Don’t just pass through Johannesburg
Many travellers don’t stay in Johannesburg. They transit through. I would love to be able to persuade you to spend a couple of nights in this city of Gold.
Apartheid Museum
A must see, is the world class Apartheid Museum. Visitors face the reality that was apartheid when issued with entry tickets ‘identifying’ the holder as ‘white’ or ‘non-white’.
Soweto Tour
A tour of Soweto is another must. There you will see the homes of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie Mandela and the memorial dedicated to 13-year old Hector Pieterson. Hector was shot and killed by police on June 16, 1976 when he and other students took to the streets to protest the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools.
Gold Reef City
On the same site as the Apartheid Museum is Gold Reef City where there is an amusement park, but the real reason to visit is to learn about the story of gold, do an underground mine tour and watch a gold pouring.
Lesedi Village
For a different cultural experience, Lesedi Village, an hour’s drive from the city, offers an insight into the cultures of African people.
Maropeng
Another museum worth visiting is the award winning Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site . Maropeng, the visitor centre, means “returning to the place of origin”. About an hour from the city by car, this is the home of ancient history and the birthplace of humanity. The self-guided, interactive exhibition is ideal for children and people of all ages.
Markets
I have a few favourites when it comes to markets. The African Craft Market of Rosebank next to Rosebank Mall is a showcase of curios and crafts from South Africa as well as the rest of Africa. On Sundays, the Rosebank Rooftop Market complements the African market.
On a Thursday or Saturday, head off to Johannesburg’s oldest outdoor market, the Bryanston Organic & Natural Market. Quality craft, organic produce and fabulous lunch is on offer. If I have time I try to get to the Oriental plaza. It has bargains galore, and is where I always go to buy the samosas of my childhood.
Johannesburg is a destination
So don’t just pass through Johannesburg, Make it one of your destinations.
The full post that I wrote for another site is here.