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Johannesburg Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Johannesburg
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Johannesburg Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Johannesburg - The capital of South Africa's smallest province,
Gauteng, Johannesburg is the economic powerhouse of Africa with its
ever-growing suburban sprawl creeping outwards from the central
city skyscrapers and ring-road motorways.
The
more than 10-million inhabitants live fast and have a restless
spirit, which they have imparted into the fabric of the city, also
known by its African name as Egoli, 'the place of gold'. The
development of the city, which is just over a century old, has
followed the fortunes of the Witwatersrand (White Water Reef), the
rich gold-bearing rock reef that stretches across this area of
central South Africa. The initial gold rush started in the 1880s,
and barely ten years later Johannesburg had become South Africa's
largest town and the site of frenzied development that has been
ongoing ever since. Johannesburg today is a city
of contrasts, with glass-paned modern luxury high-rise buildings
towering beside a few remaining dilapidated Victorian buildings,
and affluent northern suburbs filled with stunning private homes
giving way to the squalid streets and tiny shoebox houses of the
massive Soweto township in the south. The chasm between rich and
poor in the city has given rise to a high crime rate, evidenced by
the fortress-like security that pervades the wealthier
suburbs. Most visitors to South Africa,
particularly those intent on exploring the game reserves of
Mpumalanga, arrive at Johannesburg's busy International Airport,
which is the main point of entry for the country. There is little
in Johannesburg itself to grab the attention of tourists, but a few
days can be filled taking in some entertaining man-made attractions
before heading off to the game parks of the northeast or the
coastal regions. The most interesting diversion in Johannesburg is
undoubtedly a 'Heritage Route' or 'Shebeen Crawl' tour of Soweto,
but take care only to venture into the maze of the township with an
organised tour or professional guide.
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Johannesburg
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Kruger National Park
www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger |
What is it? The Kruger National Park is South Africa's
oldest, largest and best-known wildlife conservation area, home to
a huge variety of wildlife and most famous for its 'Big Five'
viewing opportunities. Visitors have an excellent chance of seeing
lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino among the enormous
variety of wildlife, including over 140 species of mammals, 500
species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Situated on South
Africa's north eastern border, Kruger is a primary destination for
international tourists, and is visited by more than half a million
local and international people every year who are attracted by the
different safari options as well as the park's excellent range of
visitor facilities and choice of accommodation, from luxurious game
lodges to cottages and camping.
Hours of Operation: Park gates: daily 5.30am to 6.30pm (January,
February, November and December), 6am to 5.30/6pm (March to
October). Camp gates open 4.30am (January), 5.30am (February, March
and October to December), 6am (April to September); closing times
same as park gates
Phone: |
2. Gold Reef City
www.goldreefcity.co.za |
What is it? This entertainment complex is essentially a
theme park full of thrill rides, but was designed to be a
re-creation of Victorian Johannesburg during the gold-rush era. The
park, four miles (6km) south of the city centre via the M1
motorway, was built around the No.14 Crown mineshaft that began
operations in 1887 and closed in 1975. During its production years
1,400 tons of gold came out of the shaft. Visitors can now descend
into the old mine shaft to experience life at the rock face, and
watch gold being poured and minted. Gold Reef City also houses a
number of museums, and offers performances by traditional gumboot
dancers. Youngsters particularly enjoy the rides like the Anaconda
roller coaster and Thunder Mountain River Rapids. There are also
plenty of restaurants, bars, a massive casino, and a Victorian
hotel for those wanting to stay the night.
Hours of Operation: Theme park: Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am to 6pm; open
daily during Gauteng school holidays; closed on Christmas
day
Phone:011 248 6800 |
3. Newtown Cultural Precinct
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What is it? This complex of buildings in the city centre
has been upgraded and restored as part of the city fathers' urban
renewal policy and provides several attractions. The Market Theatre
and Museum Africa, for instance are housed in a Victorian building
in Bree Street that was originally Johannesburg's fresh produce
market. The Museum Africa is particularly worth a visit with its
exhibits that tell the story of the city from its beginnings to the
present day, including an interesting section about the Treason
Trial of the 1950s in which Nelson Mandela and other activists were
accused of plotting against the state. The same building houses a
photography museum and the Museum of South African Rock Art. At its
eastern end is the Market Theatre, famed for being the venue for
many protest theatre productions in the Apartheid era. Also in the
area, in President Street, is the South African Breweries Centre,
which offers a tour detailing brewing history through some
reconstructed gold-rush pubs and shebeens (township bars). Along
Jeppe Street is the Oriental Plaza, the commercial centre for the
Indian community.
Hours of Operation: Museum Africa open daily 9am to 5pm
Phone: |
Johannesburg
holidays - Top Events
1. Rand Easter Show
From 2007-03-30
To 2007-04-15
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What is it? For more than a century the renowned Rand
Easter Show has drawn the crowds every year during the Easter
break. It started as an agricultural show, but has grown in
popularity, size and scope to become South Africa's largest
consumer exhibition along with an entertainment extravaganza that
is eagerly awaited each year. Exhibitors covering a range of
categories offer entertaining stalls and shopping specials, while a
varied live entertainment programme keeps show-goers buzzing until
late each night. The Show includes show-jumping, working dog
displays and livestock judging in keeping with its agricultural
origins.
Where is it? The Nasrec Expo Centre at the corner of Randshow and Nasrec
Roads |
2. Arts Alive Festival
From 2006-09-01
To 2006-12-31
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What is it? Johannesburg celebrates spring every year
with a cultural explosion in the Arts Alive International Festival,
which has brought the city centre alive for more than a decade.
This entertaining event encompasses a musical feast usually
featuring big name stars along with young South African talent;
dance performances and events, poetry readings, theatrical
productions, exhibitions, film shows and workshops are all designed
to take the arts to the people. For more information contact Kevin
Stewart on 083 419 5912.
Where is it? Zoo Lake |
3. Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden Concerts
From 2007-05-15
To 2007-09-30
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What is it? A wide variety of musicians and choirs are
featured on the programme during the run of the afternoon concerts
at Poortview, held every second Sunday from mid-May through to
September. The audience can enjoy soaking up the winter sunshine
alongside the lake to the tune of a gamut of musical genres, from
light classical through to modern
favourites.
Where is it? Malcolm Road, Poortview |
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