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.
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.
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.
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.
For South African travel and discounted fares you can search for : Discount airlines in Africa and Air travel in South Africa.
Long-distance buses arrive at '''Park Station'''. All major bus companies provide a service to and from Johannesburg. A few of these include:
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joburg is full of accommodation to suit any type of budget, from the ultimate in luxury & expense, to backpacker lodges.
Coverage areas include:
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
The following hospitals cater for 24 hour accident and emergency treatment:
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.