Travel Guide Johannesburg - Africa's trendy metropolis
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Travel Guide
Johannesburg
Africa’s trendy metropolis
02 Quick view 04 Phone calls & Internet 08 Nightlife
02 South Africa 05 Top 10 sights 09 Calendar of events
03 Travel etiquette 07 Shopping in Johannesburg 10 Hotels
04 Health 07 Restaurants
© Shutterstock
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Quick view
Johannesburg: Africa's trendy metropolis
Few cities are so misrepresented and misunderstood as Johannesburg. It’s wise to
be wary, but save some of that energy to enjoy one of South Africa’s most exciting
cities. Part business hub, part creative capital, it is an energetic metropolis with a
growing cultural and nightlife scene, and shaped by distinct neighbourhoods such
as Maboneng and Melville.
Johannesburg’s place in history is well served by the world-renowned Apartheid
Museum, the former prison site of Constitution Hill and, of course, the streets of
Soweto which played a major role in the liberation movement. Johannesburg is
just not worth missing out on.
South Africa
General Information
Country overview
A land of golden beaches, jagged mountains, rich safari plains and barren deserts;
South Africa encompasses all these things. The teeming wildlife is as diverse and
spectacular as the scenery, with everything from elusive leopards and plodding
elephants to playful penguins. South Africa's cities are also enormously varied,
with hustling Johannesburg at its heart,
and cosmopolitan Cape Town an enclave of European chic at the edge of the
Atlantic Ocean. In between you can lose yourself for days on safari in the bush or
explore quaint isolated towns breaking up the arid Karoo wilderness.
Geography
The Republic of South Africa fills the southern tip of the continent and is lapped by
the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east, and a swirling
mixture of the two at the very tip.
It totally encloses the independent kingdom of Lesotho, and is bordered by
Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland to the north.
A vast, interior plateau has sharp escarpments that rise above the lowland plains.
Mountainous regions include the Drakensberg and Magaliesberg.
The west coast is arid, while the south and southeast coasts are semi-arid, with
vegetation fringed by sandy beaches and rocky coves.
In contrast, the subtropical northeast has lush wetlands and coastal forests. The
wildlife viewing areas are scattered throughout the country, with the famous Kruger
National Park so vast that it encloses a wide variety of eco-systems.
Of its nine provinces, Gauteng, which houses Johannesburg and Pretoria in the
northeast, is the smallest and most densely populated. The Northern Cape is the
largest province covering between a third and quarter of the country, but containing
only a tiny percentage of the population in this territory of desert and semi-desert
wilderness.
General knowledge
Key facts
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Population: 56.72 million (estimation 2017)
Capital: Cape Town (legislative); Pretoria (executive); Bloemfontein (judicial).
Language
Official languages are Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Ndebele, Sepedi,
Setswana, Siswati, Sesotho, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
Currency
Rand (ZAR; symbol R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50,
20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Electricity
220/230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs have three fat round pins.
Public Holidays
Below are listed public holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
Note
Holidays falling on Sunday are observed the following Monday.
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Human Rights Day: 21 March 2019
Good Friday: 19 April 2019
Family Day: 22 April 2019
Freedom Day: 27 April 2019
Workers’ Day: 1 May 2019
Youth Day: 16 and 17 June 2019
National Women’s Day: 9 August 2019
Heritage Day: 24 September 2019
Day of Reconciliation: 16 December 2019
Christmas Day: 25 December 2019
Day of Goodwill: 26 December 2019
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Human Rights Day: 21 March 2020
Good Friday: 10 April 2020
Family Day: 13 April 2020
Freedom Day: 27 April 2020
Workers’ Day: 1 May 2020
Youth Day: 16 June 2020
National Women’s Day: 9 and 10 August 2020
Heritage Day: 24 September 2020
Day of Reconciliation: 16 December 2020
Christmas Day: 25 December 2020
Day of Goodwill: 26 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Travel etiquette
How to fit in
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South Africa’s biggest cities are very westernised and hold few cultural surprises
for Europeans. Handshaking is the usual form of greeting, sometimes in a more
elaborate African handshake that foreigners will pick up readily. Casual wear is
widely acceptable, especially in less formal Cape Town. Smoking is prohibited in
public buildings and on public transport.
Health
Health
Main emergency number: 10111
Food & Drink
Mains water is safe to drink. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for
consumption, as are local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables. Diarrhoea
remains the most common cause of ill health in travellers, with South Africa graded
as an intermediate risk country. The standard of food safety and preparation is
generally good and poses little threat to your health, but sensitive travellers should
follow the advice to 'cook it, peel it or leave it.'
Other Risks
Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant or slow-moving water as there is a low
risk of contracting bilharzia, and a risk of catching E.coli. Cholera is spread by
contaminated food or water and occurs in some rural areas of Limpopo,
Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, where it can be picked up
from swimming in contaminated streams. Swimming pools that are well chlorinated
and maintained are safe. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are
sometimes recommended.
Department of Health statistics show the prevalence of HIV/AIDS remains high
despite increasing efforts to combat it, with 178 out of 1,000 adults infected,
compared to a global average of just 8 in 1,000. Malaria is found in Limpopo,
Mpumalanga and the north-east of KwaZulu-Natal, and the Department of Health
recommends taking preventative drugs during the peak period between September
and May.
Sunburn is a much more common risk, with the African sun being far fiercer than
most people realise. Tourists are also vulnerable to theft or mugging and the usual
precautions apply – keep jewellery, cameras, handbags and other valuables out of
sight, do not carry large sums of money, and avoid walking at night or along
isolated beaches and streets. Motorists should park in well-lit areas, be alert when
waiting for traffic lights to change, and if a hijacking does occur, keep your hands
where the attackers can see them and do not try to resist.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Teeger, Joseph
7 Third Street
Houghton Estate 2198
Johannesburg
Republic of South Africa
Tel. +27-11-728-4298
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it
bear the cost of any treatment.
Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
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Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +27
Telephone
To call home, the cheapest way is to use Skype or an international calling card like
the WorldCall card from the national operator, Telkom (telkom.co.za). That lets you
call any destination from a Telkom line, including those in hotels, at standard
Telkom rates. Area codes are used even for local calls.
Mobile Telephone
When making calls with their own mobile phones, travelers sometimes face high
roaming charges. South African SIM cards can be purchased at convenience
stores in cities and at airports if you show some ID. Mobile network operators
include Cell C (cellc.co.za), MTN (wegotu.mtn.co.za) und Vodacom
(vodacom.co.za).
Internet
In the cities, free Wi-Fi Internet access is available nearly everywhere. In particular,
it is provided in cafes, hotels and at locations frequented by tourists. As a
precaution, one should not enter passwords, credit card details or banking
credentials when using public, unencrypted networks. It is advisable to use a VPN
app or security software to check Wi-Fi hotspots.
Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in Johannesburg
Apartheid Museum
Through video footage, first-person stories and interactive exhibits, this is one of
the most engaging ways to explore this turbulent period of South Africa’s history.
Corner Northern Parkway and Gold Opening times: Tue-Sun 0900-1700
Reef Roads
Johannesburg 2001 www.apartheidmuseum.org
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 309 4700
Constitution Hill
Few places show the country’s transition to democracy better than Constitution
Hill. Tours of this sprawling former prison site take in Section Four where Mandela
and Gandhi were held and the new Constitutional Court with its fantastic art.
1 Kotze Street, Braamfontein Opening times: Mon-Fri 0900-1700,
2001 Johannesburg Sat-Sun 1000-1500
South Africa
Tel: 011 381 3100 www.constitutionhill.org.za
Mandela House
Mandela’s Soweto home is now a national museum displaying family photos,
memorabilia, honorary doctorates and gifts. Close by is the home of Archbishop
Desmond Tutu.
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8115 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Opening times: Daily 0900-1645
Soweto
1804 Johannesburg www.mandelahouse.co.za
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 936 7754
Arts on Main
Art galleries, working studios and public art are the flagship attraction in the lively
Maboneng district, which celebrates up-and-coming artists.
286 Fox Street Opening times: Tue-Sun 1000-1600
2094 Johannesburg
South Africa www.mabonengprecinct.com/entertain
Tel: 072 880 9583 ment/art-ga...
Top of Africa
Inside the 50-storey shopping and office skyscraper of the Carlton Centre, a lift
takes visitors to the viewing deck for panoramic views.
150 Commissioner Street Opening times: Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat
2107 Johannesburg 0900-1700, Sun 0900-1400
South Africa
Tel: 011 308 1331 www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/carlt
on_centre
Museum Africa
A former fruit and vegetable market houses this social and cultural history
museum, charting Johannesburg’s history and people through exhibitions such as
‘Ghandi’s Johannesburg’ and ‘My Culture?’.
Old Market Building, 121 Bree Street, Opening times: Tue-Sun 0900-1700
Newtown
2001 Johannesburg www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/mus
South Africa eum_africa
Tel: 011 833 5624
Hector Pieterson Museum
A tribute to the 12-year-old student killed during the 1976 Soweto Uprising, this
museum uses memorabilia and technology to map the apartheid struggle. A
memorial on the spot where Hector was shot is on nearby Khumalo Street.
8287 Khumalo St, Orlando West, Opening times: Mon-Sat 1000-1700,
Soweto Sun 1000-1630
Johannesburg
South Africa www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/hect
Tel: +27 11 536 0611 or_piet...
Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG)
This vast gallery with 15 halls and sculpture gardens has works by Picasso, Henry
Moore and Rodin and from South African artists Sekoto, Pierneef and Battiss.
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Corner Klein and King George Streets, Opening times: Tue-Sun 1000-1700
Joubert Park
2044 Johannesburg www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/joha
South Africa nnesbur...
Tel: +27 11 725 3130
SAB World Of Beer
Egyptian tombs, Johannesburg’s mining townships and Castle Beer are all part of
South Africa’s beer history. Tours are followed by tastings in the Tap Room.
Gerard Sekoto Street Opening times: Tue-Sat 1000-1800
2001 Johannesburg
South Africa www.worldofbeer.co.za
Tel: 011 836 4900
Liliesleaf
The former nerve centre of the liberation struggle, this award-winning heritage
centre explores the 1963 police raid which resulted in the Rivonia Trial, sentencing
Mandela and others to life imprisonment.
7 George Avenue, Rivonia Opening times: Mon-Fri 0830-1700,
2128 Johannesburg Sat-Sun 0900-1600
South Africa
Tel: 0111 803 7882 www.liliesleaf.co.za
Shopping in Johannesburg
Shopping in Johannesburg
Key Areas
In this sprawling city, knowing where to shop is key. For boutique clothes and gift
shops, the suburbs come up trumps such as Melville’s 11th Street and 4th Avenue
in Parkhurst. For art and trinkets, head to the up-and-coming district of Maboneng
near downtown Johannesburg.
Markets
Every Saturday, the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein takes place in a brick
warehouse, selling crafts, food and drink. Also on Saturdays is the Market Square
Market opposite Market Theatre. Sandton Craft Market off Nelson Mandela Square
is open daily and has a good selection of high-quality gifts and artwork. For
traditional souvenirs, Rosebank’s craft market next to the mall is a decent option.
Shopping Centres
Eastgate, Cresta, Sandton City and the mini malls which make up Rosebank
Mall are among the largest malls in Johannesburg. For independent shopping, 44
Stanley (Stanley Avenue, Milpark) in a disused building featuring local designers
and interesting restaurants.
Restaurants
Restaurants in Johannesburg
An explosive restaurant scene makes Johannesburg one of the best African cities
for foodies, be it for haute cuisine, fusion food or laid-back brunches.
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Qunu Grill
South African ingredients inspire the menu at the Saxon Hotel’s renowned
restaurant.
36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst Price: Expensive
2196 Johannesburg
South Africa
Level Four
Modern dishes devised by individual chefs are behind the success of this hotel
restaurant.
54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank Price: Moderate
2196 Johannesburg
South Africa
Canteen
Alfresco dining from Thursday to Saturday plus Sunday rooftop salsa in the
adjoining bar.
268 Fox Street Price: Moderate
2094 Johannesburg
South Africa
Tashas
Pastas, quesadillas, cocktails and craft beers on the menu at Tashas with outlets
across Johannesburg.
Shop 14, The Piazza, Melrose Arch Price: Cheap
Johannesburg
South Africa
The Ant Cafe
Unpretentious restaurant serving crispy pizzas and delicious salads on Melville’s
main street.
11, 7th Street, Melville Price: Cheap
2092 Johannesburg
South Africa
Nightlife
Nightlife in Johannesburg
Johannesburg packs a punch with its glitzy nightclubs, cool terraces, Soweto bars
and cultural hotspots.
Liberation Cafe
This open-fronted bar with a jukebox serves up great cocktails and tapas-style
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food.
5A, 7th Street, Melville
2092 Johannesburg
South Africa
Living Room
This alfresco rooftop bar in Maboneng is great for end-of-the-week drinking and
dancing.
20 Kruger Street
2094 Johannesburg
South Africa
Sakhumzi
Sakhumzi, with its cocktail and cigar bars, is one of several bar-restaurants on
Soweto’s Vilakazi Street where Mandela once lived.
6980 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West,
Soweto
1804 Johannesburg
South Africa
Latinova
In Rosebank’s Design District, this swanky club with outdoor lounge plays Latin
beats.
160 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank
2196 Johannesburg
South Africa
The Market Theatre
Open since 1976 during apartheid, it’s still top for independent theatre and has a
bar and bistro.
56 Margaret Mcingana St
Johannesburg 2048
South Afrika
Calendar of events
Calendar of events
FNB Dance Umbrella
Celebrating contemporary choreography and dance in South Africa, this event is a
firm favourite among young artists.
March 2019
http://www.danceforumsouthafrica.co.za
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Venue: Wits Theatre, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, The Dance
Factory, Newtown, Market Theatre
The Rand Show
The largest consumer trade fair in South Africa and usually held around Easter,
this show encompasses home furnishings, architecture, design, science,
technology, gardening, animal shows, competitions and adventure rides
19 - 28 April 2019
http://www.randshow.co.za
Venue: Joburg Expo Center
Decorex
A themed interior decoration, design and lifestyle exhibition.
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre
Gauteng Getaway Show
Dedicated to travellers and adventurers, this event showcases over 350 exhibits
including travel destinations, caravans, camping equipment and adventure
accessories. There is also a Travel & Taste theatre feature great wine and food, as
well as a live music stage.
4 - 6 October 2019
http://www.getawayshow.co.za
Venue: Ticketpro Dome, Olievenhout Avenue, Johannesburg-North Riding
Joy of Jazz
The oldest jazz festival in South Africa, this cultural event takes place once a year
at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg.
26 - 28 September 2019
http://www.joyofjazz.co.za
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
RMB WineX (Wine festival)
From Souvignon Blanc to Pinotage, this festival boasts around 800 wines
available for tasting. The event also features fine brandy, quality glassware and
artisanal olives.
24 - 26 October 2018
http://www.winex.co.za
Ort: Sandton Convention Centre
Hotels
Hotels in Johannesburg
Luxury global chains, family-run guesthouses, cool hostels and everything in
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between can be foundin the diverse suburbs which make up South Africa’s
dynamic metropolis.
Saxon Hotel, Villas And Spa
Ultimate luxury on 2.5 hectares (6 acres) of land, this all-suite hotel was Mandela’s
home when he wrote his autobiography.
36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst Category: Expensive
Johannesburg, Gauteng 2196
South Afrika
Ten Bompas
All-suite design hotel with celebrated Winehouse restaurant and glass-fronted
wine cellar.
10 Bompas Road Category: Expensive
2196 Johannesburg
South Africa
The Maslow
Business-centric hotel with popular bistro restaurant, techno gym and Africology
Spa.
Corner Grayston Drive and Rivonia Category: Moderate
Road, Sandton
2031 Johannesburg
South Africa
Willy’s Chateau
Family-run German bed and breakfast with outdoor pool in the suburb of
Kensington.
46 Leicester Road, Kensington Category: Budget
2094 Johannesburg
South Africa
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