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. The 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.
Newtown Cultural Precinct
Featuring a few attractions within itself, the Newtown Cultural Precinct includes the Market Theatre and Museum Africa, which are both housed within a Victorian building in Bree Street, while South African Breweries Centre, which offers a tour detailing brewing history, is located on Presidents Street and 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 park theme rides, have fun in the casino or spend the night at the Victorian hotel.
www.goldreefcity.co.za
Tel: 011 248 6800
Newtown Cultural Precinct
Featuring a few attractions within itself, the Newtown Cultural Precinct includes the Market Theatre and Museum Africa, which are both housed within a Victorian building in Bree Street, while South African Breweries Centre, which offers a tour detailing brewing history, is located on Presidents Street and 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 park theme rides, have fun in the casino or spend the night at the Victorian hotel.
www.goldreefcity.co.za
Tel: 011 248 6800
Johannesburg Zoo
A great place to take a stroll, the kids or just 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, the kids or just 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 Centre
This 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
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
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