Johannesburg
is the largest city in South Africa and also the second largest city in Africa, with more
than 3 million people calling this bustling metropolis home. Joburg, or Jozi as
some prefer to call it, offers visitors an experience as unique and diverse as
the city itself. Whether you are on business, in search of a cultural
encounter, and adrenaline rush or simply want to relax and unwind for a few
days, the city of Johannesburg has everything you’re looking for and more. Here
are the 10 things to do while in Johannesburg:
1. Soweto
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| Soweto Township |
Observe a different side of Joburg with a visit to Soweto. This place is in the South of Johannesburg, is a city developed as a
township for black people under the apartheid system. Get the opportunity to explore what life is
like in South Africa beyond the city suburbs, Soweto is a site of historical
importance, featuring Kliptown, where Freedom Charter was drawn up. You will
get a fascinating glimpse of bustling neighborhood life as you drive by the
former residences of two South African Nobel Peace Price winners, as well as
visit icons of the struggle such as the Hector Peterson Memorial, the Regina
Mundi Church and Freedom Square.
2. Carlton Centre
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| Carlton Centre |
If you are seeking for a bird’s-eye view of Johannesburg,
the 50-storey Carlton Centre is the place to go. Visiting this centre you can
enjoy a panoramic view of the City of Gold from the Top of Africa, as the
topmost floor of the building in known. The tallest building in Africa and once
the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, the Carlton Centre stands 223m
high- about 40m shy of featuring on the world’s top 100 skyscrapers list. Get a
view over Jo’burg from the top of the Carlton Centre, the tallest building in
Africa. It costs less than a cappuccino and the view is well worth it.
3. The Apartheid Museum
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| The Apartheid Museum |
For a sad insight in South Africa’s history, the
Apartheid Museum is an essential destination, giving a thorough overview of the
rise and fall of apartheid. The museum makes excellent use of multimedia
exhibits to show the political and personal aspects of apartheid. The Apartheid
Museum, close to downtown Johannesburg, focuses on the notorious system of
racial discrimination that became synonymous with South Africa from 1948 until
1994, the year in which the country held its first fully democratic elections.
4. Lion Park
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| Lion Park |
Nowhere can you get closer to a pride of Lions and other
animals and still be completely safe. Explore the animals up close in all the
activities that the Lion Park offers, whether you go on a self-drive tour,
guided tour or in the new electric silent vehicle, you will get super close to
the animals, not to mention special tours like the amazing cheetah walk and
exclusive mesmerizing lion tour guided by world renowned animal behaviourist,
Alext Larenty. Amazing photos opportunities await around every corner in the
park, share your memories with friends and family by having your photos taken
professionally by photographers.
5. Newtown
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| Newtown Mall |
Newtown is positioned in Johannesburg’s central city and forms
part of the city’s cultural and creative hub. The area includes theatres,
houses, art galleries, museums, restaurants, book stores, craft markets, clubs
and cafes. The area has politically turbulent past and due to its multiracial diversity,
it was the scene of some of the first forced removals in Gauteng implemented by
the apartheid government. Today, Newtown remains resolutely colour-blind with
artists of all races gathering here. Take in a show at the Market Theatre,
visit the Sci-Bono Centre, drop in at Museum Africa, or catch some local and
international music acts at Bassline. Make sure you see a nice view of Mandela
Bridge lit up at night.
6. Markets
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| Rosebank Mall |
Have
brunch with the hipsters at Market on Main on Sunday morning, and take a look
at the quirky designer offering on sale. For a more relaxed feel, try the
Rooftop Market at Rosebank Mall, a huge market with everything from souvenirs
and handmade goods to old movie posters and antiques. You can also find
traditional South African food- at prices locals will pay. If you’re still
hungry, eat your fill every Saturday morning at the Jozi Food Market.
7. Sandton
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| Sandton |
Spending
time in a mall is a central part of the Johannesburg experience. If you’re into
shopping, the place to be is Sandton City which is situated in one of the city’s
commercial and business hubs. Sandton City hosts upmarket designer boutiques
and, well, just about anything else you might want to find. Have lunch in
Sandton Square, or just let your inner child run free in the fountains. Sandton
City offers an unparalleled shopping experience that combines the world’s most
desirable brands with everyday leisure and entertainment.
8. Montecasino
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| Montecasino |
Montecasino,
situated in Fourways, North of Johannesburg is known being Gauteng’s number one
entertainment destination having being voted Best Casino, Best Entertainment
Complex, Best Cinema Complex and Best place to take out-of-towners. With the
diverse range range of attractions including accommodation- there is something
for everyone at Montecasino to be enjoyed by young and old alike. Montecasino’s
attractive Tuscan style appearance makes it an attractive filming destination
as well as an ideal venue for events, having hosted several local and
international performers. It is described as “Gauten’s Premier Entertainment
Destination”, given that it’s home to cinemas, a casino, and the largest
theatre in Africa, the Teatro. The Teatro has hosted a number of world-class
musicals featuring South African casts, and the smaller theatres have a steady
run of more intimate shows.
9. The Cradle of Humankind
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| The Cradle of Humankind |
It
only takes a short trip from Jo’burg to get back to your roots. Get in touch
with your ancient ancestors in the Sterkfontein Caves, where Mrs Ples and
Littlefoot were discovered, and spend time exploring the award-winning Maropeng
visitor centre. The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is one of eight
South African World Heritage Sites. It is the world’s richest hominin site,
home to around 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils.
10. The great Outdoors
.jpg) |
| Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden |
Johannesburg
is also home to a number of beautiful parks, the biggest of which is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden in Roodepoort. Take an easy hike to the top of
waterfall, and keep your eyes peeled for the resident eagles. For an even more
relaxed day, go for a walk or a picnic in the sunshine at Emmarentia Dam, or
indulge your inner pirate and go boating on Zoo Lake.
