See and Do in Johannesburg
Expats relocating to Johannesburg are unlikely to be overwhelmed by the number of cultural and historical attractions on offer. Although there are some world-class sights – detailed below – an expat is more likely to visit malls than museums, and nurseries rather than nature reserves. All the more reason not to miss these essential Joburg attractions:
Start with a trip to the fascinating Apartheid Museum to learn more about South Africa’s troubled past and to shed some light on their new democratic home. Then step back even further in time to The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the first ancient fossil of human remains were found in 1947 in the Sterkfontein Caves.
Take a trip to Gold Reef City, especially for expats with children, where the history of the ‘gold-rush’ can be enjoyed in the park full of thrilling rides. Those looking to escape the hum drum of the city should pack a picnic and visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens for a day outdoors in truly beautiful surroundings. Visit the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre in DeWildt for a closeup view of these endangered and fascinating animals, or venture a bit farther out and spend a day at Pilanesberg National Park, where you can see all of the Big Five from the comfort of your own car.
Newtown Cultural Precinct
The Newtown Cultural Precinct features a number of exciting attractions along its sidestreets and across its alleyways. The Market Theatre and the Museum Africa are both housed within a Victorian building in Bree Street. The South African Breweries Centre, which offers a tour detailing brewing history, is located on Presidents Street. Finally the Oriental Plaza, the commercial centre of the city’s Indian community, can be found on Jeppe Street.
Gold Reef City
An entertainment complex that will suit the whole
Newtown Cultural Precinct
The Newtown Cultural Precinct features a number of exciting attractions along its sidestreets and across its alleyways. The Market Theatre and the Museum Africa are both housed within a Victorian building in Bree Street. The South African Breweries Centre, which offers a tour detailing brewing history, is located on Presidents Street. Finally the Oriental Plaza, the commercial centre of the city’s Indian community, can be found on Jeppe Street.
Gold Reef City
An entertainment complex that will suit the whole
family, expats who have relocated to Johannesburg should be sure to pay Gold Reef City a visit to view what a Victorian version of the city would have looked like during the gold rush. Descend into a gold mine shaft, ride the amusement pa
rk theme rides, have fun in the casino or spend the night at the Victorian hotel.www.goldreefcity.co.za
Tel: 011 248 6800
Tel: 011 248 6800
Johannesburg Zoo
A great place to take a stroll, take the kids or just take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city of gold. The Johannesburg Zoo is home to more than 3,000 species as well as the famed Big 5 for those who can’t always get out to the game reserves to view them in their natural habitats.
www.jhbzoo.org.za
Tel: 011 646 2000
A great place to take a stroll, take the kids or just take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city of gold. The Johannesburg Zoo is home to more than 3,000 species as well as the famed Big 5 for those who can’t always get out to the game reserves to view them in their natural habitats.
www.jhbzoo.org.za
Tel: 011 646 2000
The Apartheid Museum
Take a glimpse into South Africa’s apartheid past to learn about the black oppression and the struggle that the native people went through. The heart-wrenching museum is not only disturbing, but also inspirational as it illustrates how far this unique and diverse country has come to reach democracy.
www.apartheidmuseum.org
Tel: 011 309 4700
Hector Pieterson Memorial site and Museum
The iconic image of 12-year-old Hector Pieterson being carried through the streets of Soweto during the Soweto Uprising in 1976 is one that will be etched in the minds of many across the globe. The museum not only pays tribute to the little boy who died that day, but also fuses memorabilia, cultural history and modern technology – a must for any history buffs.
Tel: 011 536 0611
Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng Visitor CentreThis UNESCO World Heritage Site is the place where the first fossil human remains were found in the Sterkfontein Caves back in 1947. 'Mrs Ples' is estimated to be between 2.6 and 2.8 million years old and the Maropeng Visitor Centre illustrates the evolution of humans, while others will enjoy a trip to the cave itself.
www.maropeng.co.za
Tel: 011 956 6342 (Sterkfontein Cave); 011 957 0106 (Wonder Cave)
Constitution Hill
Expats will love taking a tour through the National Heritage Site of Constitution Hill where Old Fort Prison Complex tells the tortured tales of British soldiers in the Anglo Boer War, Nelson Mandela, Joe Slovo and infamous murderess Daisy de Melker, and the Constitution Court makes a good ending to the story of the prisoners here who struggled to win basic rights and freedom.
www.constitutionhill.org.za
Tel: 011 381 3100
Lion Park
The Lion Park, situated in the Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg, is a great place to get a close view of lions as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, and a range of antilopes. It offers good photo opportunities and you get a chance to feed giraffes and pet and play with lion cubs.
The Lion Park, situated in the Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg, is a great place to get a close view of lions as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, and a range of antilopes. It offers good photo opportunities and you get a chance to feed giraffes and pet and play with lion cubs.Tel: 011 691 9905
Soweto Tour
Soweto stands for SOuth WEstern TOwnships, another place rich with the history of South Africa’s struggle towards democracy. It is perfectly safe to visit Soweto attractions such as Mandela House or the Hector Pieterson Memorial on your own, but an official half-day or full-day Soweto tour will give you even fuller picture of Soweto’s past and present.
Tel: 011 463 3306
Montecasino Bird Gardens
Rosebank Rooftop Market
Elephant Sanctuary
Montecasino Bird Gardens
After you’ve browsed the shops at Montecasino and perhaps enjoyed a nice lunch on the piazza, visit the Bird Gardens to see over 60 species of birds and take part in one of their educational activities for the whole family. And, to top it off, take the 15-minute balloon ride to soar over Johannesburg for some breathtaking views of the city and beyond.
Tel: 011 511 1864
Rosebank Rooftop MarketIf it’s a Sunday, take your family and head to the hustle and bustle of Rosebank Rooftop Market, which, as the name suggests, is found on the roof of Rosebank Mall. Part flea market and part craft fair, you can buy everything there, from the hard-to-find spice for your kitchen cupboard to beautifully carved wooden masks, incense, or painted ostrich eggs.
Tel: 011 442 4488
Bryanston Organic Market
Similar to the Rosebank Rooftop Market, but on a much smaller scale and more relaxed, the Bryanston Organic Market features a wide variety of hand-crafted goods and organic food. A great place to take your visitors for African craft shopping, followed by a leisurely lunch with live music. Thursday and Saturday mornings.
Tel: 011 706 3671
Elephant SanctuaryIf you want to venture a bit outside of Johannesburg, take a day trip to Hartbeespoort Dam (one hour from Joburg) and visit the Elephant Sanctuary, where you get to touch, feed, and ride elephants that have been rescued and trained. Learn all about these amazing animals, and, if you dare, receive an elephant kiss!
Tel: 012 25
8 0423
Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre
Another attraction near Hartbeespoort Dam is the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre of De Wildt. During your
half-day tour you will learn a great deal about the challenges of breading cheetahs, wild dogs, and a variety of other endangered animals in captivity. You will also get to pet a cheetah, take a game drive to view the various animals, and watch the cheetahs run (morning tour only).
Tel: 012 504 9906
Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg is only about two hours from Johannesburg (adjacent to Sun City) and a great way to view the Big Five if you don’t want to invest in a full-fledged safari (although there are also game lodges available). No bookings are necessary, day passes can be purchased at the gate (adults R45, children R20), and you drive though the game reserve in your own vehicle.
Tel: 014 555 1600
