| Planning a short break to Johannesburg? Check out Travel Library's recommended Top 10 Things To Do in Johannesburg. It's a perfect companion for weekend city breaks to Johannesburg. Once you've been you can add your own tips and suggestions to help other visitors. |
| Top 10 Things in Johannesburg on a Short Break |
|
 Cradle of Humankind - Natural Attraction |
Only 45 minutes from Johannesburg, nestled in the Sterkfontein Valley is the Cradle of Humankind – a World Heritage site. The valley includes a host of important palaeo-anthropological sites that have produced the remains of hominids dating back two to three million years.
Over the years of excavation, the sites have produced almost 500 skull fossils, thousands of animal and plant fossils and over 9000 stone tools. Forty meters below ground level is a lake with crystal clear waters, the only one of its kind in the country.
One hour guided tours are conducted on the half hour from Tuesdays to Sundays. |
|
 Maritime Bushveld Estate - Hotel |
Situated in Chartwell on the outskirts of Sandton, this estate offers a glimpse of the African bush in reasonable proximity to Johannesburg. The estate offers a reasonable selection of wildlife in the form of bucks including the world famous Springbok; the reserve is also home to a wonderful variety of birds. Bush walks are a feature of this estate and offer some spectacular views of the countryside. The lodge has a four star rating and includes the award winning Nde Bushe Restaurant.
You can get more information for this estate from this website: johannesburg.hotelguide.co.za/Gauteng_Resorts-travel/maritime-bushveld-estate.html |
|
 The Apartheid Museum - Cutural Attraction |
| This museum offers an honest unashamed look at the horror that was apartheid. The exhibits include many photographs and artefacts from the time as well as video clips. The museum occupies 6000 square meters and employed the help of filmmakers, historians, designers and curators to develop the exhibition narrative and aid in graphically animating the apartheid story. The museum is located in the Gold reef City Complex 5 km south of Johannesburg. |
|
 Museum Africa - Cutural Attraction |
| This museum was founded in the 1930s and is located in the old Bree Street fruit market. One of the primary exhibits is of the Treason Trials dating back to the late 1950s, which featured most of the important figures of the struggle against apartheid, including Nelson Mandela. Also featured is the history of Johannesburg itself with a look into its gold mining heritage. The museum also includes exhibits that feature Sophiatown, Ghandi’s time in Johannesburg and a host of photographs and clippings from the time. |
|
 Soweto - Tourist Attraction |
| With a population of 3.5 million, Soweto is the largest and best known of South Africa’s townships. In the days of apartheid and the Group Areas Act, a large majority of the blacks living in Jo’burg were moved to this area that was named SOuthWEstTOwnship – Soweto. The township has a vibrant cultural personality that has given birth to some of the most well known celebrities, musicians, writers and artists on the continent. Guided tours are available and should definitely be used. Although outsiders are welcomed, it is definitely not advisable to explore the township alone, or without a guide. |
|
 Gold Reef City and Entertainment Complex - Children’s Activity |
| Johannesburg’s greatest theme park and entertainment complex has been created around an authentic 19th century gold mine. The mine itself offers underground tours where you are given a hardhat and battery pack for your light and descend into the mine and view the underground exhibits. Above ground you can witness live gold pouring and visit the many historical buildings and museums. There are three hotels at the complex offering top quality accommodation. You needn’t leave the park in search of food or entertainment, as there are plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs and live music venues to choose from. There is also an amusement park with rides, which is considered one of the best in the country. |
|
 Kilimanjaro - Bar or Club |
| This truly world-class venue is an excellent place to experience African culture that has stepped into the twenty first century. Kilimanjaro is a mixture of a nightclub, restaurant and lounge bar that is designed to break down borders as a place where people can meet, socialize, debate play and dream. The heart of Kilimanjaro is its music with a blend of jazz, house, trance soul and dance pulsing with the rhythms of Africa. The food here is not to be missed, and it is an excellent place to experience the fusion of traditional African delights with worldly ingredients. |
|
 Intercontinental Sandton Sun & Towers - Hotel |
| Located in the heart of Sandton – the business and economic capital of South Africa. The hotel is close to the Sandton Convention Centre and Johannesburg Sock Exchange. This ultra luxurious hotel is an excellent choice for a family vacation or a business trip, with its central location you are close to all the attractions, nightlife and entertainment. All modern conveniences are provided including six restaurants and bars. |
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 Brightwater Commons - Tourist Attraction |
| There are many attractions including lots of shops, luxury cinemas, restaurants, pubs and even a swimming golf course. Children are not forgotten about either with play parks, puppet theatres and merry-go-rounds. |
|
 Montecasino - Tourist Attraction |
This R1.5 billion gaming, leisure and retail complex in Fourways is one of the best of its kind in the country. The design of the complex replicates an ancient village in Tuscany with cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafe’s and fountains. The casino offers 1700 slot machines and 70 gaming tables, making it the largest casino in Gauteng.
The adjoining five star Inter-Continental Palazzo hotel is world class and offers luxurious accommodation and all the expected extras. In addition there is a cinema complex, family entertainment centre and the Montecasino bird gardens. |
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