The post 4 Important Things About Johannesburg, South Africa, No One Tells You appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>You Can Expect Frequent Power Blackouts
South Africa is having trouble producing enough electricity to meet the demand in its bigger cities. As a result, there are frequent power blackouts that have the goal of easing the strained power distribution network. Johannesburg is no different, and you should expect to find yourself in the middle of at least a few power blackouts while there.
It Can Get Cold
South Africa mostly has pleasant weather for most of the year, but Johannesburg can get really cold due to its high altitude. This is especially the case if you are traveling from June through August when it’s winter time in the Southern Hemisphere.
Everyone Expects a Tip
Make sure to have some South African Rand on you at all times because you will be doing a lot of tipping during your stay. Aside from waiters, most other service providers expect a tip for their efforts, including hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour providers.
Pickpocketing and Petty Theft is Common
While Johannesburg is overall safe to visit, you should still exercise a great degree of caution when it comes to your valuables. Pickpocketing and petty theft are common, and thieves often target tourists, especially at points of arrival.
The post 4 Important Things About Johannesburg, South Africa, No One Tells You appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Best Sights And Sounds To See In Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Gold Reef City Theme Park
The site of an old gold mine, Gold Reef City Theme Park is packed with wild rollercoasters and intriguing tours of a mining theme. There’s also the Gold Reef City Heritage Tour, which enables you to experience Johannesburg Gold Rush in an authentic mine.
Johannesburg Zoo
With over 2,000 animals on offer, the Johannesburg Zoo is home to an array of local and foreign animal species alike. The zoo also hosts an array of social events, including a grow your own food day in celebration of World Food Day.
Emperor’s Palace
If you’re looking for a night of nonstop entertainment, then Emperor’s Palace is your ideal destination. From its hotels and casino to its cinema and restaurants, this entertainment complex never sleeps.
The post Best Sights And Sounds To See In Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Beautiful National Parks To Visit from Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Pilanesberg National Park
Located northwest of Johannesburg, Pilanesberg is set inside an extinct volcanic crater, and it’s worth visiting for its rugged landscapes and rock formations alone. Diverse wildlife is also one of its main draws, but it doesn’t hurt its case that it’s located in close proximity to the popular resort and entertainment complex Sun City.
Marakele National Park
If you’re looking for a national park with untouched natural beauty, Marakele is the place to be. It’s a true natural oasis, best known for cape griffon vultures, elephants, and antelopes living on its ground. Accommodation at this park is pretty modes, and it offers tents and cottages to visitors.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Located on South Africa’s border with Lesotho, Golden Gate Highlands will win you over with its vibrant, orange-hued rock formations. In addition to being known for the beauty of its landscapes, this national park is worth visiting for its wildlife and rare bird species spotted on its grounds, such as bearded vultures and bald ibis.
The post 3 Beautiful National Parks To Visit from Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Maboneng Precinct and Other Hidden Gems in Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Many tourists claim that you can simply hit Johannesburg’s streets, wander around without a plan, and stumble upon all sorts of exciting hidden gems. However, if you don’t enjoy the “wandering” part, you’ll need more of an itinerary.
Maboneng Precinct
Maboneng Precinct is the name of an urban neighborhood in Johannesburg. The place has plenty of things that make it a hidden gem, but probably the most intriguing ones are its street art and the best nightlife in the whole city.
Satyagraha House
From the outside, Satyagraha House looks like just like an ordinary house. However, the place has special importance as it once belonged to Mahatma Gandhi. The legendary politician and spiritual leader lived and worked here between 1908 and 1909. The house now serves as a museum that covers Gandhi’s time in South Africa. Visitors can also book a stay in some of the rooms in Satyagraha House.
Collectors Treasury
If you want to take a break from all the buildings and museums, then Collectors Treasury is the place to visit. This is considered the biggest bookstore in Africa, having more than one million books on display. You will be able to find new and old books, including some rarities from around the world.
The post Maboneng Precinct and Other Hidden Gems in Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Buildings in Johannesburg, South Africa Every Fan of Modern Architecture Should See appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Ponte Tower
Ponte Tower was built in 1975 and it remains the tallest residential skyscraper in Africa to this day, at a height of 173 meters. It’s best known for its cylindrical open center, known as “the core”, which allows additional sunlight to reach the inner apartments and gives this iconic building a dystopian look.
The Leonardo
The title of the tallest building in South Africa belongs to The Leonardo, at 234 meters. It opened its doors in 2019, and features a total of 55 floors, offering everything from a lavish hotel and fancy restaurants to street-level shops.
Carlton Centre
This 50-story skyscraper is one of Johannesburg’s top spots for passionate shopaholics because it’s home to one of the city’s most popular shopping centers with over 180 stores. It’s also worth the visit for the observation deck, offering stunning panoramic views from its 50th floor.
The post 3 Buildings in Johannesburg, South Africa Every Fan of Modern Architecture Should See appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Top 3 Cities to Visit in South Africa (Besides Cape Town) appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>However, Cape Town shouldn’t be your only stop on tour through South Africa. There are plenty of other cities in the country that will charm you if you give them a chance. Check out some of them below.
Johannesburg
In the past, Johannesburg was viewed as a city most people just passed through on their way to other places. Nowadays, Johannesburg is a must-see thanks to its weather, museums, food scene, and shopping opportunities.
Durban
If you enjoy green spaces, then you’ll fall in love with Durban. The city is full of nature reserves and Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index even labeled it “the greenest city” in the world in 2020. However, if this doesn’t seal the deal for you, surprising affordability and Durban’s lovely beaches will.
Port Elizabeth
Speaking about beaches, you can find some of the best in South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Surfers particularly enjoy it here thanks to breaks that suit all levels of experience. The city’s other attractions include Donkin Reserve, South End Museum, and the nearby Kragga Kamma Game Park.
The post Top 3 Cities to Visit in South Africa (Besides Cape Town) appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Museums to Check Out in Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Johannesburg Art Gallery
If you have a special place in your heart for art museums, this is the first place that you should check out in Johannesburg. It houses one of the largest art collections in all of Africa, and it covers everything from South African art to European art, with a special focus on contemporary 20th-century local and international art.
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill may not seem like much because it primarily serves as the seat of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, but its museum tells a different story. The Old Fort prison complex was once located on its grounds, and its prisoners included Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
Apartheid Museum
The history of South Africa after World War II is inseparably linked with apartheid, and citizens of this country were victims of this system of racial segregation for decades. The Apartheid Museum looks back at this part of the country’s dark past, and it’s a timeless symbol of South Africa’s fight for democracy and diversity.
The post 3 Museums to Check Out in Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Soweto Towers is Johannesburg’s Top Spot for Adrenaline Seekers appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bungee Jumping
If you want to give bungee jumping a try, Soweto Towers are the best place to get it done. 100 meter jumps from a suspension bridge are the most popular option, but if they’re not thrilling enough for you, how about trying straightjacket bungee jumps?
(@charne_torres)Free Falls
The western tower is the best place to give SCAD free falls a shot. Base jumping is also available, but not for everyone. If you want to give this activity a shot, you must have experience skydiving and over 100 free falls under your belt.
Breathtaking Views
You can visit Soweto Towers even if you’re not looking for an adrenaline rush. This Johannesburg landmark offers some of the best views in the entire city, and that’s part of its charm. Take a lift at the western tower to get to a viewing platform with a 360-degree view of the Soweto township.
The post Soweto Towers is Johannesburg’s Top Spot for Adrenaline Seekers appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Family-Friendly Attractions to Check Out in Johannesburg appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Gold Reef City
Johannesburg is home to its own amusement park, and it’s unlike any other attraction of this kind that you’ve seen before. Built on the grounds of an old gold mine, Gold Reef City is themed around the 19th-century gold rush, and you can find everything from rollercoasters to a hotel, casino, and museum on its premises.
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
If a visit to an interactive museum happens to be your family’s idea of fun, make sure to check out Sci-Bono Discovery Centre while in Johannesburg. This museum allows your kids to learn more about science, technology, and math through countless hands-on exhibits.
Johannesburg Zoo
Just like every major city in the world, Johannesburg is home to its own zoo. It covers an enormous area of 55 hectares and it’s best known for putting an emphasis on accommodation, enrichment, and medical care of wild animals, especially white lions.
The post 3 Family-Friendly Attractions to Check Out in Johannesburg appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Best Libraries in Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Collectors Treasury
The first place that comes to mind when someone mentions Johannesburg and books, the Collectors Treasury is Africa’s largest shop of used and rare books. Its floor-to-ceiling shelves are stacked with millions of items, and you’ll probably spend hours exploring them.
Love Books
If you like bookstores with cozy décor and atmosphere, this spot in the Melville neighborhood is a must-see. It’s even better if you’re visiting with family because it hosts events for kids and has an extensive children’s selection and hosts frequent events for kids.
Bridge Books
Bridge Books is best known for showcasing African writers, but you won’t be disappointed by it even if you’re looking for international titles that you can bring back home.
L’Elephant Terrible
The 44 Stanley complex is home to many vintage and retro stores, and this charming bookstore perfectly captures its vibe.
The post Best Libraries in Johannesburg, South Africa appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>