Jo'burg, Jozi, Egoli or ”the place of gold” is the financial powerhouse of the Southern African region. Big business and street culture live cheek and jowl in this cultural melting pot, of a city. Although Johannesburg is not a holiday or tourist destination per se, there are many different and interesting distractions to keep you busy.

Having equipped yourself with a rental car from car rental Johannesburg and secured your accommodations, it is time to plan what “day trips” you would like to do. Should you have a keen interest in wildlife and would like the opportunity of seeing some of the South African wildlife? and do not have time in your busy schedule to go to the Kruger National Park; there are a few wildlife centres near to the city.

The cradle of the Mankind is only 40 odd kilometres from the Johannesburg Centre. This whole incredibly diverse region covers roughly 27 km’s. There are extraordinary caves you can explore and a museum with early cave-dwellers, tools and artefacts on display.

The Maropeng Visitor Centre is open to the public from 09h00 to 17h00 every day. The last boat ride departs at 16h00.

The Cheetah rehabilitation centre is your next stop; here you can get up close and personal with these incredibly fast animals. The centre provides a haven for injured and abandoned animals and includes efforts to release the animals back into the natural habitat. A pleasant surprise is to see some of these majestic felines casually walking around the buildings like common house cats.

Further up the road is the Lion Park. Here if you are lucky, you can witness the warders feeding these great animals, and even have your photo taken of holding a lion cub. While the main thrust of the park is that of Lions there is plenty of other African wildlife to see on this small reserve. Remember to take a camera with. You can impress the “folks back home” with your “African, albeit mini-safari” photos.

For those of you who wish to take in some South African history, Gold Reef City is the place. The whole family can enjoy quaint “Gold Rush styled” venue and Amusement Park. Gold Reef City is a mock-up of Johannesburg City looked like in the turbulent gold rush years.

There are many restaurants decked out in turn of the century finery and fitted with traditional swing-type doors, favoured in cowboy saloons. The “Can Can” dancers of yesteryear add a touch of ambiance; while costumed waiters take your order. Well presented food at affordable prices, with large South African style portions, is available.

Dress up in old-fashioned clothes and hats and have your photo taken. The resulting photo is a sepia tone print with you looking like someone from the 17th century!

• Gold Reef City:
  Directions:
  Take the Ben Schoeman Highway M1 South Past Jhb City Center on your left. Take the Bloemfontein lane. Keep in the Bloemfontein lane, till you get Booysens exit. Take Booysens exit and follow the signs to Gold Reef City.

• Gold Reef City Casino:
  Tel: +27 11 248-5000
  Fax: +27 11 248-5100
  e-mail: info@grcc.co.za

• Gold Reef City Theme Park:
  Tel: +27 11 248-6800
  Fax: +27 11 248-6863
  e-mail: info@goldreefcity.co.za