Johannesburg

While Cape Town is often compared to Europe with its beach vibe, Mediterranean climate and natural beauty, Johannesburg is much more bustling, hectic and ‘African’ and the remnants of South Africa’s history are felt to a much greater extent. 

Johannesburg, often called ‘joburg’, located in the Gauteng province, is the fast paced business center of South Africa which has a phenomenal International airport, and is the gateway to exploring other areas of South Africa and connecting to the rest of Africa.

Although Johannesburg is not normally recommended as a vacation destination it can offer an interesting one or two night stay as part of your itinerary.  Accommodation is generally in large hotels that offer all the facilities that you need to ensure a comfortable stay. Main highlights of the city include great restaurants, bars and cafes; a township tour of Soweto including the Nelson Mandela Museum; an afternoon at the Apartheid Museum; a ride on the new Gautrain, a rapid transit railway system which takes you from OR Tambo International Airport directly to Sandton, the main hub of the city; or a trip out to the World Heritage Site – The Cradle of Humankind.

The township of Soweto with over 4 million inhabitants, is the largest and most vibrant township in South Africa and has become increasingly popular with tourists.  Spend half, or even a full day being exposed to how some of South Africa’s less fortunate live. Learn some of the history of the apartheid years, visit a local school or crèche and soak up the atmosphere of township living. Stop at the Nelson Mandela Museum, the former house of Nelson Mandela that still contains original artifacts that belong to this international icon.

In 1999 The Cradle of Humankind, located approximately 1 hour north of central Johannesburg, was declared a World Heritage Site after the discovery of well preserved fossils that gave historians an insight into the story of human origin and heritage.  Explore one of the 15 fossil sites in the area, in particular Sterkfontein Caves where you can take a guided tour through the caves – a perfect way to keep the children entertained!