Johannesburg travel guide
Meet JohannesburgJohannesburg weather reportGetting into JohannesburgTop attractions in JohannesburgGetting around Johannesburg Where to eat in Johannesburg Page 2: More information on Johannesburg
Meet Johannesburgh
The largest city in South Africa grew out of large scale gold and diamond trade which has turned it into one of the ten largest stock exchanges in the world. It is a city which has grown quickly, leaving little time for city planning thus expanding into a city with an area of 1 644km² and still growing. However it boasts a diverse and welcoming population who are as comfortable speaking English as they are speaking their native Afrikaans.
Despite first appearances of a chaotic city with traffic seemingly unaware of any rules on the road, its energy is contagious and you find yourself bustling around with many interesting things to see and do.
However, it has been described as a city with large economic contrasts. Government initiatives such as installing CTV cameras on central Johannesburg street corners have aided crime levels to steadily drop over the last few years. The opening and closing matches of the 2010 World cup were played in the city.
Johannesburg weather report
Because of Johannesburg’s high altitude, it enjoys excellent weather nearly all year round. A pleasant breeze keeps temperatures at a comfortable level. Summer lasts from October until March with an average temperature of 25 degrees. Temperatures start to drop from April onwards with an average maximum temperature of 19 degrees. Nights around wintertime can be chilly.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Johannesburg
South Africa’s major international airport is Johannesburg International Airport. To get to the centre of the city from the airport there are bus services Magicbus which run every half an hour from 5am to 10pm between the airport and Park Station in central Johannesburg. The airport is located 25km from the city centre and the journey takes 30 minutes. The fare is $45-55. Most hostels will arrange an airport pick-up.
Top attractions in Johannesburg
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The Carleton Centre in Commissioner Street is Johannesburg’s tallest building and its panorama on the 50th is a spectacular way to view Johannesburg. The centre also offers an excellent shopping opportunity in its lower floors.
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Lion Park is a safari park found in the Gauteng province within easy reach of the city. It offers an exciting array of carnivores and herbivores which can be viewed from the safe distance of a car. There is opportunity to get up close and personal with a giraffe feeding platform which allows you to view these beautiful creatures at their eye level. The top attraction of the park is the popular cub interaction where the cubs can be touched and photographed.
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The northern suburbs are a hit with visitors offering tree lined trendy districts such as Norwood and Parktown, perfect for an afternoon of shopping and fine dining.
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The nearby Magaliesberg mountains are a treat to the adventurous traveller. These ancient mountains stretch over 120 km and boast quartzite cliffs and sparkling waterfalls as well as the beautiful, rolling grassland typical of South Africa. It is close enough to the city to be visited simply as a day trip.
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The unique museum of Africa is also well worth a visit providing in depth information about South Africa’s tribes people and their customs. Includes a collection of Bushman art and an excellent ethnological department. Its focus is on indigenous African art but it also has displays from local artists.
Getting around Johannesburg
Johannesburg offers a large network of buses which covers the six zones of the city where most services start and finish in Ghandi Square bus terminus. It is worth buying bus tickets in advance from kiosks as this works out much cheaper than buying on board. It is generally not recommended for visitors to use the metro but it does provide links to the outer suburbs of the city. Metred taxis are a great way to get around as even though they cannot be hailed, they can be hired at any time Maxi Taxi (011/648-1212) or Rose Taxis (011/403-9625). Minibus taxis are cheap and run on main routes but are often not road worthy so should be avoided.
Where to eat in Johannesburg
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Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto is a must for the ultimate, authentic South African meal and one frequented by locals. Try the Sowetan Mogodu or the buffet bar which serves meats and salads.
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Cynthia’s in Maroelana Centre is known for its exquisite game grills and is both romantic and comfortable with a variety of private dining rooms.
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1886 restaurant in Sandton reflects South Africa’s diverse heritage both through its food and decor. Fusion cuisine awaits you.
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The Carnivore Restaurant will accommodate the avid meat eater amoungst tribed warriors and Masaai masks. The menu offers meat from nearly all the animal kingdom South Africa has to offer; from Chicken to Ostrich to Crocodile and Impala. This restaurant only stops feeding you when you lower the novelty flag placed on your table in defeat.
Take the opportunity if you can to go ‘braaing’ with locals. This consists of a typical South African barbeque which cuts across social divisions and has become serious business over the years. You can find ‘braai’ accessories in supermarkets and ‘braai’ wars between master barbeque chefs.