Johannesburg

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Johannesburg South Africa

A travel journal to Johannesburg by African Explorer

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Johannesburg offers many different experiences for the traveler. From wildlife parks to fine cuisine and clubs. I have a small flat in North Cliff area of Johannesburg and enjoy spending as much time there as possible. Johannesburg has its share of problems however, crime is on the rise.

  • 9 reviews
  • 3 photos

Johannesburg South AfricaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Watering hole
The area of Melville (close to downtown) is an older side of town that has made a wonderful comeback as the 'place to be' in Jo-Burg. Beautiful old buildings have been restored and turned into nightclubs, bookstores and wonderful restaurants and coffee shops. Most of the college crowds hang out in Melville.

Sandton (north Johannesburg) is the area for the greatest mall shopping and expensive restaurants and hotels. This modern side of town is very nice with wonderful architecture and shopping. West cliff, and North Cliff areas have beautiful old colonial mansions and English gardens and I highly recommend driving through the tree lined streets enjoying these beautiful homes.

Quick Tips:

Johannesburg is a melting pot for cultures. It surprises most travelers how many white people live in South Africa. My point is that you will have no problem with crime or fitting in as long as you are friendly and respectful.

Best Way To Get Around:

Taxi's are pretty well non-existence and very expensive when found. Public transportation as far as local busses or combi's go aren't very safe for the traveler. I recommend using a bicycle (watch out for wild traffic) or renting a car (watch out for wild traffic) or just meeting a friendly South African to show you around.

Club Vacances MagogBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "xxx"

If you plan to stay in Johannesburg for a month or longer (which I highly recommend) buy a local newspaper and rent a garden house or guest house in one of the many estates in Northcliff or Westcliff areas. Living on somebody's estate gives you the opportunity to experience South African life from the inside as well as having a safe place to stay. I have made great friends with South Africans by renting their garden houses and have at times even had access to their extra cars and maid service for free.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by African Explorer on September 29, 2000

Club Vacances Magog
50 Rue Desjardins Magog, Quebec
(819) 868-1858

The Westcliff HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "The Westcliff"

This Hotel has been built to resemble a Mediterranean village. Situated in prestigious Westcliff the villas have been built to blend in with the beautiful trees and landscaping. The Westcliff is pretty expensive but the service in unbelievable and food excellent. Treat yourself to a night in this hotel.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by African Explorer on September 29, 2000

The Westcliff Hotel
67 Jan Smuts Avenue Johannesburg, South Africa 2193
+27 (11) 481-6000

InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton TowersBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Sandton Sun & Towers"

Situated in Sandton, in the heart of Johannesburg's most exclusive shopping and business area this Hotel offers great restaurants a huge modern shopping mall with ice-skating and shopping.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by African Explorer on September 29, 2000

InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers
Corner Alice and Maude Street Johannesburg, South Africa
+27 (11) 780-5555

TGIFridaysBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "TGI FRIDAYS!!"

I know what you are thinking, why would I want to eat American food while visiting Africa? Well I lived in Johannesburg for two years and let me tell you, fajitas were a nice change to South African food. We went to TGI Fridays every weekend and enjoyed having American food for a change. Now I understand you probably wont be looking for American food but if you don't enjoy the South African 'perry perry' or 'curry' flavored everything then look go to TGI's!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by African Explorer on September 29, 2000

TGIFridays
Johannesburg, South Africa

SowetoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The best way to see Soweto is to go with one of several tour operators who pick up tourists at their hotels and drive out to the sprawling township southwest of Johannesburg. DO NOT TRAVEL THERE ALONE! Tours usually include stops at Nelson Mandela's former home, now a museum, the Hector Peterson Memorial, commemorating the ten-year-old boy who was the first casualty of the June 1976 Soweto uprising, and a stop at the Regina Mundi Church, where many protest and political meetings were held during the freedom struggle. Visitors will also be driven through some of Soweto's well-to-do neighbourhoods and past shantytowns where thousands live in makeshift tin houses without electricity or plumbing. A stop at a shebeen, or local tavern, is usually included. Soweto is very dangerous! Tourist books don't like to admit this but as I lived there I heard of many tourists being raped, killed and robbed while visiting soweto. If you must go there I find it better to take a tour guide that will use a small car instead of a bus filled with tourists. Less inconspicuous that way.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by African Explorer on September 29, 2000

Soweto
Johannesburg, South Africa 2000
+27 11 340 9000

Oriental PlazaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Johannesburg's Little India has a vibrant, bazaar-like atmosphere, despite being housed in a big concrete mall-like structure. Spend the morning browsing for bargains among the 275 shops and stalls selling clothes, spices, household goods and fabrics. Although most goods come from the East, brightly coloured African fabrics are also to be found here. Be sure to stay for an inexpensive Indian lunch at one of the several restaurants, or just grab a bag of samosas from a fast-food stand. I recommend shopping here during daylight hours only.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by African Explorer on September 29, 2000

Oriental Plaza
Corner Bree St/High St Johannesburg, South Africa

Falaza Game ReserveBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Rhino in camp
Falaza, a privately owned game park, protects the remnants of this once mighty sand forest which evolved over 150,000 years ago. Falaza is situated in sand dunes overlooking the marine shoreline and coral reefs at False Bay. Numerous species of animals have been reintroduced to Falaza which borders onto the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by African Explorer on September 29, 2000

Falaza Game Reserve
Hluhluwe 3960 Johannesburg, South Africa
+27-35-5620319

Kumbagana Game ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Kumbagana's game drives are wonderful, the drivers and guides are great at spotting the elusive leopard or rhino in the bush. The meals are wonderful and staff friendly. I am not much into paragliding so I can't comment on that aspect.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by African Explorer on September 29, 2000

Kumbagana Game Park
Johannesburg, South Africa
+2714 535 0098

About the Writer

African Explorer
African Explorer
Johannesburg/ Fort Worth Texas, Texas

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