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Johannesburg
City Centre
Johannesburg's City Centre is a vibrant juxtaposition of the first world and the third world. The central part of Jo'burg (as it is known among locals), whose tall skyscrapers are today a reminder of a previous era of commerce, has been returned to Africa. Most businesses have migrated to the northern suburbs, transforming downtown into a cacophony of African hawkers and traders who line the grids of streets in a colorful profusion. Vendors display shiny fruit and vegetables, young women scoop out pap (maize) and sauce, and Indian merchants sell gaudy clothing. The crime rate in this area is high, so visitors are encouraged to take sensible precautions: walk in a group, don't carry valuables, and don't walk around at night or on weekends when there are no crowds.
The Standard Bank Collection of African Art provides some cultural relief in the City Centre with its display of art from across the continent. To gain perspective of the city, visit the observation deck at the top of the Carlton Centre on Commissioner Street. This is Africa's... more
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Ratings & Reviews
5 reviews of Johannesburg, South Africa
Exciting Johannesburg
Submitted by:geisler219
August 4, 2008
For me Johannesburg is one of the great cities in the world. Downtown is a real African city bustling with people cars and street vendors. A perfect spot to view the city is from the 50th floor of the Carlton Center. Stroll around the Market Theater area with shops cafes and the nearby Museum Africa. Caution: Do not do this on your own always have a knowledgeable local with you since crime statistics are still through the roof even though there is more police on the street and a network of cameras as well. The Northern suburbs ( like Sandton) are superb here you find your major hotels and shopping malls. I prefer the bed and breakfasts like the Twickenham in Auckland Park (near SABC television studios and TV tower) and the Space in Melville. Melville is a mini edition of South Street in Philadelphia with bars restaurants and shops and plenty of interesting people. Most suburban houses are behind high walls so you can't look inside however once inside you find these magnificent lush gardens with flowers trees and bushes. Take a trip to capital of South Africa Pretoria about an hour away. Stroll aroud Church square downtown and visit the Union Buildings (headquarters of government) with its magnificent gardens. You wan to see wildlife 2 hours away from Jo'burg is Pilanesberg National Park with The Big Five. Next to the Park is Sun City a South African version of Las Vegas. Do not forget Soweto to learn about the country's Apartheid years. When to travel? Any seasons is finethe summers are in the low 80's (there is the daily afternoon thunderstorm) and winters are always sunny (no rain) and in the 60's and low 70's. So enjoy your stay. I have been to South Africa three times in the past three years.
Date of Trip to : November2007
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: $2001-$3000
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Report ThisMY THIRD TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA
Submitted by:THETEDDER
May 21, 2008
SOUTH AFRICA IS A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY; SEEING ALL THE BIG FIVE UP CLOSE. ENJOYING THE COMFORT OF WENDY'S COUNTRY LODGE ON MTUBATUBA ZULU LAND. MY THIRD TRIP TO SOUTH FRICA IN TEN YRS -- WONDEFUL TRIP
Date of Trip to : April2008
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: $1001-$2000
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Report ThisJohannesburg south africa
Submitted by:JBelins3
February 3, 2008
I lived with my former wife in the suburbs of Johannesburg for three years.I love Johanneburg. The weather is second to none. I recommend going to the Johannesburg Zoo where one can enjoy the day and the enterance fee in nominal.Next store to the zoo is Zoo lake. One can enjoy a nice dining experience in the restaurant next to the lake. The scenery even in the winter is beautiful. Joannesburg offers some interesting sites. One has to be careful with one's visit to advoid the high crime areas of the city. Casual clothing and no jewerly will advoid most of the problems. The food in Johannesburg is excellent.. in fact second to none. Withe the favorable rand dollar exchange dining is in expensive. Traveling at night in Johannesburg is dangerous due to the high jacking. Travel during the day is relatively safe. The new lost cities gambling casino next to four corners mall is a fun adventure. Visit sandton city mall and enjoy many luxuries. A trip to the lions park beyond the city will be very enjoyable. The ranberg gardens in randberg will provide great dining and a fun time visiting the local shops. Have a money burger at steers and enjoy the food. Try their ice cream as it takes very diffrent from what we eat in the states. Visit clicks and enjoy the south africa biltong.. their version of beef jerkey.Most of all go to Nando and enjoy some of their perri peri chicken. Enjoy a night at the randberg gardens and see the laser show. Take your family up pretoria and visit the hartesbeesdorph dam. Buy some of the local nuts and fruits and enjoy the day.Take the tram ride up the hughe cliffs and enjoy the parasailors. Most of all bring your camera with you and plenty of film. Take some time to enjoy yourself in johannesburggo during the off seasons.. and visit margate south of durban...... 12 dollars us for a beautiful three bedroom motel with a kitchenMost of all enjoy.... South Africa is truely a real eden. Despite the crime and povertyis a beautiful
Date of Trip to : June1998
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: $3001-$5000
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Frommer's Johannesburg, South Africa
The bushveld plains that remained unchanged for millions of years were irrevocably transformed when a prospector named George Harrison stumbled...
