- What to do and Where to go in Johannesburg ? -
Walking in to the theme park at Gold Reef City is like stepping in to another world. Built around an authentic – and still operational – 19th century gold mine, the park is one of the few in the world to successfully combine an old-world museum atmosphere with some of the wildest rides this side of the equator.
It is this combination of attractions that makes this Gold Reef City entertainment park such a huge hit with families. While the older folk delve in to the history of the city of gold, the younger generation can enjoy their adrenaline fix via more than 30 heart-stopping adventure rides.
Many international visitors will find themselves in Johannesburg’s business suburb of Sandton sooner or later. Busy travellers will be happy to know that Sandton City is a great place to look for souvenirs to take back home. Their excellent selection of curio shops makes this the ideal stop for shoppers with limited time.
The Apartheid Museum saw teams of historians, curators, designers and film-makers worked together to create a moving experience, after leading architectural firms had designed a spacious modern building. The museum today gives the best account of 20th century South Africa, and a full understanding of its era of racism.
Situated in the heart of Randburg, The Brightwater Commons is an ideal family shopping destination with over 60 stores including restaurants and eateries, home-ware, fashion and gift stores. Unique about the centre is it's park-like setting which includes a large grassy commons area. The commons, perfect for family entertainment, is situated in the heart of the centre adjacent to a large market place which sports an array varied of stalls.
The Joburg Zoo was established in 1904, it has over 2000 animals and has traditionally been owned and operated by the City of Johannesburg. Recently its been turned into a corporation and registed as a not for profit company. The zoo is dedicated to the accommodation, enrichment, husbandry, and medical care of wild animals. it is one of the few places in the world in which you can find the albino or white lion. The Joburg Zoo contributes to the quality of life of the citizens through the following: conservation, education, research and recreation.
Soweto is the most populous black urban residential area in the country, with Census 2001 putting its population at 896 995. Thanks to its proximity to Johannesburg, the economic hub of the country, it is also the most metropolitan township in the country - setting trends in politics, fashion, music, dance and language. The name 'Soweto' has been heard around the world, and tourists and foreign delegations have flocked to the area. Some highlights are :
The Mandela Museum, in Vilakazi Street, is the former four-roomed home of Nelson and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela; the Hector Pieterson Memorial, is three blocks from where the 13-year-old Hector was shot and died on 16 June 1976, the day when students in Soweto marched against the repressive imposition of Afrikaans in schools; and Ubuntu Kraal is a collection of straw-roofed rondawels that form a homestead, popular as a wedding and conference venue.
