City Guide: Johannesburg

Johannesburg, the provincial capital of Gauteng in South Africa, is also considered to be the capital of the country. The capital of South Africa is, in fact, the city of Pretoria which is 50 kilometers away from Johannesburg. Johannesburg is not only the largest and most populous city of South Africa, but it is also the third largest city in Africa following Cairo and Lagos.

The 3.3 million year old skeleton found in Johannesburg in 1998 is the oldest human skeleton discovered in the world. For that reason, it is possible to say that the city is as old as civilization itself. Contemporary settlement in the city has begun in 1886 with the tents that were built for gold miners. The first black South African leader Nelson Mandela lived in the city which was under British rule for a long time. Today, Johannesburg is the most important international city in Africa, having the busiest airport in the continent. Johannesburg will be one of the cities hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

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• Tourist Attractions

  Pilanesberg National Park: Visitors in Johannesburg have the chance to see the most important national parks in South Africa. You have the chance to see the “Big Five” –five major animal species- which is considered as a must in going on a perfect safari in Pilanesberg, located 150 kilometers away from the city. In addition, you can see 103 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 18 species of amphibians, and 65 species of reptiles in the park.
   
  Kruger National Park: You can reach the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in Africa, by a connecting flight from the airport in Johannesburg. 147 species of mammals, over 500 species of birds, and 114 species of reptiles live in the 20.000 square kilometer area. People interested in going on a safari have the opportunity to see the Big Five here as well.
  
  Sun City: Sun City, located in the Pilenesberg National Park, is a resort complex also known as the Las Vegas of Africa. In addition to artificial waterfalls, luxury hotels, and golf courses, there are casinos in Sun City.
   
  Cradle of Humankind: Cradle of Humankind is the home of 2 to 3 million year old fossiles discovered 25 kilometers away from Johannesburg that are recognized as the oldest ancestors of the modern man by scientists. It is an archaeological site that was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. You can also see several caves once inhabited by primitive men.   
  
  Carlton Centre: The highest building in the hemisphere with 220 meters in altitude upon its construction in 1973, Carlton Centre is still the highest building in South Africa. “Top of Africa”, located on the 50th floor of the building, offers you the best panorama of Johannesburg.
  
  Gold Reef City: Built on an old mine, Gold Reef is the largest theme park in the city. You can visit the 200 meter deep mine in the park as well.
  
  Kyalami Racetrack: Johannesburg hosts various international events. The major one of them is the Formula 1 Race that takes place in Kyalami Racetrack every year.
  
  Soweto: Nelson Mandela spent some of his life in this poor urban area populated by the black locals, to which touristics tours are organized. This is the center for many public events.
   
  Oriental Plaza: Human rights advocate Mahatma Gandhi lived in Johannesburg between 1893 and 1915 and burned his passport to protest the discriminatory practices upon African people, in this plaza. This incident has its place in world history. 
  
  Johannesburg Zoo: Opened in 1904, Johannesburg Zoo is still the largest zoo in Africa. The home of more than 3000 animal species, it is one of the rare places with white lions.

• Culture & Entertainment

  In the cultural center of the city, there are museums housing collections on various subjects. The one that houses many artifacts on South African history and that is most frequented by tourists is named after Nelson Mandela. The Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto are among the important cultural locations from which you can observe the 20th century African history. Johannesburg Art Gallery is the most important art gallery of the city with its 15 exhibition halls and sculpture gardens. Market Theatre is the center for performance arts.

• Food & Drink

  Especially the Malayan culture is considered to have an effect on the Johannesburg cuisine. The dishes that you must try include Samoosa (triangle shaped fried pies), Bobotie (spicy meat in a type of egg sauce), and Chakalaka (a type of spicy salad). The Fordsburg area hosts various Indian and Malayan restaurants.
  
  There are important restaurants that you can enjoy the tastes of the world in Johannesburg such as Greenside, Parkhurst, and Parktown. Melville is the oldest restaurant in the city. Saxon Hotel houses one of the most famous and important restaurants of the city. Mandela spends time there. The Mezzaluna Restaurant offers delicious samples of the Mediterranean cuisine as well.
  
  The Melrose Arch Region hosts various restaurants, night clubs, and comfortable places for dining with reasonable prices. Melville area frequented by students is also another important dining location with its various cafes, pubs and bars.

• Shopping

  Sandton City is the largest shopping mall in Johannesburg in which you are sure to find modern shops and merchandise. Eastgate, Westgate, Northgate, Cresta, and Rosebank are other shopping malls.
  
  The Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, located eight kilometers away from Johannesburg, is a public bazaar in which you can find local foods. Produces from all around Africa come to the bazaar, which is the largest one of its kind in the continent, and meet consumers six days a week.
  
  Johannesburg is also the center of African handcrafts. There are many bazaars located downtown and around in which you can find the handcrafts. Every Sunday, African men and women sell their own handcrafts in the Rosebank Flea Market. Also, you can find bargain priced merhandise in Bruma, Market Theatre, and Panorama bazaaars.
  
  In the oldest bazaar of the city, Mai Mai, plants that are claimed to have medicinal qualities are sold.

Ticket Sales Offices: Johannesburg

• Johannesburg: Airport Map Information

  Johannesburg Airport

  Address	:	Private Bag X1, O.R. Tambo International Airport, 1627
  Phone	:	+27 (0)11 921 6262

• Johannesburg: Airport Map Information