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When in Joburg … what to do PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 30 April 2008

From a high five to the big five, from dinner and dance to bed and breakfast. Take your pick from all the entertainment and facilities on offer in the city.

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PARTY animals agree that when it comes to nightlife, Joburg rocks. The city buzzes with an exciting range of dance clubs and a live music scene that's renowned the world over. South African jazz is particularly popular and there are many sophisticated venues where you can get down and experience the rhythm and soul of Africa.

Of course, having travelled all the way to the southern tip of Africa you want to catch some of the local vibes, check out the local brew, find someone to unpack the last game with, or simply kick back over a long cool beer. Pubs and shebeens abound, and there is bound to be a television in the corner where you can check out the latest results.

Along with the drinks, you’ll need to replenish your energy with some great food. South Africa is a good country for carnivores and a quality steak – or burger – is not hard to find in Joburg. From steakhouses and fast-food hamburger/steak eateries to upmarket restaurants devoted to hamburgers, there’s always a wide choice of places to eat.

And, not just the usual fare. South African specialities like crocodile, zebra and eland can be found on various menus, but if your taste buds are more inclined towards Moroccan, Thai or Indian cuisine (or, for that matter, McDonald's), you'll find there are plenty of options.

Take a tour to pick up the feel of the city – from the suburban vistas in the north to the bustling sites of the township. Visit the numerous museums that are dotted around the city and absorb something of the diverse cultural and historical influences that have contributed to making Johannesburg what it is today.

Between there’s enough to keep the adrenaline pumping. From surfing down mine dumps, jumping off buildings or rafting down rivers – there are adventures aplenty for excitement junkies in Joburg.

And given that you’re in Africa, you’ll want to see game, especially the Big Five. Well, we've got plenty of it – and not too far from Joburg either.

Souvenirs are a must. Most tourists want to take home mementoes of their travels, and the city's many flea markets are a treasure trove of suitable trophies. Pick up beautiful wooden carvings, African masks, wire toys and baskets, beadwork, colourful fabrics and other indigenous crafts. Then there's the ubiquitous Nelson Mandela memorabilia – a fitting reminder of a visit to the rainbow nation.

At the end of a busy day sightseeing and shopping, the city offers many superb hotels and guesthouses where you can relax and revitalise yourself before enjoying another day in Africa's most vibrant city.

 

Fun things to do

Eat some real African food at Gramadoelas, and then spend the afternoon getting your freak on in Newtown. Market Theatre, Bree Street, Newtown.
Tel: +27 11 838 6729 6960.

Go surfing - what else are mine dumps for? - with a snowboard on the yellow sand. Call Pure Rush Industries.
Tel: Marco on +27 82 605 1150 or Duncan on +27 72 443 7000.

Play with lion cubs or climb a ladder and hand feed the giraffes at the Lion Park in Honeydew. Malibongwe Drive, Honeydew.
Tel: +27 11 691 9905.
Website

Take a rollercoaster ride into the bowels of the earth at Gold Reef City. Northern Parkway, Ormonde, Johannesburg.
Tel: +27 11 248 5000.

Paraglide over Joburg, on a tandem flight for newbies of course, with Paragliding Adventures.
Tel: Carlos on +27 82 550 7568 or Hendrik on +27 82 894 0804.
Website

Take a taxi to Soweto. There are plenty of tour operators to try out.

If it’s Sunday, spend the morning buying souvenirs of your African adventure at the Rosebank Rooftop Market, The Mall of Rosebank, corner Bath and Baker streets, Rosebank.
Tel: +27 11 442 4488.

Learn about traditional South African medicine - and be fascinated by the wares on display - at the kwaMai Mai Muti Market, on the corner of Berea and Anderson streets, in the city centre.

Ride a horse through the veld with SA Horse Trails at Northern Farm Nature Reserve, in Johannesburg North.
Tel: +27 82 533 4545.
Website

Go to the top of the Carlton Centre and take in the sheer size of the city of gold. 52 Commissioner Street, city centre.
Tel: +27 11 308 1331.

Race around Kyalami Race Track in a sports car with Fantastic Racing.
Tel: +27 11 466 6601.

 

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R/$ 9.38
R/€ 12.68
R/£ 13.99
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Joburg speaks out


Jozi residents talk about their city, the 2010 build-up, their favourite places.
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