'''Johannesburg''' [http://www.joburg.org.za] (in spoken language also referred to as ''Jo'burg'', ''Egoli'' or ''Jozi'' ) is South Africa's largest city.

Districts

  • Soweto
  • Sandton
  • Understand

    Johannesburg has a population of 3.2 million people (South African 2001 census), half of which live in Soweto and adjacent suburbs. The majority of the population is formed by South Africa's black residents who mostly live in Soweto), while whites represent 500,000 residents (although the number is likely to be higher). There are also around 300,000 Coloured 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 cities wealth is unequally distributed among its inhabitants causing the city to have, wihtin its own boarders, living conditions varying from first world standards to third world conditions. 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. Don't avoid avoid Johannesburg because of its crime however, since it is perfectly 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.

    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. Mine dumps can also been seen throughout the city and 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.

    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 savannah.

    The weather is generally regarded as excellent; temperatures reach the mid-30s Celsius in the summer months (December, January and February) with little to no wind and with occasional, spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures in winter can drop into single digits but snow is extremely rare.

    Orientation

    By far the easiest way to find your bearings in Johannesburg is by finding the two telecommunication towers on the horizon. The Hillbrow tower is located near the city center while the Brixton tower (''also called the Sentech tower'') is located out to the west of the city. Since they are both tall towers located on high ground and easily distinguishable from other structures and each other, they make excellent landmarks.

  • If the Hillbrow tower is to the left of the Brixton tower, then you are in the north
  • If the Hillbrow tower is closer than the Brixton tower, then you are in the east
  • If the Brixton tower is to the left of the Hillbrow tower, then you are in the south
  • If the Brixton tower is closer than the Hillbrow tower, then you are in the west
  • Depending on your location, you may also see a cylindrical building (''Ponte City Apartments'') located close to the Hillbrow tower.

    There is a ''ring road'' system of freeways, with the city center located at the center of the ring. The ring is formed by the N1 on the north and west, the N3 on the east and the N12 on the south. The ring is dissected north/south by the M1 freeway and partially dissected east/west by the M2 freeway.

    Get in

    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:
  • N1 from Cape Town and Harare in Zimbabwe
  • N3 from Durban
  • N4 from Nelspruit and the Kruger National Park, as well as Botswana
  • N12 from Kimberley and Potchefstroom
  • N14 from Upington and Namibia
  • Traffic can be particularly bad during peak hours (M-F 7.30AM-9AM and 4PM-6.30PM) so plan your journey accordingly. Due to the increasing number of cars sold, traffic in Johannesburg has progressively got worse. If traveling in the city Monday through Friday, make sure you take into consideration the possibility of traffic jams delaying your journey. As the city is large and spread out, getting around may require covering large distances e.g. from Midrand to Soweto is in excess of 45 km.

    By plane

  • '''O.R Tambo International Airport''',[http://www.airports.co.za], tel,(+27) 11 921-6911, is Johannesburg main airport. It is the busiest airport in Africa as it is the connecting hub for flights to South Africa. For this reason there are many flights to Johannesburg from major cities all over the world, especially London, as well as numerous local flights, on a daily basis. If you arrive in the early morning when most flights from Europe arrive, be prepared for very long waits at Immigration. The airport is located east of Johannesburg, 24 kilometers from the city center. It's a quick drive by hotel shuttle, hired car or taxi to your destination. Try to avoid the many banks and money changers in the airport concourse. They display the exchange rates but nowhere do they indicate the excessive "commissions" that can reduce what you actually get by 10% or more. Buy some Rand before you leave home.
  • '''Lanseria Airport'''[http://www.lanseria.co.za], is Johannesburg's other airport that caters for passengers on commercial airlines. It is privately owned unlike O.R. Tambo which is run by the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Situated north west of Johannesburg, it is closer to the Sandton, Pretoria, Westrand and Midrand regions, but fewer airlines fly to this airport and it is mostly used for regional, corporate and diplomatic passage. There are however regular flights from Lanseria to Cape Town.
  • For South African travel and discounted fares you can search for : Discount airlines in Africa and Air travel in South Africa.

    By train

  • '''Park Station''' is Johannesburg's central station and is in the city center 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,
  • Spoornet [http://www.spoornet.co.za/ShosholozaMeyl] is a freight train company but they do have a branch that offers a passenger service called: Shosholoza Meyl. There are 8 primary routes that link South Africa's cities with smaller towns along each route. There are 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. Passengers can chose to travel in the tourist class where there is an option of either a coupe that can accommodate two people or a compartment that can seat four people. If traveling over night these compartments become bedrooms. Another option is the economy class which of course is cheaper, with chairs that can recline but not, alas, turn into beds. There is dinning car on the trains where you can buy food. If you are traveling in a coupe or compartment then there is a trolley service available saving you form ever having to leave your compartment
  • MetroRail [http://www.metrorail.co.za] operates frequent commuter trains to many suburbs and outlying towns. As Metrorail operates services in several separate cities, for operational purposes it is subdivided into five regions. The Witwatersrand region is the region that covers the greater Johannesburg Metropolitan area. Trains run from Johannesburg and Germiston outwards to Springs, Pretoria, Soweto and Krugersdorp.
  • By bus

    Long-distance buses arrive at '''Park Station'''. All major bus companies provide a service to and from Johannesburg. A few of these include:

  • Greyhound [http://www.greyhound.co.za] the well know bus service offering services to destinations all over south africa.
  • Translux [http://www.translux.co.za], their route network extends to many South African destinations and major cities in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • Magic Bus [http://www.magicbus.co.za], Focuses on short distance transportation i.e scheduled airport shuttling.
  • S.A Roadlink [http://www.saroadlink.co.za], Has coaches traveling to and from major major city centers in South Africa.
  • The Baz Bus [http://www.bazbus.com], Offers a Hop on Hop off service aimed at backpackers. There are two routes between Johannesburg and Durban; one via the Drakensberg and one via Swaziland. From Durban, the service then continues along South Africa's coast to Cape Town.
  • Get around

    Johannesburg was a city built for the car and for that reason, public transport is few and far between and often sketchy. There are buses and min cabs on the streets but there tends to be no designated stops and these are generally only used by commuters coming in and out of the city. Renting a car will give you the best flexibility and opportunity to tour the city, however driving can get very hectic; expect traffic jams.

    Car rental

    Renting a car is your best option, as public transport is limited. It is worth buying a good road map of Johannesburg as the city (inc northern suburbs) is very large and not very well signposted. [http://www.mapstudio.co.za/province_gauteng.asp MapStudio] produce a good map. Johannesburg has the usual car rental companies such as hertz and avis as well as a few others.

  • <listing name="Hertz" phone=" tel: (+27) (0) 86 160 0136" url="www.hertz.co.za"></listing>
  • <listing name="Avis" phone="(+27) 11 923 3660" email="" url="http://www.avis.co.za/">Professional, low hassle car hire giant. Easy to get a quote and reserve online.</listing>
  • <listing name="CABS Car hire" phone="(+27) (0)11 392-1388 " email="info@cabs.co.za" url="http://www.cabs.co.za/">affordable and reliable, at all major airports in South Africa</listing>
  • '''Pace Car Rental''' Offers very reasonable rates for car hire. They are very friendly and the rates are better than the larger brands. You can call Berne on (+27)(0) 84 840 2847
  • <listing name="Tempest Car Hire" phone="(+27) (0)11 552-3700" email="reservations@tempestcarhire.co.za" url="http://www.tempestcarhire.co.za/">Affordable car rental service available at all major locations and airports in South Africa.</listing>
  • Bus

    Public transport in Johannesburg is provided by city buses and informal minibus services. Large blue city buses run up and down the main roads and mini buses can be flagged down on the side of the street a although they are not the best mode of transport as they are unreliable and often associated with crime.

  • <listing name="Metrobus" phone="+27 (0)11 833-5538" url="http://www.joburgmetrobus.co.za/">Buses are available but routes and times are somewhat limited by western standards. </listing>
  • '''Minibus taxis''' should be avoided unless you are with a local - this is principally because the routes are very confusing, and the conductors will often say 'yes' when you ask 'are you going to X?' so that they get your fare, then they drop you at a crossroads and say 'change here'. Also they are frequently un-roadworthy (although they are in much better condition than in most of Africa) and involved in fatal accidents. Extreme and sometimes warlike competition has resulted in affordable transportation for the masses.
  • Taxi

    In general all the taxi operators collude with each other and fix prices - so taxis are not cheap (and not metered). Haggling is usual(best to agree a price when you phone). Don't rely on taxi ranks in shopping malls, often there aren't any. Always have a few taxi numbers with you so you don't get stuck somewhere.
  • <listing name="Bumble Bee Roadline" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.flythebee.co.za/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">The smartest & cheapest way to move in Joburg. Coming Soon... Watch this space. www.flythebee.co.za</listing>
  • <listing name="Airport Link" phone="+27 (0)11) 792 2017" url="http://www.airportlink.co.za/"> Fixed price airport transfer service.</listing>
  • <listing name="Elias" phone="+27 (0)76 834 0670" url=""> Friendly taxi driver based in the CBD.</listing>
  • <listing name="Magicbus" phone="+27 (0)11 548-0822" url="http://www.magicbus.co.za"> Offers affordable shuttle services between OR Tambo Airport and Sandton. They also offer door-to-door transfers. A bit expensive for the single traveller, but reasonable when traveling in groups.</listing>
  • <listing name="Maxi Taxi" phone="+27 (0)11 648 1212" url="http://www.maxitaxi.co.za"> Reputable taxi firm based in Yeoville.</listing>
  • <listing name="Roses Taxi" phone="+27 (0)11 403 9625" url=""> Operates throughout the city.</listing>
  • 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''' [http://www.gautrain.co.za] rapid rail link between Johannesburg, Pretoria and '''OR Tambo International Airport''' [http://www.airports.co.za]

    See

    The tallest structure in Africa is the 301m SASOL chimney in Secunda followed closely by two 300m smoke stacks at the Duvha Power Station outside Witbank.}}

    Soweto is an increasingly popular destination for travellers 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.

    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.

  • Top of Africa. arlton Centre, 150 Commissioner St. ake the elevator from the second floor to the fiftieth. 27 (0)11 308-1331. AM to 7PM daily. and 7.50. Get a panoramic view of the city from the top of Africa's tallest building

  • Johannesburg Planetarium. ale Road, Entrance 10, University of the Witwatersrand, Milner Park. 27 (0)11 717-1392. lanet@planetarium.co.za. 27 (0)11 339-2926. ttp://www.planetarium.co.za/. ee their website for upcoming shows. rom Rand 16 to Rand 25, depending on show.

    Museums and Galleries

  • Johannesburg Art Gallery. orner of Klein and King George streets, Joubert Park. 27 (0)11 725 3130. The biggest gallery on the African continent with a good collection of local and international work on display. And its free.

  • '''Mandela Family Museum''' in Orlando West, Soweto (Mandela's first house).
  • The Apartheid Museum. ttp://www.apartheidmuseum.org. 27 (0)11 309-4700. 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'''.

  • Cherie De Villiers Gallery. ttp://www.gallery.co.za/. ower Level, Rosebank Mall, Rosebank. 27 (0)11 788-9949. heart@global.co.za. Art by South African artists.

  • Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. lectric Workshop building, cnr Miriam Makeba and President street, Newtown. 27 (0)11 639-8400. ynthia.sithole@sci-bono.co.za. 27 (0)11 832-3360. ttp://www.sci-bono.co.za. AM to 5PM Mon to Fri and 9AM to 4:30PM weekends and public holidays. dults: R20, children: R10.

  • Standard Bank Gallery. ttp://www.sbgallery.co.za/. orner Simmonds and Frederick Streets, Johannesburg. 27 (0)11 631-1889. ntrance is free. pen 8AM to 4:30PM Monday to Friday and 9AM to 1PM on Saturdays.

  • South African National Museum of Military History. ttp://www.militarymuseum.co.za. 27 (0)11 646-5513. ilmus@icon.co.za. rlswold Way, Saxonwold. ext to the Johannesburg Zoo. pen daily 9AM to 4:30PM. 20 entrance fee. 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 built 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.

  • James Hall museum of Transport. ioneers' Park, Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle. 27 (0)11 435-9718. urator@jhmt.org.za. 27 (0)11 435-9821. ttp://www.jhmt.org.za/open.htm. pen Tue to Sun 9AM to 5PM. ree entrance. Largest museum dedicated to transport in South Africa.

  • '''Origins Centre - The South African Museum of Rock Art''': ''A Museum in Africa for the people of the world.'' An excellent multimedia display of the rock art and the origins of humankind. Good curio shop, book shop and coffee shop. Yale Road, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Ph: +27 (0)11 717-6051, enquiries@rockart.wits.ac.za [http://rockart.wits.ac.za/origins/index]. 9AM to 4:30PM. Students R35. Adults R65
  • Do

  • Cloud 9 Spa. ngela Hardy. 2 Richmond Road, Craighall Park. ee directions on website. 27-11-788-9934. ww.cloud-nine.co.za. ues to Sat 10:30 to 19:00. rom R200. Cloud 9 is a small spa offering massage, floatation and other spa therapies.

  • '''Township Tour''' to Soweto, a tour that will take you around the densely populate but vibrant town of Soweto.
  • Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. ttp://www.sanbi.org/sisulu/mainpage.htm. 27 (0)11 958-1750. 27 (0)11 958-1752. isuluGarden@sanbi.org. 18 per person, discounts for students and pensioners. he 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.. 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.

  • '''Constitution Hill''', the site of the notorious Old Fort prison complex.
  • South African Lipizzaners. 27 (0)11 702-2103. 27 (0)11 468-2718. ttp://www.lipizzaners.co.za/. ipizzaner@hixnet.co.za. ollow the N1 towards Pretoria, take exit 108 Midrand, R561 Allandale Road towards Kyalami. Kyalami Road and Main Road intersects at the entrance to the Kyalami racetrack, turn right here. At the second traffic light, 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. Dahlia Road, Kyalami. Other than
  • '''Visit a gold mine''' [http://www.africa-explore.co.za/st_kromdraai_gold_mine.html], such as the Old Kromdraai Gold Mine. The Kromdraai Gold Mine was one of the first gold mines on the Witwatersrand (the Johannesburg area today) and is situated in an unspoilt rural setting about 40 minutes drive from Johannesburg International airport and 20 minutes from Johannesburg city.R 1165-00 single ticket.
  • Gold Reef City. ttp://www.goldreefcity.co.za/theme_park. 27 (0)11 248-6800. 27 (0)11 248-6863. fo@goldreefcity.co.za. orthern Parkway, Ormonde. rom 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. 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.
  • Ferreira's Mine. nfo@standardbank.co.za. tandard Bank Centre, 5 Simmonds Street. 27 (0)11 636-9111. 27 (0)11 636-4207. ntrance is free. pen during normal banking hours 8AM to 4PM. This bank literally sits on gold. An old abandoned gold mine from the late 19<sup>th

    Events

  • The '''A1GP''' [http://www.a1gp.com] Motor GP, is hosted during mid February at the Kyalami racetrack in Midrand. (''From the N1 freeway, take the Allendale/Kyalami offramp, turn west and follow Allendale road to the racetrack entrance.'')
  • Coca-Cola Dome. ttp://www.coca-coladome.co.za/eventcalendar.asp?ID=1. nr Olievenhout Avenue and Northumberland Road, North Riding. ext to the Northgate shopping mall. The Coca Cola stadium has numerous events throughout the year from wedding expos, to live motoring theater.

    Learn

  • <listing name="University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)" url="http://www.wits.ac.za" phone="+27 (0)11 717-1000" fax="+27 (0)11 717-1065" email="studysa@international.wits.ac.za" address="Braamfontein, Johannesburg"></listing>
  • <listing name="University of Johannesburg" url="http://www.uj.ac.za/" phone="+27 (0)11 489-3129" fax="+27 (0)11 489-2191" address="Bunting Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg" email="international@uj.ac.za"></listing>
  • Work

    Due to South Africa's negotiated settlement which heralded the dawn of South Africa's democracy in 1994, South Africans have gained a reputation for holding meetings or lekgotlas (the Tswana word meaning "meeting place") to resolve their concerns, and plan for the future.

    This desire to meet, discuss and strategise is also found amongst South Africa's business leaders, and Johannesburg as Africa and South Africa's economic hub is filled with conferencing venues and meeting places which can host a wide range of events for small or large groups.

    Popular conference areas include the Rosebank and Sandton areas where conferences tend to be held in and around some of the city's top hotels. The Muldersdrift area and western region of Johannesburg has developed a reputation for outstanding function venues, particularly weddings and private events. While the midrand area located halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria is also a popular conferencing and events area.

    Buy

    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.

    African Arts & Crafts

  • African Craft Market. osebank Mall, Cnr Cradock and Baker St, Rosebank.. +27) (0)11 880 2906. +27)(0) 11 880 2944. ttp://www.craft.co.za/african.aspx. pen 9AM to 6PM daily.

    Flea Markets

  • Mai Mai. nderson and Berea St. The oldest market in Jo'burg. Here you'll see plenty of traditional healers selling traditional herbs & remedies.
  • Rosebank Rooftop Flea Market. op parking level of the Rosebank Mall,Between Bath and Cradock Avenues, Rosebank. +27) (0)11 442-4488. +27) (0)86 636-5964. ttp://www.craft.co.za/rooftop.aspx. pen Sundays only, 9AM to 5PM. Find a vast selection of African crafts
  • Bruma Flea Market. rnest Oppenheimer Ave, Bruma. lose to Eastgate. +27) (0)11 622-9648. aily 10AM to 6PM.
  • Market Theatre Flea Market. ewtown Cultural Precinct, Bree St, Newtown . +27) (0)11 832-1641. pen Sat 9AM to 4PM.
  • Panorama Flea Market. lipriver Drive, Mulbarton. +27) (0)11 682-2222. oward@panoramafleamarket.com. +27) (0)86 513-3267. ttp://www.panoramafleamarket.com/.

    Shopping Malls

    There are many shopping malls throughout Johannesburg, the larger ones being:
  • Oriental Plaza. ordsburg. ttp://www.orientalplaza-fordsburg.co.za/. A taste of the orient in Africa and also where you can find some good bargains. Unlike other malls in South Africa you can bargain with the shopkeepers here. The Oriental Plaza is unique as it has over 360 independently owned stores. A block away from the Oriental Plaza is the site where Mahatma Ghandi had the famous pass burning ceremony 100 years ago. The location, which is outside the nearby Newtown mosque, is appropriately marked with a cauldron and the relevant historical details.
  • Sandton City. th St. 27 (0)11 217-6000. info@sandtoncity.co.za. 27 (0)11 883-0978. ttp://www.sandtoncity.co.za/. pen 9AM to 6PM Mon to Sat and 10AM to 4PM Sun. A large and popular mall in Sandton
  • Northgate. orner of Northumberland Road & Olievenhout Avenue. 27 (0)11 794 1687. ttp://www.northgate.co.za. In the north west
  • Bedford Centre. ttp://www.bedfordcentre.com/. In the east, a smaller mall that is worth seeking out - a good selection of independent shops, rather than the chain store overload of standard South African malls.
  • Westgate. 20 Ontdekkers Road, Roodepoort. 27 (0)11 768-0616. estgatemall@motseng.co.za . 27 (0)11 768-2291. ttp://www.westgate.co.za/. pen Mon to Fri 9AM to 6PM, Sat 9AM to 5PM and Sun 9AM to 2PM. Bordering on the

  • '''Arirang in Rivonia'''[http://www.megaplex.co.za/restaurant-rivonia.htm], very good authentic Korean food, but very expensive;
  • '''Mandela Square''' you can have a relaxing meal in the square and eat delicious hand-made ice cream at the "Bagelos" store.
  • '''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.
  • '''Fordsburg''' has many Indian restaurants with authentic Indian cuisine as well as conventional franchise stores (Wimpy, Nandos, Fishmonger, Nescafe,etc). Dawaat restaurant is considered to be one of the best restaurants and the priciest by Fordsburg standards - A meal at Dawaat will cost about R100 per person.
  • '''Akhalwayas Fast Foods''' is a favorite take-away amongst the locals, situated on Central Road. It specializes in fish and chips and various tasty sandwiches. However they are better known for the quality of their food then the speed of service and its not unheard of to wait for 45 minutes(or more!) for your meal at peak lunch times. Unfortunately they close at 5pm daily.
  • Fordsburg is close proximity to the Oriental Plaza and can be combined with your shopping expedition. Fordsburg is one of the few (if any) areas of Johannesburg that has a thriving outdoor street market and pedestrian traffic at night - This is mainly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights when all the restaurants are filled with hundreds of night shoppers milling about the flea market.

    Drink

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

  • Back2Basix. 67 Perth Rd, Westdene. pposite the University of Johannesburg (RAU). 27 (0)11 726-6857. nfo@back2basix.co.za. ttp://www.back2basix.co.za. Primarily a concert venue it is also a fully licensed restaurant and bar. This venue hosts up-and-coming artists in addition to more established musicians, as well as a variety of music genres.
  • Back o' the Moon Nightclub. 27 (0)11 496-1423. ocated in Gold Reef City Casino. ttp://www.goldreefcity.co.za. A casino-restaurant with live traditional and contemporary jazz, plus dinner and dancing. It has a wide selection of grills and seafood on a good-value set menu. Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, R25.
  • Carfax. 27 (0)11 834-9187. ttp://www.carfax.co.za. 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. aesar's Palace Casino. 27 (0)11 928-1280. ttp://www.monsoonlagoon.co.za. Good nightclub with DJ Sebastian.
  • Roxy Rhythm Bar. 0 Main Rd, Melville. 27 (0)11 726-6019. ttp://www.clubroxy.co.za. 50 cover charge. This club has a rooftop dance floor and a monster sound system. It welcomes live rock bands, dance events and even stand-up comedy. The more popular bands play at the weekends and Monday is student night.
  • SAB World of Beer. 5 President Street, Newtown. 27(0)11 836-4900. vents.co-ordinator@za.sabmiller.com. 27 (0)11 836-4900. ttp://www.worldofbeer.co.za. 25 for the tour, including 2 free drinks in the pub at the end of the tour.. The SAB-Miller Beer museum.
  • The Manhattan Club. 9 Wessels Road, Rivonia. rom the N1 take exit 100 (Sandton/M9 Rivonia Rd), follow Rivonia Rd south and turn left into 12th Ave at the second traffic light, turn left into River Rd and follow that until it becomes Wessels Rd.. 27 (0)11 803-7085. uyb@manhattanclub.co.za. ttp://www.manhattanclub.co.za/. hur to Sat, 8PM to after 4AM. Tues and Wed, 9PM to 3AM. Closed Sun, Mon, Thurs",> A huge stylish and bustling venue, with a total of 8 bars which include a shooters bar and a ladies only cocktail bar. R50 to R70 cover charge depending on day and time. Discounts for students and ladies.
  • The Radium Beer Hall. ouis Botha Ave, Orange Grove. 27 (0)11 728-3866. ttp://www.theradium.co.za. This place has been serving beer since 1929.
  • House of Nsako. 01 High Street, Brixton. 72 2232 648 . ww.nsako.co.za. Live music venue, museum and institute of Afrikan popular culture

    Sleep

    Joburg is full of accommodation to suit any type of budget, from the ultimate in luxury & expense, to backpacker lodges.

    Budget

  • Johannesburg Backpackers. ttp://www.southafricabackpackers.com. mgwezi Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg. nfo@joburgbackpackers.com. rom R110 pp. Located in the very safe area of Emmarentia this is the new place from the people at Cape Town Backpackers,( the winners of Best hostel in Africa for the past 2 years!) Its fun, friendly and clean. They also have regular theme nights in the funky bar and have various options for sleeping from dorms to ensuites.
  • The Backpacker's Ritz. ttp://www.backpackers-ritz.co.za/. 27 +(0)11 325-7125. itz@iafrica.com. A North Road, Dunkeld West. rom R90 for a dorm bed to R287 for a double room. 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.
  • Diamond Diggers Backpackers. ttp://www.oneandonly.co.za/. +27) (0)11 624-1676. ail@placetostay.info. Doris Street, Kensington. rom R60 to R160 per person.
  • Zoo Lodge. ttp://www.zoolodge.co.za/. 33a Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North. 27 (0)11 788-5182. oolodge@backpackafrica.com. rom R80 to R200 depending on room. This backpacker lodge is in a good location; close to Joburg Zoo and Rosebank Mall and on a bus route. Airport and Train Station pickups available.
  • Melville Arch. ttp://www.melvillearch.co.za/. 13 St Swithins Ave, Melville. rom R250 depending on room. Nice affordable bed and breakfast a short walk from Melville's bars and restaurants.
  • 90 George Ave. 0 George Ave, Sandringham. 27 (0) 11 6401856. ttp://www.nowebsite.co.za/. 4:00. 2:00. rom R250 depending on room. Very hospitable guesthouse, on lovely property, near to film studios and 6 km from Melrose Arch.

    Mid range

  • ThePurple Fig Guest House. 0 Wargrave Rd, Auckland Park. ear SABC. +27) (0) 73 248 5480. ttp://www.purplefig.co.za/. Self catering apartments in and around the Melville area. Fully equipped kitchens, eating areas, lounge, sunny patio and television, bathroom/s, bedroom/s. Facilities also include eautiful gardens, outside pool and Tibetan yoga sessions.
  • Blue Chip Accommodation. ttp://www.bluechipaccommodation.co.za. 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.
  • The Lion Park" phone="+27 (0)11 460-1814. ttp://www.lion-park.com/. ionpark@cknet.co.za. In Fourways and offers semi-luxurious self catering tents.
  • Protea Hotel Wanderers. nr. Corlett Drive & Rudd Road, Illovo. 27 (0)11 770-5500. ttp://www.proteahotels.com/. 3/10/08. 1/11/08. rom R210 per person sharing. pple@phwanderers.co.za. Close to Rosebank and Sandton
  • Ekala Guest Farm and Eco Tours. lot 81 Alewynspoort. 726041879. ttp://www.ekala.co.za/. 0. 0. Ekala is a Johannesburg Guest House for those who prefer the luxuries of home to hotel regimentation. Set in the Alewynspoort, Johannesburg countryside, creating a relaxed casual ambiance with tranquility and secure accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of the center Johannesburg.

    Splurge

    Joburg also caters for those who are looking for a luxurious stay, with five-star hotels. Many of these are located in Sandton area.
  • The Grace In Rosebank. 4 Bath Avenue, Rosebank. 27 (0)11 442 0488. ttp://www.africansunhotels.com/TheGrace. The Grace is an ideal choice for guests seeking a sophisticated city hotel with the highest levels of service and luxury, as well as that personal charm found only in small establishments.
  • The Westcliff. 27 (0)11 481-6000. eservations@westcliff.co.za. ttp://www.westcliff.co.za. The Westcliff certainly is a luxurious hotel with its hillside setting and cascading sculpted gardens along with their elegantly opulent accommodation. Great facilities and several restaurants and bars.
  • D_Loreale Grande. n Emperors Palace Johannesburg located near Tambo airport, Gauteng. [http://www.doreale.com], tel: +27 (0) 11 928 1770. Very luxurious 5* hotel.
  • The Melrose Arch hotel. Melrose Square Melrose Arch. 27 (0)21 430-5302. ttp://www.africanpridehotels.com. Locked away in the Melrose Arch complex this is a great hotel, with all the facilities you would expect from a 5 star deluxe hotel.
  • Lesedi Cultural Village. 27 (0)12 205-1394. ttp://www.lesedi.com/accommodation.htm. Offers traditionally themed accommodation with modern conveniences.
  • Execulet. ttp://www.execulet.co.za. 27 (0) 11 326-4532. entals@execulet.co.za. 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_fs new and perpetually growing center, Sandton, Johannesburg.
  • Park Hyatt Johannesburg. 91 Oxford Road, Rosebank. 27 11 280 1234. eservations.JOHPH@hyattintl.com. ttp://johannesburg.park.hyatt.com. 5 star business hotel.
  • Highland View Executive Guesthouse. 64 Highland Road, Kensington, Johannesburg. 27 11 615 9001. eservations@highlandview.co.za. ttp://www.highlandview.co.za. . Offers double en-suites and self contained apartments. All suites have their own private entrances which open onto the patio which is set in a lush, peaceful landscaped garden. There is a warm ambiance to the guest house as well as spacious interiors.

    Contact

    WiFi

    Always-On [http://www.alwayson.co.za] , ''+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:

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

    HIV infection rate is high; avoid unprotected sex at all costs!

    Municipal water is safe to drink.

    There is a Travel Clinic at OR Tambo International Airport

  • '''Kloof Road Travel Clinic''', 17 Kloof Road, Corner Arterial Road West Bedfordview, Dr DM Smith / Sr C Standford, Tel: +27 (0)11 616 4400, Fax: +27 (0)11 616 3757
  • <listing name="Airport Clinic & Travel Vaccination Centre" phone="+27 (0)11 921-6609" address="Ground Floor, New Domestic Arrivals Terminal">GP, dentist, vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis</listing>
  • 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:

  • <listing name="Sunninghill Hospital" address="Cnr Witkoppen & Nanyuki Rds, Sunninghill" phone="+27 (0)11 806-1500"></listing>
  • <listing name="Millpark Hospital" address="9 Guild Road, Parktown West" phone="+27 (0)11 480-5600"></listing>
  • Stay safe

    Be aware that Johannesburg has very high crime levels day and night. However, like many cities with a crime problem some places are quite safe while others can be quite dangerous, and with some places this may depend on whether it's day or night.

    You should keep security constantly in mind and tourists must remain alert at all times around the CBD. The recent installation of surveillance cameras in the CBD has decreased daytime robbery and theft, so it can generally be visited during the day on business days without incident. However, it is largely deserted at night, during weekends and on holidays so it is best to avoid visiting during those times.

    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. Do not leave any valuables on the seats as it is likely that your window will be smashed and your belongings grabbed. At night, do not stop at red traffic lights if you see people lingering there, as they may be hijackers. Slow down and go through the red traffic lights, if necessary pay the fine.

    Public transport use is discouraged as frequent attacks occur on the crowded services. Depending on the area, the city's Metrobus service can be safe to ride, although it is often late.

    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 tourist ears.

    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. The '''Pilanesberg Game Reserve''' is adjacent to Sun City and offers visitors to get the taste of an African Game Reserve. However it is no comparison to the world famous Kruger Park which is about 500km from Johannesburg.
  • '''Mpumalanga Escarpment in a weekend'''
  • '''Rietvlei Nature Reserve''' next to the R21 in Tshwane gives one the opportunity to get forget about the city for a while.
  • <listing name="Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve" url="http://www.rhinolion.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)11 957-0106" email="hippo@global.co.za" hours="Open 8AM to 4:45PM" price="R70">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 creche with baby lion, cheetah & tiger cubs as well as the reptile park with most of the indigenous snakes including black & green mamba.</listing>
  • '''Cradle of Humankind''' is a World Heritage Site comprising a number of attractions including the Sterkfontein Caves, the Wonder Caves and Maropeng [http://www.maropeng.co.za] visitor education centre. Explore fossil-filled caves where important palaeoanthropologist discoveries such as Mrs Ples and Little Foot were found. +27 (0) 14 577-9000