55 kilometers from Johannesburg, Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and is worth visiting for its impressive lineup of historical buildings, monuments, and museums. Ablaze with the purple hues of jacarandas in the spring, Pretoria is also a city of beautiful parks and gardens. Highlights of a visit here include the Pretoria National Botanic Garden, the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park, the large zoo, and a clutch of peaceful nature reserves within the city limits, with diverse wildlife and an abundance of birds.

8. Market Theatre

The Market Theatre complex housed in a converted market building, plays a major part in Johannesburg’s cultural life. It has four live theater venues where some of the finest productions in South Africa are presented. The complex also includes a bookshop, art and photographic gallery, and restaurants. Kippie’s is a popular jazz venue, with music by well-known musicians in the evenings. In the huge parking lot opposite the Market Theatre complex, a large flea market is held every Saturday. Adjoining the Market Theatre, Museum Africa displays reproductions of the huts, tools, arts and crafts, dress, and toys of South African tribes.