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1. Of course you could do all of the following or just register to our cultural scavenger hunt!
2. Take a look to this map of the city, to have a real idea on how it is built and organized.
3. The Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum is very popular among visitors who are eager to learn about the history of the city and South Africa as a whole. The non-profit museum was opened in 2001 and relies on donations, contributions and sponsorship to keep functioning and growing. The Apartheid Museum is the first of its kind and documents the rise and fall of the apartheid system. Here you’ll be able to learn through film footage, photographs, text panels and a variety of artifacts that bear witness to the events and human stories that were part of the apartheid. Get Google maps directions>
4. Lion Park
The wildlife conservation known as Lion Park is dedicated to the protection of Transvaal lions and is spread over 500 acres of land in the Gauteng province. More than 80 lions live in the park (including some rare white lions), along with many other carnivores such as cheetahs, Cape wild dogs, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackal and a wide range of antelopes. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see such splendid wildlife variety that has even attracted famous celebrities. An outing like this is perfect for the entire family. Get Google maps directions>
5. Nelson Mandela Square
Formerly known as Sandton Square, Nelson Mandela Square was renamed in 2004 in honor of the former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist, the late Nelson Mandela. A striking statue of Nelson Mandela was erected in the square, which lures many visitors who want to take a picture next to the iconic president. The square also boasts a sprinkler fountain, which provides great entertainment for children. Get Google maps directions>
6. Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park
Situated in close proximity to the Lion Park, Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park is one of the world’s favorite wildlife filming venues for crocodiles and other reptiles. The park provides a great experience for the whole family. Don’t miss feeding time as the crocodiles wrestle each other for chickens. Best of all, you can have a photo taken holding a baby crocodile or a snake. Be sure to check out the snake show, and once you’ve seen everything the park has to offer you can go for a meal at the pizza restaurant. Get Google maps directions>
7. The Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe
The ruins of Mapungubwe were discovered in 1932. They provide evidence not only of the early smiting of gold in southern Africa, but also of the extravagant wealth and social differentiation of the people of Mapungubwe. Among the ruins a gold foil rhinoceros was found molded over a soft core of sculpted wood. A replica of the gold rhinoceros was erected on Fox Street, just opposite the Hollard Street pedestrian mall. The Limpopo province, where the discovery was made, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many people stop by The Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe to take a photo with this historical gem. Get Google maps directions>
8. Soweto
The townships are the heart of the nation and none beats louder than Soweto. Standing for ‘South West Townships’, this area has evolved from one of forced habitation to an address of pride and social prestige as well as a destination in its own right. Come here to experience welcoming township life and to visit places of tremendous historical significance such as the former home of Nelson Mandela, and the Hector Pieterson Museum.
For many years now it has been safe to visit the main sights independently. A stroll down buzzing Vilakazi St offers an insight into modern African sensibilities, while the addition of the Orlando Towers bungee, or taking in a show at the marvellous Soweto Theatre, provides quality, fun experiences in what can be a place of great political abstraction. Get Google maps directions>
9. Lesedi Cultural Village
A visit to Lesedi Cultural Village is always fulfilling, as the place allows visitors to get a glimpse of the different South African tribes and cultures. Located near the Hartbeespoort Dam, the Lesedi Cultural Village reproduces traditional houses and offers demonstrations of dances and other traditions of the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, Nguni and Ndebele people. For a reasonable price you get to sleep in colorfully decorated traditional huts equipped with bathrooms. You can also sample authentic African cuisines prepared by talented local cooks.
Get Google maps directions>
Karl is our Johannesburg local representative, we asked him what an ideal day of leisure in Johannesburg could look like, what he would suggest to do from early morning to late at night
Here is what he suggests. Don't hesitate to contact Karl on Twitter @bigcitychase #Madrid #questionforKarl if you have questions for him, we may publish your conversation in this blog if he thinks it might be useful to other Johannesburg visitors.
Karl from Johannesburg for Big City Chase Johannesburg :
"Hi there, my name is Karl, I grew up near Capetown and moved to Johannesburg a couple years ago for work,
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