Destinations / Johannesburg >>

Most tourists arrive at OR Tambo (Johannesburg) Airport in fear, terrified of becoming victims of crime before their holiday has even started. They stay in over-priced hotels in under-inspiring parts of town, huddling in their hotel until they escape their artificial prisons to go on safari or to Cape Town. We know, because we did the same when we arrived here!

But we now love "Jozi" and are proud to call it home.

What a shame to waste even part of your short holiday, especially when Johannesburg has so much to offer. And if you've got one of our GPS and phone devices you can relax knowing you will not get lost or end up in the wrong part of town. It is preloaded with the best attractions and safe routes through town (for example from the airport to your hotel - the most obvious and quickest route from the airport to Sandton, where many tourists stay, takes you through a township, our devices take you a safer route), our security advice and driving tips and a panic button should you get into trouble.

Johannesburg is a city of pleasant surprises: the largest inhabited man-made forest in the world; a year-round pleasant climate; and an innate sense of friendliness and hospitality that is very unusual in a big city. With a bit of local advice you’ll really enjoy this cosmopolitan, friendly, green and vibrant city that’s the economic powerhouse of Africa. Johannesburg is the optimistic face of modern South Africa. It is here in this 'City of Gold' where people from all backgrounds have come for generations to make and lose their fortunes. Where the super-affluent live cheek-by-jowl with the under-priviledged in the cultural melting pot. Where the growing, confident black middle class drive their BMWs and strut their style. Where the future of the 'rainbow nation' has been, and always be, determined.

Most tourists base themselves in Sandton, but we’re not sure why. It’s clean, western and safe. Mandela Square is a good place for people-watching and the legendary Butchers Shop & Grill does a mean rump steak, but it’s too sanitised for us. Rosebank is a better alternative. Although it’s ultimately a series of shopping malls, these feel more like a small town and there are more interesting shops, restaurants and a bustling craft market.

The Apartheid Museum is well worth at least a few hours visit. Don’t expect to leave feeling light-hearted, but for an appreciation of what a remarkable achievement the ‘rainbow nation’ is, you can’t beat it.

Soweto tours are popular - take the right one you can meet some inspiring people, see what local communities are doing to improve their situation and understand more about ‘the struggle’ against apartheid. You be surprised at the sheer scale and, in some instances, the wealth of the place.

Parkhurst is a great ‘village’ to visit and spend a relaxing afternoon watching the world go by. An old suburb in the Parks area of Johannesburg between Sandton and downtown, Parkhurst’s Fourth Avenue has a definite European village vibe to it. You can’t beat a gin and tonic overlooking the cityscape at sunset at the very colonial Westcliffe Hotel. For a bit of local artistic culture go to The Standard Bank Art Gallery in downtown Jozi – you will also get a sense of the vibrancy and re-generation that is happening in downtown Johannesburg ahead of the 2010 World Cup.