Johannesburg is a city that is situated in the province of Gauteng, which lies in the northeastern part of South Africa. Pretoria, the capital of South Africa is just 80kms to the north of Johannesburg as well. It is one of the main cities of South Africa and determines the core for finance, commerce and trade. Johannesburg attracts a lot of people from all over the world due to its economic opportunities, and therefore becomes one of the world’s best trade centres. It has a moderate climate, with sunny days throughout the year and also receives rainfall in summer.
History of Johannesburg
In 1886, George Harrison, an Australian Prospector, discovered the mineral wealth on the farmland known as Witwatersrand. Harrison sold his discovered claim for 10 pounds and this emerged as the introduction for the powerful “City of Gold”.
Things to see in Johannesburg
Apartheid Museum
If you have an interest in the Apartheid Era you should visit The Apartheid Museum. It is a sobering experience to view the enlarged photographs from the era that are on display. Visitors are also able to view metal cages, one complete with weapons that were used by security forces, and other exhibits, which exhibit the horrors done to human beings during this era. Also on display is a blue and yellow armored police vehicle known as the “Kaspar.” Visitors can sit in this vehicle and watch films taken from inside.
The Soweto Food Festival
The food festival provides a platform for showcasing the different tastes of international and local dishes. The international delicacies include foods from different coulters like Venda, Tswana etc. People visiting Soweto get the opportunity to taste the latest food trends from around the world. A group of chefs demonstrate the techniques and methods involved in preparing these food items and this provides the platform for cultural exchange.
At the beer garden, the tourists can compare South African beers with the international counterparts and it includes a wine route with South Africa’s popular and finest wines for enjoyment to the tourists. Children can enjoy it as well by indulging in several activities safely, when the adults engage in wine and beer tasting activities.
Word’s deepest pub
A large noisy lift can be taken 226 meters underground to a bar, which has been converted, from a donkey stable. Donkeys were used to pull coco pans, filled with gold-laden rocks, to the surface for removal from one of the world’s deepest and richest gold mines.
Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City that is situated about 6 kilometers south of the city, has an old mine which can be viewed to know how it was operated. Not only can you view the old mine but it also includes Gold Reef City hotel, restaurants and shops such as SA mint, which is the right place to buy silver and gold jewelry for cheap prices. A five-piece band is available in the town square to provide good music and entertain the listeners for the whole day.
Any tourist who wants to engage in the “South African Vibe” will not want to miss the science center. A visitor can experience plenty of cultural diversity by visiting the hands-on science center and performing scientific experiments, or by braving the 28 amusements rides which includes the Tower of Terror and the River Rapids.
Johannesburg, which was a small mining town earlier, is now a vibrant capitalist city with highly qualitative cultural diversity. Thus the city is the right option for the tourist to engage with the South African vibe.
Tourists will also find the cheap Johannesburg car rental deals very attractive.