Johannesburg

A guided tour of the National Heritage Site of Constitution Hill takes visitors on a journey through South Africa's turbulent past, but also illustrates its incredible transition into democracy. There a number of tours of Constitutional Hill. Tourists can visit the Number Four prison, a dark and terrible place where Mahatma Ghandi, Robert Sobukwe, and Nelson Mandela were all incarcerated, along with many other victims of the racial hierarchy. The Old Fort is also open to the public. Built in 1893, it was a prison for white men (including British prisoners of war) during the South African War, and one of Johannesburg's oldest buildings. Visitors may also be interested in the Women's Prison, a pretty Victorian building where political activists like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Albertina Sisulu endured terrible suffering, and infamous murderess Daisy de Melker was incarcerated. Lastly, tourists might want to visit the Constitutional Court. It is the institution responsible for ensuring that the human rights horrors that once characterised Constitution Hill will never occur again. Tours must be booked in advance via the official website listed below. Tours take about an hour and a half and are very informative. The Constitutional Court is open to the public. Exploring Constitution Hill provides an interesting overview of the prison system during apartheid and it is one of Johannesburg's most fascinating historical attractions.

Address : Constitutional Court, Johannesburg

Website : www.constitutionhill.org.za

The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains a complex of dolomitic limestone caves, including the well-known Sterkfontein Caves, where the fossil Australopithecus africanus (nicknamed Mrs. Ples) was found in 1947 by Dr Robert Broom and John Robinson. 'Mrs Ples' is estimated to be between 2.6 and 2.8 million years old and ranks high on the long list of australopithecine discoveries for which Sterkfontein is now famous. At present, only the Sterkfontein Caves and the Wonder Cave are open to the public. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is a stirring, world-class exhibition space, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors and evolution over the past few million years. The museum has fun interactive exhibits which the whole family will enjoy. Visitors should note that the best option for fully appreciating the visit is buying the combination ticket for the caves and the museum. However, this ticket is only available before 1pm as the tour takes some time.There are a number of restaurants at the centre, both upmarket and casual, and some picturesque picnic sites for those who prefer to bring their own food. There is a range of accommodation at the centre for those who want to spend a night or two.

Website : www.maropeng.co.za

This huge entertainment complex is essentially a theme park full of thrill rides, but was designed to recreate Victorian Johannesburg during the gold-rush era. Situated five miles (8km) south of the city centre via the M1 motorway, the park was built around the No.14 Crown mineshaft that began operations in 1887 and closed in 1971. During its production years, 1,400 tons of gold came out of the shaft. Visitors can now descend into the old mine shaft to experience life at the rock face, and watch gold being poured and minted. Gold Reef City also houses a number of museums, and offers performances by traditional gumboot dancers and the like. Youngsters particularly enjoy rides like the Anaconda roller coaster and Thunder Mountain River Rapids. The range of rides ensures that there is plenty for all age groups and a good mixture of the mellow and adrenalin-pumping. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, a massive casino, and a Victorian hotel for those wanting to stay the night.Gold Reef City is a must for families spending a bit of time in Johannesburg and is also located conveniently close to the Apartheid Museum, creating the ultimate touristic marriage of hard-hitting history and theme-park fun.

Website : www.goldreefcity.co.za

Hector Pieterson became the iconic image of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in Apartheid South Africa, when a news photograph of the dying Hector being carried by a fellow student was published across the globe. He was just 12 years old when the police opened fire on school children who had gathered to protest the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in township schools. The protest was intended to be peaceful but became a violent confrontation when police demanded that the students disperse; students threw stones and police fired bullets. News of the bloodshed ignited uprisings across the country in which 550 people were killed. Hector was one of the first to die on that tragic day. The museum fuses memorabilia with modern technology and cultural history and is located two blocks away from where Hector was killed. Hector's sister, Antoinette, who is seen in the famous photograph holding her hands out in panic, worked for many years as a tour guide at the museum. The 16th of June is a public holiday named National Youth Day in South Africa. It honours the youth who bravely stood up to the apartheid regime, and young people in general.

Address : Hector Pieterson Sq., corner of Khumalo and Pela, Orlando West, Soweto

The Johannesburg Zoo is a favourite place for locals to take a stroll. Its numerous enclosures house more than 320 species of animal, including polar bears that can be viewed underwater in their pool. Of course, the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo) are all in residence, while other highlights include lemurs, gorillas, caracals, Siberian tigers, hippos, orangutans, brown bears, and cheetahs. The zoo's various monkeys are also very entertaining. Visitors will appreciate the large collection of birdlife, and parents will enjoy treating their kids to the farmyard section's activities. A tractor tram does circuits of the zoo for those who don't fancy walking. Travellers should check the official website below for details on feeding times. The penguins and seals are particularly active during feeds. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and rehabilitation and conducts some breeding programmes. It also hosts some interesting exhibits and events. The Museum of Military History on the zoo's eastern edge has some interesting exhibits like tanks, fighter aircraft, and submarines. Visitors will find many restaurants and food stalls for refreshments.

Address : Jan Smuts Avenue, main public entrance on Upper Park Drive, Parkview

Website : www.jhbzoo.org.za

The Kruger National Park is South Africa's oldest, largest and best-known wildlife conservation area, home to a huge variety of wildlife and most famous for its 'Big Five' viewing opportunities. Visitors have an excellent chance of seeing lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino among the enormous variety of wildlife, including over 140 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Situated on South Africa's northeastern border, Kruger is a primary destination for international tourists, and is visited by more than half a million local and international visitors every year who are attracted by the different safari options as well as the park's excellent range of visitor facilities and choice of accommodation, from luxurious game lodges to cottages and camping. Because of the park's popularity, it is advisable to book far ahead for both day visits and extended stays. Bookings can be made through the park's website.Kruger is a year-round destination, but the game viewing is at its best in the winter months, between June and August. The park is more lush and the landscapes more beautiful in summer but it gets very hot and the animals are more difficult to spot. The Kruger Park is generally very safe and tourists should be in no danger if they abide by the rules and treat the animals with respect; these are, after all, wild animals in their natural environment and some of them can be dangerous if they feel threatened.

Website : www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger

Situated in the Bojanala region of the North West Province, the 'Las Vegas of South Africa' is one of the largest entertainment centres for adults in the world. Visitors can look forward to casinos, golf courses, live shows, and the architectural wonder of the Lost City. The vast resort complex is one of South Africa's top attractions for gambling, entertainment, and opulence. Guests will find a luxurious palace at its centre, where frescoes, palm fronds, mosaics and elephant tusks complement the resort's life-sized model animals. Lakes, forests, and a tropical beach surround the Lost City. Along with a variety of water sports, guests can enjoy The Valley of the Waves, which is the most advanced waterpark in the country. Among other things, it has a wave machine capable of generating seven-foot (2m) waves. The waterpark's numerous slides and wonderful Lazy River are fabulous fun for the whole family. Buying a day pass for the Lost City waterpark allows visitors to explore the extensive grounds and access the casino.There are a number of Sun International hotels on the property and the resort complex also borders on the Pilanesberg National Park. Home to the Big Five, it is a popular game-viewing destination.

Website : www.suninternational.com

Melville is an old suburb known for its quirky, artistic atmosphere, eclectic little shops, pavement cafés, fun bars, restaurants, and clubs. This trendy suburb is a hive of activity on any given night of the week. It is the place to go out and carouse in Johannesburg for visitors who prefer a bohemian vibe to the preppy, upmarket nightlife that generally characterises the city. Seventh Street is the central zone from which all the character emanates and is a great place to start. Its collection of book and antique shops, cafés, and other interesting storefronts are well worth exploring. Partygoers barhop into the small hours, but tourists should refrain from walking around too much at night, and be aware of pickpockets.

Address : West of the city centre

Located in the city centre, this complex of buildings has been upgraded and restored as part of the city fathers' urban renewal policy and includes several attractions. For instance, the Market Theatre and Museum Africa are housed in a Victorian building in Bree Street - originally Johannesburg's fresh produce market. The Museum of Africa is particularly worth a visit, as its exhibits tell the city's story from its beginnings to the present day. The display includes an interesting section about the Treason Trial of the 1950s, in which Nelson Mandela and other activists were accused of plotting against the state. The same building houses a photography museum and the Museum of South African Rock Art. At its eastern end is the Market Theatre, famed for being the venue for many protest theatre productions in the apartheid era. Also in the area is the South African Breweries Centre, which offers a tour detailing brewing history through some reconstructed gold-rush pubs and shebeens (township bars). Along Jeppe Street is the Oriental Plaza, the commercial centre for the Indian community.Newtown is also renowned for its nightlife, with wonderful restaurants, jazz establishments, and clubs that stay open until the early hours.

Website : www.newtown.co.za

SABMiller started in South Africa and has expanded to become one of the world's largest and most popular brewers of beer. The World of Beer offers a fun, short tour, which summarises the history of the company, beer in general, and details the brewing process. The tour begins with a televised talk from Charles Glass, the brew master of the famous Castle Lager and the man responsible for laying the foundations of South African Breweries (SAB). The tour also covers ancient beer brewing in Mesopotamia and how it spread through Europe and Africa. Visitors get to learn about and sample traditional South African sorghum beer, and explore the evolution of brewing in South African culture. They will then visit the green houses where the raw ingredients are grown. The price includes one beer during the tour, a souvenir glass, two drink vouchers redeemable in the Tap Room, and bar snacks after the tour. Only those over 18 (the legal drinking age in South Africa) will be allowed to partake in the beer drinking.However, all ages are welcome on tours and the visit should prove interesting even for non-beer drinkers. Visitors are welcome to stay in the pub and have a few drinks for as long as they desire after their tour.

Address : Corner of President and Miriam Makeba Roads, Newtown

Website : www.worldofbeer.co.za

Soweto's history goes back to 1903, when Kliptown was established as the first black settlement on the outskirts of Johannesburg. An abbreviation for South-Western Township, Soweto has had a turbulent history and was at the centre of the Apartheid struggle in South Africa. The ANC and other organisations adopted the Freedom Charter in Kliptown in 1955, and the Soweto Uprising of 1976 was one of the pivotal events in the struggle. Soweto is home to several famous landmarks, including Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Diepkloof, Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Rockville, and the Freedom Towers. In Orlando, tourists can visit Vilikazi Street, which is the only street in the world to have been the home of two Nobel Peace Prize winners (Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu). On the street, Mandela House has been restored to the state it was in when the former president lived there.A number of historic museums are also popular attractions in Soweto, including the Hector Pieterson Museum, the Kliptown Open-Air Museum, and the Apartheid Museum. The Orlando Cooling Towers are a fun, popular attraction. Part of a decommissioned coal-fired power station, the towers have been brightly painted and offer rap jumping opportunities.Tours of Soweto are a must for any first-time visitor to Johannesburg and South Africa, and a number of tour operators offer trips into Soweto. The most popular are the historical tours, stopping at museums and famous sites, and the nightlife tours, which include stops at local shebeens (township bars).Soweto is also home to some excellent restaurants, ranging from five-star establishments to holes-in-the-wall, which serve local African cuisine. Although many tourists have concerns about whether it's safe to visit Soweto, most visits are completely trouble-free when organised by a reputable tour operator.

Website : www.soweto.co.za

Situated near Gold Reef City, the Apartheid Museum chronicles South Africa's tragic and shameful history of black oppression. On display are relics of the apartheid system, an abhorrent regime which denied non-whites basic freedoms and an equal life in the country. Visitors often describe the experience of the Apartheid Museum as harrowing. At the same time, the story of the struggle over adversity is inspirational and serves as an integral and important part of the new South African narrative and its reflections on history. To give some idea of the everyday realities of racial classification, visitors arbitrarily are classified as either 'white' or 'non-white' upon arrival and can only enter through their designated entrance. Due to graphic content, the museum does not allow children under the age of 11. Probably South Africa's most impressive and hard-hitting museum, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is a must for visitors to Johannesburg interested in the country's history. The museum often ranks as the number one tourist attraction in the city. Allow at least three hours if you want to explore thoroughly.

Address : Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg

Website : www.apartheidmuseum.org

Johannesburg is one of the most densely treed cities in the world and has a number of pleasant parks and gardens. Among them, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is undoubtedly the city's most superb green lung. Located in the west of Johannesburg, this urban oasis covers 741 acres (300ha), and offers lush gardens and scenic hiking trails. The botanical garden was founded in 1982, with the area used consistently for hiking and outdoor excursions since the 1800s. Locals consistently rate it the best place to explore nature in Gauteng. The gardens are a terrific place for birdwatchers and garden-enthusiasts interested in seeing a variety of fauna and flora. There are over 200 bird species as well as over 600 plant species in the gardens. The landscapes are a mixture of grassland and savanna, with some rocky outcrops and lots of little streams and kloofs. Parts of the garden are beautifully landscaped but swathes have been left as unspoilt wilderness.After a walk or hike, it is common practice to enjoy a picnic on the lawns at the foot of the breath-taking Witpoortjie waterfall.

Address : End of Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort

Website : www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu

The area known as Springbok Flats is part of the Great Rift Valley and lies on the national road north from Johannesburg. Bela-Bela town is located on the area's edge. Still commonly known as Warmbaths (the name officially changed in 2002), it is famous for its hot mineral springs. The springs yield about 20,000 litres of water every hour, all of which is enriched with sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, and other minerals. The town is a popular spa and holiday resort. The main resort, Warmbaths, has a large indoor pool with underwater jets, outdoor hot and cold swimming pools, jacuzzis, a wave pool, and several water slides. The resort also includes facilities for waterskiing, go-karting, quad biking, pedal boating, miniature golf, archery, tennis, squash, and volleyball, as well as several shops and restaurants. Accommodation is varied but the resort is open to day visitors as well, who can enter anytime between 7am and 5pm daily.