Gauteng: Johannesburg
Overview
The city of Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa. It is the provincial
capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa. The city is one of
the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world. Johannesburg is located in the eastern
plateau area of South Africa known as the Highveld, at an elevation of 1,753 metres.
While Johannesburg does not form one of South Africa's three capital cities, it
does house the Constitutional Court – South Africa's highest court. Johannesburg
is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the
mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Johannesburg is served by
O.R. Tambo
International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa and
a gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of southern Africa.
Johannesburg is the economic and financial hub of South Africa, producing 16% of
South Africa's gross domestic product, and accounts for 40% of Gauteng's economic
activity. In a 2007 survey conducted by Mastercard, Johannesburg ranked 47th out
of the 50 top cities in the world as a worldwide centre of commerce!
Things to see and do
The visitor to Johannesburg has the difficulty of choosing between all the exciting
options of things to do and see. There's something for everyone! Johannesburg is
home to some of Africa's tallest structures, such as the
Sentech Tower,
Hillbrow Tower and the
Carlton Centre. The J
ohannesburg
Botanical Gardens are located within the suburb of Emmarentia, and
the
Emmarentia Dam is located within the grounds. Local canoeing
clubs, bird watches, dog walkers, and other nature lovers visit the gardens everyday.
One of the main attractions is the
Rose Garden with over 10 000
roses. History museums, such as the A
partheid Museum and the
Hector Pieterson Museum, are a must see for those interested in South
Africas past.
Gold Reef City, a large amusement park to the south
of the Central Business District, is also a large draw card for tourists and local
alike.
The Johannesburg Zoo is also one of the largest in South
Africa, a great place for the family. The city also has several art museums, such
as the
Johannesburg Art Gallery, which featured South African and
European landscape and figurative paintings. The
Museum Africa
covers the history of the city of Johannesburg, as well as housing a large collection
of rock art. The
Market Theatre complex attained notoriety in the
1970s and 1980s by staging anti-apartheid plays, and has now become a centre for
modern South African playwriting. The
Johannesburg Civic Theatre
in Braamfontein is also host to world class ballet, opera, and other stage extraveganzas.
For the sports lovers there are local Cricket teams, Soccar teams and Rugby teams.
They play at the world famous
Ellis Park, the
Wanderers Club,
Rand Stadium (home of the Moroka Swallows),
First National
Bank Stadium (FNB Stadium or Soccer City),
Potgietersrus Rugby Stadium
and other sports fields around the city.
Shopping is one of the areas greatest entertainments. Malls, flea markets, Value
Centres, as well as boutique shops and specialized stores provide a caliedescope
of purchasing opportunities. Johannesburg also boasts a large number of excellent
big-screen, big-sound cinemas spread throughout the city.
Climate
Johannesburg city and the surrounding subrbs enjoy a dry, sunny climate, with the
exception of occasional late afternoon downpours in the summer months from October
to April. Temperatures in Johannesburg are usually mild due to the city's
high altitude, with the average maximum daytime temperature in January of 26 °C
(79 °F), dropping to an average maximum of around 16 °C (61 °F) in June. Winter
is the sunniest time of the year, with cool days and cold nights. The temperature
occasionally drops to below freezing at night, causing frost. Regular cold
fronts pass over in winter bringing very cold southerly winds but usually clear
skies. The annual average rainfall is 713 millimetres (28.1 in), which is mostly
concentrated in the summer months. Despite the relatively dry climate, Johannesburg
has over ten million trees,and may now be the largest man-made forest area in the
world!
Accomodation
Johannesburg is home to some spectacular accomodation resorts, hotels, and business
accomodation. The accommodation in theJohannesburg area is
generally of a very high standard. Many private game lodges cater for international
tourists and even celebrity stylef living. Accommodation options range from
exclusive game lodges to comfortable self catering chalets and apartments. There
are also a variety of excellent hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments.
Camping and caravanning are also popular accommodation choices. If you're wanting
a real 'bush' experience, you'll definetely find some here as well.
Suburbs and Towns