Johannesburg, South Africa — Attractions
Kruger National Park
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 north eastern border, Kruger is a primary destination for international tourists, and is visited by more than half a million local and international people 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 advised to book ahead for both day visits and extended stays. Bookings can be made through the park's website.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Phone Number
- 013 735 4000
- Website
- www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger
- Hours
- Park gates: daily 5:30am to 6:30pm (November-February), 6am to 5:30/6pm (March to October). Camp gates open 4:30am (January), 5:30am (February, March and October to December), 6am (April to September); closing times same as park gates
- Admission
- R180 (foreign adult), R90 (foreign child under 12) per day; R45 per day for South African residents
Gold Reef City
This entertainment complex is essentially a theme park full of thrill rides, but was designed to be a re-creation of Victorian Johannesburg during the gold-rush era. The park, four miles (6km) south of the city center via the M1 motorway, was built around the No.14 Crown mineshaft that began operations in 1887 and closed in 1975. 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. Youngsters particularly enjoy the rides like the Anaconda roller coaster and Thunder Mountain River Rapids. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, a massive casino, and a Victorian hotel for those wanting to stay the night.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Phone Number
- 011 248 6800
- Email Address
- info@goldreefcity.co.za
- Website
- www.goldreefcity.co.za
- Hours
- Theme park: Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am to 5pm; open daily during Gauteng school holidays; closed on Christmas day
- Admission
- R150 adults. Concessions and family tickets available
Newtown Cultural Precinct
This complex of buildings in the city center has been upgraded and restored as part of the city fathers' urban renewal policy and provides several attractions. The Market Theater and Museum Africa, for instance are housed in a Victorian building in Bree Street that was originally Johannesburg's fresh produce market. The Museum of Africa is particularly worth a visit with its exhibits that tell the story of the city from its beginnings to the present day, including 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 Theater, famed for being the venue for many protest theater productions in the Apartheid era. Also in the area, in President Street, is the South African Breweries Center, 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 center for the Indian community.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Hours
- Museum Africa open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm
- Admission
- Free
Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo is a favorite place for locals to take a stroll among the numerous enclosures that house more than 3,000 species of animal, including polar bears that can be viewed underwater in their pool. Of course the Big Five are all in residence too. A tractor-tram does circuits of the zoo for those who don't fancy walking. On the eastern edge of the zoo is the Museum of Military History, which has some interesting exhibits like tanks, fighter aircraft and submarines.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Jan Smuts Avenue, main public entrance on Upper Park Drive, Parkview
- Phone Number
- 011 646 2000
- Email Address
- info@jhbzoo.org.za
- Website
- www.jhbzoo.org.za
- Hours
- Daily 8:30am to 5:30pm
- Admission
- R50 (adults), R30 (children 3-12); other concessions available
Sterkfontein Caves
The ancient dolomite caves with an underground lake, situated a few miles north of Johannesburg, form part of what archaeologists call the 'Cradle of Humankind'. Sterkfontein is recognized as one of the world's most important palaeontological sites, having yielded fossil deposits dating from up to three and a half million years ago, spanning the development of hominids. Among the most famous finds are the 'Taung child', 'Little Foot' and 'Mrs Ples'. Because the cave environment is fragile, visitors are not allowed into certain areas, particularly those that scientists are working on. There are however guided tours of one of the sections, which include the massive Hall of Elephants. A visitor center includes the Hominid exhibition, conference facilities and a restaurant.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Kromdraai Road, seven miles (12km) north of Krugersdorp
- Phone Number
- 014 577 9000
- Website
- www.maropeng.co.za/index.php/sterkfontein/
- Hours
- Daily 9am to 5pm; tours run every 30 minutes until 4pm
- Admission
- R120 (adults), R70 (children)
Hartbeespoort Dam
North of Johannesburg lies one of South Africa's oldest dams, built in 1923, which provides a favorite day trip for city dwellers set against the Magaliesberg mountain range. A scenic road encircles the dam, culminating in a tunnel just before it reaches the dam wall and the Hartbeespoort village. The village offers a small zoo and snake park, cableway, bird park, aquarium and several restaurants and curio shops.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Phone Number
- 083 540 4000
- Website
- www.hartbeespoortdam.org
Warmbaths
On the national road north towards Zimbabwe is the flat area known as the Springbok Flats, part of the Great Rift Valley. About 80 miles (125km) north of Johannesburg on the edge of the Flats lies the town of Warmbaths, named for the hot mineral springs that rise to the surface there. The spring yields about 20,000 liters of water, enriched with sodium chloride, calcium carbonate and other minerals every hour. The town has now become a popular spa and vacation resort, considered to be one of the most modern of its kind in the world. It has a large indoor pool with underwater jets, outdoor hot and cold swimming pools, wave pools, and water slides.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
Palace of the Lost City
Situated in the Bojanala region of the North West Province, the 'Las Vegas' of South Africa is one of the largest adult entertainment centers in the world, with casinos, golf, 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, a luxury theme park for adults that was the multi-million dollar dreamchild of South African entrepreneur, Sol Kerzner. The Lost City, with its African theme of life-size animals, has at its center a luxurious 'palace' decorated with mosaics, frescoes, palm fronds and elephant tusks. Surrounding it are lakes, forests and a tropical beach. There are a variety of watersports and The Valley of the Waves, the most advanced waterpark in the country, has among other things a wave machine capable of generating almost seven-foot (2m) waves. The resort complex also borders on the Pilanesberg National Park, home to the 'Big Five' and a popular game-viewing destination.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Phone Number
- 014 557 1000
- Email Address
- natsales@za.suninternational.com
- Website
- www.suninternational.com
- Transport
- The resort offers a daily shuttle express service between Sun City and Johannesburg (from the airport, Eastgate Shopping Center, Sandton Sun Hotel and Fourways Mall)
SAB World of Beer
SABMiller started in South Africa and has expanded to become one of the world's largest 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. Afterwards visitors can enjoy a draught or two on the house in the resident pub.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Corner of President and Miriam Makeba Roads, Newtown
- Phone Number
- 011 836 4900
- Website
- www.worldofbeer.co.za
- Hours
- Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am, last tour at 5pm.
- Admission
- R30
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
Not known for being an especially green city, this oasis in the west side of Johannesburg covers 741 acres (300ha), offering lush gardens and scenic hiking trails. The gardens are a terrific place for bird watching (over 200 species) and garden-enthusiasts interested in seeing a variety of flora and fauna (over 600 species). After a walk or hike, it is common practice to enjoy a picnic on the lawns at the foot of the breathtaking Witpoortjie waterfall.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- end of Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort
- Phone Number
- 086 100 1278
- Website
- www.sanbi.org
- Hours
- Daily 8am to 6pm, no entry after 5pm.
- Admission
- R25 for adults, concessions available.
Melville
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, offering anything from hip and upmarket to just plain odd coffee shops, bars and dance venues throng the streets. The bohemian Seventh Street is a great place to start with its collection of book and antique shops, cafes, and other interesting storefronts. Partygoers barhop into the small hours, but tourists should refrain from walking around too much, and be aware of pickpockets as crime has risen in the area in the last few years.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- West of the city center
The Apartheid Museum
South Africa's history of black oppression is chronicled in this building, situated near Gold Reef City. Relics of the Apartheid system, which banned non-whites from certain areas and from receiving an education, as well as forbidding interracial relationships, can be found here, right down to a bench marked for 'Whites Only'. Visitors often describe the experience of the Apartheid Museum as 'heart wrenching', but at the same time find the story of the struggle over adversity inspirational. Due to graphic content, the museum does not allow children under the age of 11.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg
- Phone Number
- 011 309 4700
- Website
- www.apartheidmuseum.org
- Hours
- Tuesday to Sundays, 10am to 5pm
- Admission
- R50 Adults, concessions available
Constitution Hill
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. Visitors are guided through the Old Fort Prison Complex where the peeling walls and rusty barred cells have many a story to tell of South Africa's past 100 years; from British soldiers in the Anglo Boer War and rebellious youths caught in the Soweto uprising to Nelson Mandela, Joe Slovo and infamous murderess Daisy de Melker. The tour concludes with a look at South Africa's Constitutional Court, the keeper of the basic rights and freedom that those imprisoned here had struggled to win.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Constitutional Court, Johannesburg
- Phone Number
- 011 381 3100
- Email Address
- visitorcenter@constitutionhil.org.za
- Website
- www.constitutionhill.org.za
- Hours
- Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (last tour at 4pm); Saturday 10am3pm. Closed Sunday
- Admission
- Guided tours adults: R30. Concessions available
Hector Pieterson Memorial Site and Museum
Hector Pieterson became the iconic image of the 1976 Soweto uprising during 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, unprovoked, opened fire on school children who had gathered to protest the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in township schools. The museum fuses memorabilia with modern technology and cultural history and is located two blocks away from where Hector was killed. In 2007 Hector's sister Antoinette, who is seen in the famous photograph holding her hands held out in panic, was working at the museum as a tour guide and today 16 June is a public holiday named National Youth Day to honor young people.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Hector Pieterson Sq., corner of Khumalo and Pela Sts., Orlando West, Soweto
- Phone Number
- (011) 536 0611
- Hours
- Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm; Weekends 10am-4:30pm
- Admission
- Adults: R25, students: R5
Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng Visitor Center
The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains a complex of dolimitic limestone caves, including the 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 Center is a stirring, world-class exhibition space, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors and evolution over the past few million years.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Phone Number
- 011 956 6342 (Sterkfontein Cave); 011 957 0106 (Wonder Cave)
- Website
- www.maropeng.co.za
- Hours
- Daily from 9am to 5pm
- Admission
- R115. R190 combination ticket (Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves). Concession available.
Sun City
In Sun City, 'where the sun always shines', kids will love the various activities and attractions. A must-see is the Valley of the Waves, its fantastic 2m surf breaking onto a artificial beach. Fun activities include horse riding, elephant rides, quad biking and archery. There is also a great games arcade to enjoy.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Pilanesberg, in the North West Province (187km from Johannesburg).
- Phone Number
- 014 557 1000
- Website
- www.suncity.co.za
Unicorn Wish
Kids will be enchanted by the wonderful world of unicorns, fairies and gnomes to be found at Unicorn Wish. While all the kids enjoy the pony rides, the fairy garden is a favorite for little girls and the boys love seeing the exotic llamas and camels. Fun children's crafts include candle making and fabric painting.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Partridge Road, Sun Valley
- Phone Number
- 011 464 2424
- Hours
- 8am to 5pm weekends, 10am to 5pm weekdays (closed on Wednesdays)
Color Café
Children can let their creative tendencies run rampage at Color Café, which has a selection of pottery items just waiting to be painted. From plates, mugs and vases to money boxes and fairy ornaments, the choice of ceramics is vast, and painted items will be glazed and collectable in a week. The cakes and muffins at the café are also great!
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Hyde Square Shopping Center
- Phone Number
- 011 341 0734
- Email Address
- samanthas@vodamail.co.za
- Website
- www.colorcafe.co.za
- Hours
- Daily, 9am to 5pm
Market Theater
Market Theater is a popular Jo'burg entertainment complex offering live theater venues (boasting the first production of Sarafina), bookshops, galleries and restaurants, as well as a flea market on Saturdays. The adjoining Museum Africa showcases the lives and cultures of the South African people. The theater hosts a variety of local productions throughout the year that can enhance a visit to Johannesburg. Information on upcoming productions can be found on their website.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Bree Street, Newtown
- Website
- www.markettheater.co.za
- Hours
- 11am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, 11am to 6pm on Saturdays; Closed on Sundays
Johannesburg Art Gallery
Visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park to see a vast collection of works by a host of famous artists, both local and international. Some of the exhibits date as far back as the 15th century and there are also a number of contemporary pieces on display.
- Region/City Name
- Johannesburg
- Address
- Klein Street, Joubert Park
- Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
- Admission
- Free
