Dynamic, energetic and cosmopolitan – Johannesburg is a thriving, bustling city. With an emphasis on money, it’s no surprise that it’s the largest, wealthiest city in South Africa and is Africa’s powerhouse. Commonly known as Jozi – it can be daunting for first-time visitors but those who live here love it. Rent a car cheaply at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, then set off to explore. Here are five things to do, from the serious to the frivolous.
The Apartheid Museum is a must-see for anyone trying to understand where South Africans come from. Your first encounter with segregation is seeing the whites and non-whites entrance. Inside, the exhibits are hard-hitting, showing South Africa’s turbulent political past and struggle for freedom. But it is powerful and extremely moving – an inspiring testament to the achievements of the Rainbow Nation.
Sticking with politics, one of the most important historical sites is Constitution Hill, the location of the Old Fort Prison Complex where Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were detained. Notorious during Apartheid, it is now the home of the highest court in the country: the Constitutional Court.
One thing not to miss is a day tour of Soweto. It became a symbol for the fight against Apartheid with the uprisings of 1976 and is now considered a premier tourist destination. It’s a huge vibrant township that you can cycle, walk or drive through, but go with a guide. Popular activities include a trip to the Hector Pieterson Museum, visiting Vilakazi Street – home to two Nobel Laureates in Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu – having a drink at a local shebeen, sampling a grilled sheep’s head and bungee jumping from the Orlando Towers.
On the flip side you have the sprawling leafy northern suburbs where there are over six million trees. Buzzing, trendy suburbs like Parktown and Parkhurst have tree-lined avenues with a burgeoning pavement café culture.
Said to be one of the best tourist tours in Gauteng, you can spend 90 minutes learning about beer on this fun and informative talk. You get to wear 3D glasses and with two free ice-cold beers, it’s money well spent.
