Johannesburg Municipality is the most powerful commercial centre on the African continent. It is an African city that works. Johannesburg is a city where there are multi-lane highways, conference centers, golf courses and more than three million people. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, which is the most densely populated province of South Africa. The Johannesburg Municipality is made up of eleven regions: Midrand, Sandton, Northcliff, Roodepoort, Soweto, Alexandra, the Inner City, Alberton, Diepkloof and Ennerdale.
Johannesburg began as a tent town, Ferreira's Camp, in 1886, and was set up by Colonel Ignatius Ferreira. Gold was discovered in that year, and the town moved from tent town to wood and iron shacks then to bricks and mortar within a decade or two. Today Johannesburg Municipality is a vibrant moving city based on the earnings of that gold. Johannesburg has a long and colourful history and houses many museums. There are said to be more than 6 million trees in Johannesburg - satellite pictures show that the city looks more like a rain forest than a city.
Johannesburg, Gauteng, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural tapestry and a plethora of attractions.
Here are 15 things you can see or do in Johannesburg:
Apartheid Museum: Explore the comprehensive exhibits detailing South Africa's history of apartheid and its eventual downfall.
Constitution Hill: Visit this historic site that once held a prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, now transformed into a museum and home to the country's Constitutional Court.
Maboneng Precinct: Wander through this trendy neighborhood filled with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and vibrant street art.
Lion Park: Get up close and personal with lions, as well as other wildlife such as cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes, in a safe and controlled environment.
Soweto Township Tour: Take a guided tour of Soweto to learn about its rich history, visit landmarks like the Hector Pieterson Museum, and experience the culture and daily life of its residents.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden: Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this lush garden oasis, featuring a variety of indigenous plants, a large rose garden, and picturesque ponds.
Gold Reef City: Have a fun-filled day at this amusement park and entertainment complex, which offers thrilling rides, a casino, live shows, and a replica of a 19th-century mining town.
Neighbourgoods Market: Sample delicious food, browse artisanal crafts, and soak up the lively atmosphere at this popular weekend market in the Braamfontein district.
Johannesburg Zoo: Spend a day exploring the diverse array of animals from around the world at one of the largest zoos in South Africa.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden: Hike through scenic trails, admire cascading waterfalls, and spot a variety of bird species at this beautiful botanical garden nestled in the Witpoortjie area.
Johannesburg Art Gallery: Discover a diverse collection of African and international art spanning centuries, including works by renowned South African artists like Gerard Sekoto and William Kentridge.
Montecasino: Experience the thrill of a Las Vegas-style entertainment complex featuring a casino, theaters, restaurants, shops, and even a bird park.
Cradle of Humankind: Embark on a journey through time at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some of the world's oldest hominid fossils and fascinating underground caves.
Market on Main: Browse through stalls selling everything from fashion and accessories to crafts and gourmet food, and enjoy live music and a vibrant atmosphere in the Maboneng Precinct.
Johannesburg City Sightseeing Bus Tour: Hop on a double-decker bus and embark on a guided tour of the city's top attractions, with the flexibility to hop on and off at various stops along the route.
These are just a few highlights of what Johannesburg has to offer, but the city is brimming with even more cultural, historical, and recreational experiences waiting to be discovered!