Johannesburg or Jo' burg as referred to by some residents of the city is a modern day metropolis sprawling over an area of 1600 square kilometers. With roots as being a small gold rush settlement, it has grown into the largest city of sub-Saharan Africa and the economic powerhouse of the country. A honeycomb of tunnels and caves dot the outskirts of the city. A range of Edwardian and Victorian architecture visible all over the city combines with concrete and metal skyscrapers with a web of highways running in between, to form what is Johannesburg today.
Johannesburg is a great place for kids! The Joburg Zoo is sure to make them gape in wonder at the hordes of animals there, or perhaps the Zoo Lake would be more to their liking. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens are a great place to have fun while learning about the various forms of plant life found there. The Montecasino Bird Gardens are also great to tell kids about the hundreds of species of birds in the city.
The MuseuMAfrica is one of the largest history museums of the city and is housed in a building that was constructed as the city's first fresh produce market in 1913. It highlights the transformation of Johannesburg over time and how it came to be what it is today.
The first integrated theatre of the city, it played a crucial role in the efforts against apartheid and is home to an art gallery, three theaters and a very famous restaurant, the second Moyo.
Soweto is an acronym for the South West Township and is one of the oldest suburbs of Johannesburg. It is home to many black Africans and is one of the most happening places in the city. With a number of sites to visit, it is recommended to take a guided tour of the area with any of the major tour guides of the city.
The Oriental Plaza is a great shopping complex in Newtown that is sure to make you wish you had forgotten your wallet at home! With over 350 shops, it is one of the best places to shop in the city.
It is one of the upper-income northern suburbs of the city with a wide range of second hand bookshops, antique dealers, body piercing salons and pavement cafes. It also has several Bed and Breakfasts and guesthouses which are very popular with tourists.
Address: Entrance from Arundel Road at the north end of 3rd Avenue, Westdene
A 365 acre piece of land near the Emmarentia Dam with possibly the world's largest terraced rose garden and a yachting and canoeing club. It is recommended to stick to the main areas and avoid wandering into remote areas. Barbecues are allowed at selected locations and the restaurant in the garden serves some excellent tea and snacks.
A tour of the history of beer! The South African Breweries shows how beer is made and how it developed into its present day form. it is a fun-filled showcase of brewing.
The Johannesburg Art Gallery is the home for impressive collections of 17th century Dutch, 18th and 19th century British and European, 19th and 20th century South African art, as well as a print cabinet of works from the 15th century to the present time.
The Horror Café
With an extensive menu and silver service combined with a breathtaking view, this is a great place to pamper your palate and senses!
A superb French restaurant that has been dubbed as one of the Top Ten Deluxe Restaurants of the world! Offers a great ambience as it has been set up in an old Georgian estate and regularly sees visits by some of the most powerful business men, politicians and celebrities of the country!
Linger Longer is a beautiful restaurant encased in a beautiful pre-war estate and is famous for its signature dishes and scintillating atmosphere.
The best place for gourmet Portuguese cuisine and sea food, it offers a superb menu and dance evenings and the dining experience is sure to become one of the most memorable ones of your life!
One of the best restaurants in town, it boasts a casual, fresh and modern look and is great for splurging on some great food and having a great experience!
Cuisine: Mixed African Address: 5 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch, Melrose (off Atholl Oaklands Drive or Corlett Drive) Telephone: +27 (0)86 100 6696 Website: http://www.moyo.co.za/ Price: From R200 to R300
Cuisine: Mixed African
Cuisine: African & French (formal lunch & dinners). Best dishes include wild duck in honey and thyme sauce and ostrich fillet in plum n port sauce.
Cuisine: Mixed & Italian (formal business lunches and dinners)
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This hotel is ideally located in the city's most exclusive business and residential district with direct access to Sandton City shopping complex, as well as to the Sandton Convention Centre ( the largest in the country ). On entering the foyer of the hotel, one is struck by the relaxed atmosphere created by a waterfall cascading down a green wall. There are non-smoking floors and bedrooms as well as specially equipped rooms for the disabled. Throughout the hotel, understated lighting and elegant decorative touches lend a sleek sophistication. Every guest who passes through the doors of this hotel is treated like a VIP. Here comfort isn't complicated and the professional and friendly staff ensures that superior service and luxury is yours to enjoy. All 334 rooms are equipped with all the amenities to make a guest's stay luxurious and relaxing. Some of the services provided include airport handling service, safety deposit box, baby sitting facility on request, theatre, restaurant and tour reservations. All rooms feature air conditioning,satellite television, dual line telephones, voice mail and coffee and tea making facility. For the fitness freak, the hotel amenities include the outdoor swimming pool, sauna and exercise rooms. The business facilities include 10 function rooms accommodating up to 850 people. Guests can savor Portuguese and seafood dishes at Vilamoura, a popular nightspot.The Gazebo coffee shop provides light meals, snacks and delicious pastries all day.The Atrium restaurant is famous for its superb Italian specialties. Ferns features 'a taste of Africa'.
This world class hotel is South Africa's only luxury airport resort and offers features varying from an African themed restaurant to a full gymnasium. Ideally located just across South Africa's busiest airport, it is extremely convenient for those who have long waits between connecting flights and who wish to be in the vicinity of the airport. A boon for business travelers, it offers a full range of business and conference services and facilities for up to 550 delegates. Standard rooms to executive suites offer every amenity and round the clock room service.Some rooms offer access to the internet via an infrared keyboard system.
The Palazzo Montecasino is located in the heart of Montecasino, a world-class gaming, leisure, entertainment and retail complex. It is situated in Fourways, north of Johannesburg, close to all major highways and main business hubs and close to Sandton Convention Centre.
Want to watch elephants strolling in the zoo or hear the roar of lions by night? All this is possible with a stay in The Westcliff! Situated in the tranquil surrounds of historic Westcliff, The Westcliff Hotel's cliffside setting makes for a unique resort-style layout with spectacular views over Johannesburg's leafy northern suburbs. Stated to be Johannesburg's most luxurious hotel, one can get a spectacular view of the city's sunset and moonrise. Soak in the breathtaking view of the far-off Magaliesberg Mountains or gaze at the stars under the intense African night sky-- this sought after rendezvous has something for every guest. The 115 guest rooms and suites are provided with all contemporary amenities to make your stay memorable in every way. Most rooms feature charming terraces, balconies or private courtyards.
The Grace is the ideal choice for guests seeking a sophisticated and more intimate alternative to the large city hotel. Its location in the Rosebank area is one of its greatest assets. It is a small 73-room hotel, a little old fashioned, with an unpretentious charm.
The guest house is ideal for those who are looking for the luxuries and comfort of a home while on vacation. Spread over 25 acres of lush landscaped area, the guest house is located in Alewspoort, Johannesburg. Ekala offers its guests, a relaxed tranquil ambience and secure and safe accommodation. Some of the facilities available here include pure organic food, cell phone for hire, 24/7 free tea and coffee and airport transfers.
Ten Bompas,, a luxurious, contemporary boutique hotel, was originally a private home. It was converted into an exclusive city hotel with 10 suites. Sides, its award winning restaurant with its own magnificent double volume glass fronted wine cellar, overlooks the swimming pool. The original villa now has three extensions that are connected by a footbridge. Each suite has been individually designed by a mix of local designers, architects, artists and fashionistas, to give a unique interpretation of an African theme. The public places also reflect this concept as can be seen in the display of African sculptures, art and architecture. Gentle curves and geometric forms create an aura of tranquility in an otherwise fast-paced Johannesburg.Each suite in this hotel is unique and individually crafted and is spacious with its own balcony and big showers that turn into steam rooms at the push of a button. The owners of Ten Bompas have lodges in Kruger National Park, The Outpost,and Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps that are worth investigating.
This fantastic hotel is one of Johannesburg's hip boutique hotel. Situated centrally in Melrose between Rosebank and Sandton, it was opened in 2005 by James Peech from Yorkshire. This hotel consists of 10 luxurious contemporary and Afrocentric styled rooms. Emphasis is on in-room comfort with king-size beds, soft white linen and ultra-comfortable mattresses.The large bathrooms with 'raindance' showers are a special feature of this hotel. Guests can soak in the intimate and enjoyable atmosphere of the bistro-inspired restaurant and the lushly landscaped gardens. Access to Planet fitness gym, rotating art and photography exhibits, swimming pool and a library, all make the Peech Hotel a popular stay for tourists, For business and conferencing needs, the hotel also offers a 10-person boardroom, as well as informal meeting places such as the spaces in the lobby, on the patio or in the library.
The Parkwood has taken the B&B concept to another level.This is a boutique hotel that caters to each individual guest in a unique and deliberate way. Located in Parkwood, an affluent residential area of Johannesburg, this clean, modern, yet warm and inviting hotel offers intimacy not found in chain hotels.
Incredibly beautiful setting in 10 acres of stunning grounds, magnificent gardens and waterfalls; get the best of South African rural life in this beautiful stone farmhouse with thatched bedrooms. The Mount Grace Country House set in Magaliesburg Mountain is a one hour drive from Jo' burg and Pretoria. All of the hotels bedrooms and the lavish mountain village suites are set amongst enchanting gardens. All 80 rooms have a private balcony or verandah.The rooms and suites are arranged into secluded villages each with its own distinctive surrounding and charm. Thatchstone Village is surrounded by English country gardens and is conveniently close to all hotel facilities.
Travellers to South Africa need a visitor visa unless their nationality or circumstances qualify for an exemption. Visa-required travellers must obtain the appropriate permission before travel rather than assume a visa will be issued at the border.
The best time to visit Johannesburg is throughout the year ! It is one of the most popular tourist sites that can be visited at any time of the year and has a lot to offer the whole year round. However, summers from December to January do get quite hot and humid. Spring, from September to October, is the most colorful season, from September to October, as flowers usually are in full bloom and the city bursts into a colorful frenzy of flowers of all sizes and fares.hues.
. Location: Gauteng, South Africa · Dialing code South Africa: +27 Johannesburg: 11 All local numbers dialed from within the city should be preceded with the area code. · Emergency numbers All Query Hotline (Johannesburg Connect): 011 375-5555 Emergency Services: 011 375-5911; Johannesburg International Airport 011 921 6262: Directory inquiries Local numbers 1023 International numbers 1903 Any Emergency 107 Ambulance 10177 Automobile Association Rescue 080 001 0101 Johannesburg Central 011 375-5911 Flying Squad - Police 10111 National Tourism Information and Safety Line 083 113 2345; · Population: The total population of Johannesburg is around 3.2 million. · Languages The primary language spoken in the city is English. However, a number of African languages as well as certain Asian languages are also spoken by the residents. · SAST: GMT/UTC + 2 · Average January temperatures High: 25 °C Low: 16 °C · Average July temperatures High: 16°C Low: 6°C · Annual rainfall 720mm or 28.8inches · Electricity 220/230V, 50Hz
The currency used in Cape Town is the South African Rand
The currency used in Cape Town is the South African Rand
Annual Temperature: o January; High:: 25°C (77°F); Low:: 16°C (61°F)
The city is home to a mix of people ranging from Asians to black and white Africans, hence, the culture too is a hodgepodge of several cultures. Black residents however outnumber white and Asian residents considerably. Crime rate in the city is very high.
Johannesburg or Jo' burg as referred to by some residents of the city is a modern day metropolis sprawling over an area of 1600 square kilometers. With roots as being a small gold rush settlement, it has grown into the largest city of sub-Saharan Africa and the economic powerhouse of the country. A honeycomb of tunnels and caves dot the outskirts of the city. A range of Edwardian and Victorian architecture visible all over the city combines with concrete and metal skyscrapers with a web of highways running in between, to form what is Johannesburg today.
In the early 19th century, Johannesburg was just a minor settlement developed around several gold mines spread over the area. The city was consistently the site of civil wars, specially during the apartheid.
One of the best places to find anything and everything under the sun specially great furniture but at a higher price then everywhere else.
The Glen Shopping Center is the foremost shopping center of Johannesburg south. This mall houses specialist brand shops and national retailers selling everything from clothes, luggage, leather goods, gifts and flowers to furniture, sweets and confectionary items. The Glen also has a cinema hall and open air terraced restaurants.
One of the first shopping complexes in Soweto, it is home to the major department stores and retail outlets in the city.
Maponya Mall is the largest mall of South Africa and is home to more than 200 stores of every kind.
One of the largest malls in the city, it is filled with supermarkets, coffee shops, and clothing stores as well as movie theaters.
Chain stores, boutiques and miniature golf! The best place for a decent mid day splurge just before lunch.
One of the priciest and hippest places to be in the city, it is host to an exclusive shopping experience that is sure to drive your credit card bills crazy! Address: Corner Sandton Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton Telephone: +27 (0)11 883 2011/217 6000 Fax: +27 (0)11 883 0978 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.sandtoncity.com/
Opened in 1961, it is one of the first malls of the city and is home to a wide range of stores that cover everything and is even home to some specialty stores. A must visit place!
One of the best malls in the city, it carries some of the best prices on some of the best merchandise around.
Home to 130 specialty stores, it is one of the best places to find those hard to find things from international and some local brands.
The National Botanical Gardens near the magnificent Witpoortjie waterfall is truly a sight to behold. Covering almost 750 acres, it is composed of both landscaped and natural savannah areas, while the natural vegetation is a mix of grassland and savannah with over 600 naturally occurring plant species. The Cafe Clivia is situated under two beautiful ocotea bullata trees in the center of the garden. A must-visit site for all tourists.
The Johannesburg Lion Park, a 500 acre reserve and breeding research station is home to more than 80 lions, including a pair of famous white lions, and other animals such as wildebeests and giraffes and a wide range of African species. The Cub World allows you to cuddle a lion cub for an extra fee. A great place to visit, especially if you have kids with you.
This 117,000 acre piece of land has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is home to several limestone caverns and was once home to the Mrs. Ples, the first southern 'Ape-Man' or Australopithecus skull to be discovered, along with a 3.3 million year old hominion skeleton. The site consists of Sterkfontein Caves, Swartkrans and Kromdraai. The environs also contains the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
The Sterkfontein Caves are the most productive paleontological and archeological site of the world and is the place where the world's first adult 'Ape-Man' remains were discovered. It is now host to an interactive new exhibition center and restaurant, and visitors are given guided tours along walkways inside the caves.
The Rhino and Lion reserve is home to over 600 animals from 25 different species and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind.
Maropeng is a new exhibition center that focuses on the evolution of the human race and how we have affected the planet. It consists of a boat ride through a series of tunnels portraying volcanoes, icebergs, and other basic elements of the earth and then to the beginning of time and then the present day. It highlights the formation of the continents, man's emergence and evolution, emergence of technology and the development of the planet as we know it. This is one of the best places the city has to offer and a superb learning experience for both kids and adults alike!
The Dance Forum was created in 2003 to promote contemporary dance and to provide platforms for contemporary dance performances. The FNB Dance Umbrella has been presenting performances for the last 20 years and is one of the premier events of the city that promotes youth groups and up and coming choreographers from all over South Africa. The Dance Umbrella is a series of events extending from February into March. It is held in Wits Theatre, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein and The Dance Factory, Newtown Website: www.artslink.co.za/arts
The Rand Show is an annual consumer exhibition and entertainment forum that displays everything from furniture and home ware to sportswear to specialty and hobby related items. It is a huge exhibition attracting over 500,000 people every year with music concerts, stage acts and amusement park rides. It is regularly held at the Expo Centre, Nasrec Roads, Nasrec, which is just south of the city. Website: http://www.randshow.co.za/
The Decorex exhibition is an annual exhibition of home decor and design highlighting contemporary and traditional furnishings and home design styles of the new year. It is held in the Gallagher Estate, Midrand, every year in the second week of the month and runs for 5 days. Website: http://www.decorex.co.za
An exhibition specially designed for jazz lovers! It is a multi faceted event celebrating South Africa's jazz musicians who are an integral part of the country's art and cultural heritage. It is held in the 3rd week of August every year in Newton. Website: http://www.joyofjazz.co.za
An annual exhibition promoting travel and tourism as well as outdoor products which is a relatively interesting visit for tourists as it comes packed with activities such as The Drop Tower ride and the Cave of Horros. It is held in the last week of August every year, at The Coca Cola Dome in Northgate, Corner Olievenhout Avenue, Randburg. Website: http://www.getawayshow.co.za/
1. Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust Telephone: +27 (0)11 482-3349 Website: http://www.parktownheritage.co.za Sites Visited: They offer fairly well guided walking tours of about three hours on Saturday afternoons that cover most of Parktown and Westcliff.
The best way to tour the city is by hiring one of these bus tour operators that offer a range of full and half day tours. Most of these operators use minibuses and pick up from all hotels. The tours cover Soweto, Gold Reef City, the Lion Park, Lesedi Village and Pretoria city tours, and the City Center tours cover the central areas as well as the viewing platform at the top of the Carlton Center.
1. Historical Flights Telephone: 0800 980 321 Website: http://www.historicflight.co.za/ This tour service runs historic aircrafts such as a Junkers JU52 from the South African military for slow and low flights over the city.
4 Jenning St
Kerk St
Proserpine Street
28 5th Ave Mayfair Johannesburg
6 Lang St
Corner Hanover St & 10th Ave
The O R Tambo International Airport is located 22 kilometers to the east of Johannesburg and all major car hire companies have offices located in the Domestic Arrivals area. Public transport is also available. However, hired cars are strongly recommended.
Metered taxis are very expensive in Johannesburg but are much more convenient and safe for tourists. They will not stop if hailed in the street but can be ordered at any time and can be hired for day trips too. However due to high prices and possibility of meter tampering, visitors should ask the driver an estimated price before setting out. Locals do not give tips. However foreigners can give a small tip, even if it is not expected.
The Metrorail is a train service linking many parts of greater Johannesburg (including Soweto) to the interior. It is however not recommended to visitors and tourists due to high theft rates.
Traveling by bus in Johannesburg is somewhat of a hassle due to traffic congestion and limited routes in the case of some services.
The best way around the city is in a hired car. The city has been planned keeping private cars in mind and hence cars are the best form of commuting around the city. Hired cars are affordable, and insurance is covered in their rates, however full or comprehensive insurance costs extra. Some companies keep this as optional whereas some companies have made it compulsory and it is highly recommended, specially against theft. Drivers must be at least 23 years old and must have an international driving license.
The road and highway network of the city is very well maintained and there are several multi storey car parks all over the city, and all major attractions and shopping malls have car parks. Parking on the streets carries a small R2-5 payment to car guards for watching over your car, with guards typically wearing a badge or work vest. Rush-hour periods are from 7am to 9am and from 4pm to 6pm and traffic congestion is generally constrained to those times. Most locations in the city can be reached in less than an hour.The main road hazards that one has to be on the lookout for are reckless driving, specially by the minibus taxi drivers, smash and grab thieves and armed hijackers, and a lack of visible traffic police. It is strongly recommended that visitors and tourists do not stop for hitchhikers and at accident scenes and keep their windows rolled up and doors locked. Many motorists ignore stop signs and red traffic lights at night in isolated areas for safety reasons.
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