Johannesburg

Johannesburg [1] (in spoken language also referred to as Jo'burg, Egoli or Jozi ) is South Africa's largest city.

FIFA will make this their home during the 2010 World Cup. Games will be played at Soccer City and Ellis Park.

Districts

Johannesburg is divided into 7 districts (called regions) and identified alphabetically

Culture and History

Johannesburg has a population of 3.2 million persons (South African 2001 census), half of which live in Soweto and adjacent suburbs. Black people form an overwhelming majority of 2.4 million residents (mostly concentrated in Soweto), while whites represent 500,000 residents (although the number is likely to be higher) and 300,000 Colored and Asian residents. Unlike other South African cities, no language group dominates, although English is the established lingua franca.

The city is the economic hub of South Africa, and increasingly for the rest of Africa. Although estimates vary, about 10% of sub-Saharan Africa's GDP is generated in Johannesburg. Yet the city is also one of the most unequal in the world. Its riches are not evenly divided upon its people and the city is an interesting contrast between the First World and Third World. The contrast between rich and poor has led to one of the highest crime rates in the world. The haves tend to live in houses with a high level of security by western standards, whilst the have nots live in shacks or cheap housing. The traveler should not avoid Johannesburg because of its crime, since it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable stay if precautions are taken. Many South Africans elect to live here over other, safer parts of the country. Throughout the city, mine dumps are a reminder of the city's legacy of gold mining. These dumps are fast disappearing as new gold extraction techniques have made it profitable for mining companies to reprocess these dumps.

There are many things that are unique to Johannesburg. It features a distinct street entrepreneurship, and motorists are able to buy almost anything from vendors selling goods at traffic lights. This includes food, umbrellas, soccer balls, cellular phone accessories and many other goods. Barber shops consisting of nothing but a chair and an enthusiastic barber can be found on the sides of roads, although they tend to specialize in African rather than Caucasoid hair.

With around 6 million trees, Johannesburg is most likely the world's largest man-made urban forest. The city is certainly one of the greenest in the world, considering that the natural landscape is savanna. Joburg is also the largest city in the world not on a coastline or major river. The weather is generally regarded as excellent, temperatures reach the mid-30s Celsius in summer with little to no wind and occasional spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures in winter can go into single digits but snow is extremely rare.

Travel to Johannesburg, visa requirements

By car

A high number of highways from everywhere in South Africa go to Johannesburg, like the N1 from Cape Town and Bloemfontein or the N3 from Durban making it an easy to reach destination. Highways are:

Flights to Johannesburg, airtickets

OR Tambo Airport

OR Tambo International Airport (previously known as Johannesburg International Airport) is the major airport of South Africa and has flights to many destinations on all continents.

Domestic destinations within South Africa include:

and many other local destinations. Flights from most of the important cities in Africa and worldwide take place.

Some of the local airlines are South African Airways, British Airways (Comair), Nationwide and low-cost carriers 1Time and Kulula.com. South African Airways operates a worldwide network from OR Tambo International Airport.

There are daily flights to and from London, Paris, New York and other major international destinations.

Delta Air Lines runs flights from Atlanta via Dakar to Johannesburg as the only major US carrier to fly to Africa.

There are a lot of building works currently going on at the airport, including a new high speed train link to johannesburg. The first section to Sandton in Johannesburg is due to be completed before the World Cup in 2010.

For anyone who arrives and looks lost there are a large number of official and unofficial porters in the arrivals halls and outside the terminals in the area connecting the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. The official porters have bright orange uniforms and navy-blue shirts, and carry ACSA permits. They work exclusively for tips: a general guide is to give R5 (five South African rands) a bag.

Others

Other airports, such as Lanseria Airport or Rand Airport are preferred by charter operators and small airlines. There are regular flights from Lanseria to Cape Town.

See also Discount airlines in Africa and Air travel in South Africa.

N.B: A direct flight from Bangkok to Johannesburg operated by Thai Airways was introduced in late 2006.

By train

Spoornet operates regular inter-city trains to destinations all over the country, including Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, East London, Pietermaritzburg, Nelspruit and Polokwane.

MetroRail operates frequent commuter trains to many suburbs and outlying towns.

Johannesburg's central station (called Park Station) is in the city centre between Rissik (west), Wolmarans (north), Wanderers (east) and De Villiers (south) streets - it occupies several blocks. Whilst the station itself is quite safe, the areas around it may not be ; be careful and try to organise onward transport prior to arrival. All long-distance Spoornet trains are quite safe, as are most MetroRail trains, but certain MetroRail routes are not considered safe for tourists.

Buses to Johannesburg

Long-distance buses arrive at Park Station (see "By train" above). All major bus companies provide a service to and from Johannesburg.

Get around

  • Rental car is best as public transport is limited.
  • Metrobus, ☎ +27 (0)11 833-5538, [2]. Buses are available but routes and times are somewhat limited by western standards.
  • Magicbus, ☎ +27 (0)11 548-0822, [3]. Offers affordable shuttle services between OR Tambo Airport and Sandton. They also offer door-to-door transfers. A bit expensive for the single traveler, but reasonable when traveling in groups.
  • Minibus taxis should be avoided unless you are with a local. They are frequently un-roadworthy and involved in fatal accidents. Extreme and sometimes warlike competition has resulted in affordable transportation for the masses.

Be aware that ongoing traffic diversions will be in effect in Sandton, Rosebank and other areas over the next few years. This is due to the construction of the Gautrain rapid rail link between Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport

Johannesburg attractions and sightseeing

Soweto is an increasingly popular destination for travelers from around the world. The Apartheid museum is a worth while stop for any traveller wanting to learn more about the South Africa's previous regime.

In 2004 the Constitutional Court was opened in the former infamous prison - The Fort. Although once notorious for violent crime, improved surveillance in the CBD has made it possible to enjoy the buildings of the gold rush era and the sights from atop the Carlton Centre (Africa's tallest building).

The Market Theatre precinct, Museum of Africa and Newtown (New Town) are particularly vibrant sectors of the city centre. By day, a walk around Newtown (preferably in a small group) will give you a taste for the wide range of traditions and cultures the city plays host to.

Museums and Galleries

  • The Johannesburg Art Gallery is the biggest gallery on the African continent.
  • Mandela Family Museum in Orlando West, Soweto (Mandela's first house).
  • The Apartheid Museum, ☎ +27 (0)11 309-4700, [4]. A very moving and informative trip through South Africa's turbulent past and present. It takes at least a half day to go through and includes video, pictures and many artifacts that you can easily spend a day looking through. It is located alongside Gold Reef City and is simply a must see.

  • Origins Center, ☎ +27 (0)11 717-4700 (), [5]. Open 9AM to 6PM Monday to Thursday, 9AM to 8PM on Firday and 9AM to 5PM over weekends. R45.

  • Chérie De Villiers Gallery, Lower Level, Rosebank Mall, Rosebank, ☎ +27 (0)11 788-9949 (), [6]. Art by South African artists.

  • South Africa Airways Museum, TAC building, Rand Airport, Germiston, ☎ +27 (0)82 219-1861, [7]. Open 10AM to 4PM Tuesday to Saterday and 10AM to 3PM on Sundays.

  • Standard Bank Gallery, Corner Simmonds and Frederick Streets, Johannesburg, ☎ +27 (0)11 631-1889, [8]. Open 8AM to 4:30PM Monday to Friday and 9AM to 1PM on Saturdays. Entrance is free.

  • South African National Museum of Military History, Erlswold Way, Saxonwold (Next to the Johannesburg Zoo), ☎ +27 (0)11 646-5513 (), [9]. Open daily 9AM to 4:30PM. A good collection of military hardware, including one of very few ME 262 jet fighters from WW2 still in existence. There is also a South African build G6 self propelled, 155mm howitzer on show. A snack shop as well as a shop selling genuine and reproduced vintage military equipment is located within the museum. R20 entrance fee.

City tours

  • Go on a Township Tour to Soweto
  • Gold Reef City, Northern Parkway, Ormonde (From the M1 South, take exit 5, Johannesburg/M17 Xavier Street and follow Crownwood Rd until intersection with Northern parkway. Turn right into Northern Parkway and follow that road for about 1 km), ☎ +27 (0)11 248-6800 (, fax: +27 (0)11 248-6863), [10]. An amusement park with a casino. The visitor can also learn about gold mining and go into a mine here. Unfortunately Gold Reef isn't a theme-park of international standards so if you are expecting "Disney Land Africa" give it a miss.

  • Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens (The gardens can be tricky to find as it is not well signposted from the main roads. From the N1 get onto Hendrik Potgieter at exit 80 (Roodepoort/M8 14th Ave). Follow the signs indicating Tarlton (M47) to the north. Pass Clearwater mall, turn left into Handicap Road and right into Malcolm Road where you see the first signpost for the gardens. The gardens will be on your left a couple of hundred meters from here.), ☎ +27 (0)11 958-1750 (, fax: +27 (0)11 958-1752), [11]. One of the last green areas remaining within Johannesburg. Lots of birds, including the endangered Black Eagle. There is a restaurant situated within the grounds as well as picnic and braai areas. R18 per person, discounts for students and pensioners.

  • Take a trip to Constitution Hill, site of the notorious Old Fort prison complex.
  • Find a vast selection of African crafts at the Rosebank Rooftop Flea Market, located directly at the Rosebank Mall.
  • Sterkfontein Caves (West along the N14 and look for the '''Cradle of Humankind''' signs), ☎ +27 (0)11 956-6342, [12]. A tour guide will lead you through this extensive cave system where many early hominids and advanced ape fossils were discovered. Note that it is a 2 km walk. You can also visit the museum to learn more about the evolution of man. There is also a restaurant and shop.

  • South African Lipizzaners, 1 Dahlia Road, Kyalami (Follow the N1 towards Pretoria, take exit 108 Midrand, R561 Allandale Road towards Kyalami. Kyalami Road and Main Road intersecs at the entrance to the Kyalami racetrack, turn right here. At the second robot, turn left and follow Main Road, look out for Maple Road to your right. Turn right into Maple Road and right again into Crocus Road), ☎ +27 (0)11 702-2103 (, fax: +27 (0)11 468-2718), [13]. Other than Vienna, this is the only place you will ever got to see performing Lipizzaners recognized by the Spanish Riding School. Booking can also be done via Computicket

  • Lesedi Cultural Village (Just past the Lanseria Airport on the R512), ☎ +27 (0)12 205-1394, [14]. Traditional dances and food in authentic Zulu, Sotho, Pedi, Xhosa and Ndebele villages.

  • Lion Park, R114 near the corner with Hans Strijdom (R512), Honeydew (From the N1, take exit 90, Randburg/R512 Hans Strydom Dr. and follow this north past Kya Sands. At the 4 way stop with the R114, take a right turn. The Lion Park is two hundred meters down the road on the right.), ☎ +27 (0)11 691-9905 (, fax: +27 (0)11 691-9904), [15]. The entrance ticket entitles you a visit with the lion cubs (yes, you get to touch them) and a selfdrive game viewing through the lion camps and game area (antelope, zebra, giraffe and others live here). The Lion Park can be very busy over weekend and public holidays. If you want some quality time with the lion cubs, rather go during the week when it is not so busy. If you are going to drive through the lion enclosures, make sure that there are no loose objects on the outside of your vehicle and keep your windows closed. The lions are especially fond of 4x4 spare wheel covers, so remove those before you enter. R80 per person.

Adventure

  • Johannesburg Skydiving Club, Carltonville outside Johannesburg, ☎ +27 (0)82-928-2455 (), [16]. Mostly use a Pilatus Porter (PC 6)
  • Tarlton International Raceway, ☎ +27 (0)11 762-5431, [18]. Home to spectacular drag racing. See their website for upcoming events.

Learn

  • University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, ☎ +27 (0)11 489-3129 (, fax: +27 (0)11 489-2191), [20].

Work

Shopping, Johannesburg souvenirs

There are many craft markets in Johannesburg & surrounding areas. You will also find plenty of beautifully crafted beadwork & wirework being sold on the roadside & at intersections. Though you will be able to bargain with the locals, give a thought to the crafters who are often unemployed & rely on sales to support themselves & their family. Craftsmen and women from all over Africa sell their goods at the Rosebank flea market on Sundays and in a bazaar type shop in the Rosebank mall on week days.

  • Oriental Plaza, Fordsburg, [21]. A little bit of the East in Africa were you can find some good bargains.

  • Mai Mai. The oldest market in Joburg. Here you'll see plenty of traditional healers selling traditional herbs & remedies.

Shopping Malls

There are many shopping malls throughout Johannesburg, the larger ones being

  • Sandton City, [22]. An extremely vibrant and popular shopping mall with the rich and wealthy of Johannesburg. It is affordable, but be prepared to pay a bit for the good quality you're buying. There are many unique shops here as well as typical South African franchises and even some British stores. You could easily spend an entire day here!
  • Fourways, [23]. Serving the northern suburbs.
  • Northgate. In the north west
  • Westgate, [24]. On the west rand.
  • Eastgate.
  • Rosebank.
  • Southgate.

You will also find many smaller shopping malls close to residential areas. Usually with one or two of the larger retail stores, a number of smaller chain stores, fast food and possibly a restaurant or coffee shop.

Good restaurants and cheap meals

  • Melrose Arch, [26]. Houses many upmarket restaurants and nightclubs, including Moyo (an African-themed restaurant) and several other casual eating establishments.
  • The Butcher Shop & Grill, Shop 30, Nelson Mandela Square, ☎ +27 (0)11 784-8676 (, fax: +27 (0)11 784-8674), [27]. 12AM to 10:45PM Monday to Saturday and 12AM to 9:45PM on Sundays.
  • The Cradle Restaurant, The Cradle of Mankind, ☎ +27 (0)11 659-1622, [28].
  • Rodizio, ☎ +27 (0)11 888-7633, [29]. Located in Victory Park and has great Brazilian dishes and a lively party atmosphere. Live music and dancing.
  • Undoubtedly the best steak in town (and a great burger, too!) is at Rosebank's Grillhouse (+27 (0)11 880 3945). Don't miss out, and be sure to book. The restaurant has an attached bar, "Katzy's", which is a great place for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
  • The Saxon Hotel has one of the best restaurants in Johannesburg. It is the hotel where Nelson Mandela stayed shortly after being released from prison and where he wrote his book ´Long Walk to Freedom´. This is where you will have one of the best gourmet meals in the city, but you need to have deep pockets.
  • In Sandton City shopping mall, there are many restaurants including Italian, Chinese, Japanese restaurants. There is also a Korean restaurant in Johannesburg (where?!? someone please tell us!) . A relaxing meal can be had on Mandela Square.
  • Melville is another neighborhood where you can find many good restaurants. It is close to the national broadcaster (SABC) headquarters and many artists live in this community. An especially good restaurant is Mezzaluna, 9a, 7th Street, ph:+27 (0)11 482 2477, who serve amazing Mediterranean food. Dishes include springbok carpaccio, ostrich fillet, and Frangelica chocolate mousse.

Johannesburg nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

Good pubs and clubs are available in the Melville student district, Newtown cultural precinct. Posh and upmarket clubbing happens in the Rivonia area. Rivonia also contains Liliesleaf Farm, where Mandela and top ANC leaders once plotted to overthrow the apartheid government.

  • Back o' the Moon Nightclub, Located in Gold Reef City Casino, ☎ +27 (0)11 496-1423, [30].
  • The Blues Room, Village Walk Centre, Sandton, ☎ +27 (0)11 784-5527, [31]. Have a couple of drinks while listening to some of the best live jazz.
  • Carfax, ☎ +27 (0)11 834-9187, [32]. One of the City's main venues for night time entertainment is in the suburb of Newtown - which is being developed as the city's cultural precinct.
  • Monsoon Lagoon, ☎ +27 (0)11 928-1280, [33]. Good nightclub with DJ Sebastian.
  • The Radium Beer Hall, Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove, ☎ +27 (0)11 728-3866, [34]. Serving beer since 1929.

Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget Under R500
Mid-range R500 to R1000
Splurge Over R1000

Joburg is full of accommodation to suit any type of budget, from the ultimate in luxury & expense, to backpacker lodges. For those on a budget and without a hirecar Melville probably offers the best place to stay - there are no backpackers but you'll save a lot in taxi fares.

Budget

  • The Backpacker's Ritz, 1A North Road, Dunkeld West, ☎ +27 +(0)11 325-7125 (), [35]. Excellent views of the city, reasonable prices and an extremely helpful travel desk with information about all aspects of travel in South Africa. Also have airport transfers. From R90 for a dorm bed to R287 for a double room.
  • Diamond Diggers Backpackers, 6 Doris Street, Kensington, ☎ +27 (0)11 624-1676 (), [36]. From R60 to R160 per person.
  • Zoo Lodge, 233a Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North, ☎ +27 (0)11 788-5182 (), [37]. The right address, close to Joburg Zoo and Rosebank Mall. On a bus route. Airport and Train Station pickups available. From R80 to R200 depending on room.
  • Melville Arch, 113 St Swithins Ave, Melville, [38]. Nice affordable bed and breakfast a short walk from Melville's bars and restuarants. From R250 depending on room.

Mid range

  • Blue Chip Accommodation, [39]. Provides various self catering apartments around the Sandton/Johannesburg area which enables the traveler to feel more at home. The apartments have fully equipped kitchens as well as a lounge with a television/prepaid telephone, bathroom/s, bedroom/s and either private balconies or gardens. All located in secure complexes with 24 hr guard and swimming pool.
  • Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport, 2 Hulley Road, Isando, ☎ +27 (0)11 392-1062 (), [40]. 3km from the airport, transport to/from airport and shopping centres.
  • The Lion Park, ☎ +27 (0)11 460-1814 (), [41]. In Fourways and offers semi-luxurious self catering tents.
  • Protea Hotel Wanderers, Cnr. Corlett Drive & Rudd Road, Illovo, ☎ +27 (0)11 770-5500 (), [42]. Close to Rosebank and Sandton From R210 per person sharing.

Splurge

Joburg also caters for the traveler looking for a luxurious stay, with five-star hotels such as

  • The Sandton Sun, Sandton City, ☎ +27 (0)21 424-1037, [43].
  • D´oreale Grande, in Emperors Palace Johannesburg located near Tambo airport, Gauteng.
  • The Melrose Arch hotel, 1 Melrose Square Melrose Arch, ☎ +27 (0)21 430-5302, [46]. Locked away in the Melrose Arch complex this is a great hotel, with all the facilities you would expect froma 5 star delux hotel.
  • Lesedi Cultural Village, ☎ +27 (0)12 205-1394, [47]. Offers traditionally themed accomodation with modern conveniences.
  • Execulet, ☎ =27 (0)11 326-4532 (), [48]. Fully furnished apartments for short-term and long-term rental. A full range of more than 100 privately managed apartments ranging from budget studios to luxury executive suits. All apartments are located in South Africa’s new and perpetually growing centre, Sandton, Johannesburg.

Contact

WiFi

Always-On, +27 (0)11 575-2505, provides prepaid WiFi access in a number of locations in and around Johannesburg. Simply connect to the access point and you will be given the opportunity to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around R15 for 10 minutes or R60 for 100MB.

Coverage areas include:

  • City Lodge. Most of them.
  • The Baron. Bryanston and Woodmead
  • Mugg&Bean. Just about all of them.
  • Nando's. Benmore, Chilli Lane, Douglasdale, Rivonia
  • OR Tambo Airport. Most of the airport is covered as well as the City Lodge and Airport Sun InterContinental
  • Protea Balalaika Hotel.
  • Wimpy. Midrand, Randburg, Centurion, Aero Centre

Stay healthy

HIV infection rate is high, DO NOT HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX.

Municipal water is safe to drink.

There is a Travel Clinic at OR Tambo International Airport

  • Airport Clinic & Travel Vaccination Centre, Ground Floor, New Domestic Arrivals Terminal, ☎ +27 (0)11 921-6609. GP, dentist, vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis

Hospitals

It is best to avoid public hospitals as standards have declined recently, but private hospitals are of world class standard.

The following hospitals cater for 24 hour accident and emergency treatment:

  • Sunninghill Hospital, Cnr Witkoppen & Nanyuki Rds, Sunninghill, ☎ +27 (0)11 806-1500.
  • Millpark Hospital, 9 Guild Road, Parktown West, ☎ +27 (0)11 480-5600.

Stay safe

Be aware that Johannesburg has very high crime levels day and night and tourists must remain alert at all times around the CBD.

Avoid travelling to areas such as Hillbrow or Berea at any time unless in a large group or with local guides. If travelling to townships make sure you go with an organised tour as crime is generally much higher in township areas, including Soweto. It is also prudent to avoid walking at night in the city centre. If you do travel at night make sure to remain in populated, well lit areas.

Carjacking is a common phenomenon in Johannesburg with one of the highest rates in the world. When you enter your car ensure that your doors are locked and windows are rolled up before starting your journey, night and day. Be particularly careful when going to and from your car as thieves often wait for victims to exit/enter their vehicle.

Public transport use is discouraged as frequent attacks occur on the crowded services.

Rape and sexual assault levels are exceptionally high and care should be taken due to the high HIV levels in Johannesburg. Females should avoid walking alone at all times and should try if possible to remain in large groups.

General advice is to try your best to look like a local and avoid at all costs displaying any form of wealth, including ear rings as these have been ripped from unsuspecting tourists ears.

If you are a victim of crime, DO NOT TRY TO BE A HERO! Hand over what ever they ask for as goods and possessions can be replaced, your life can not.

Cope

Get out

  • Pretoria is only a short while away from Johannesburg and has a lot to offer a tourist. It is the nation's capital and is almost completely joined to the Johannesburg metro area!
  • Sun City is a two hour drive away and offers world class golf courses and entertainment.
  • Mpumalanga Escarpment in a weekend
  • Rietvlei Nature Reserve next to the R21 in Tshwane gives one the oppertunity to get forget about the city for a while.
  • Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, ☎ +27 (0)11 957-0106 (), [49]. Open 8AM to 4:45PM. Located in Kromdraai north of Krugersdorp, this park offers self drive, game drive, horse trails, an observatory, abseiling, swimming pool and braai and picnic areas with restaurant (open daily), conference facilities, team building, functions etc. Wide range of animals including lion, white lion, tiger (bengal & siberian), white tiger, wild dog, cheetah, baffalo, white rhino, hippo, zebra, ostrich, etc. Don't forget to visit the animal crèche with baby lion, cheetah & tiger cubsnas well as the reptile park with most of the indigenous snakes including black & green mamba. R70.

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Johannesburg"
Featured articles
China travel tips: Language
pensions culture in Barcelona
cheap youth hostels singapore
hotels and hostels in Trastevere in Rome
Major Morocco tourist attractions
South Africa's political attractions
Vancouver visitors guide, culture & youth hostels
.
.
TravelTips24 2007
website stats