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Johannesburg or Joburg is one of the most popular locations in South Africa. It is one of those destinations that is a must-visit, whenever on South Africa holidays. Johannesburg is one of those destinations that form the backbone of South African tourism. The city is a perfect blend of old and new traditions from different parts of the world with an African touch to it. Whether it is culture, craft or cuisine. The easiest way of reaching Johannesburg is via flight if one is flying from outside the country of South Africa. But, if you are already in the country getting to Johannesburg becomes a cakewalk. As all the popular cities in South Africa are well connected with Joburg. So we have made a list of tourist attractions in Johannesburg that one can check out while on a trip to the spectacular city.
How To Reach And Explore Tourist Places In Johannesburg
10. Pilanesberg National Park
The first tourist attraction in Johannesburg that one can explore is the Pilanesberg National Park. The park lies on the outskirts of the city of Johannesburg and is roughly a 2.5-hour drive. The park has rich and diverse wildlife, all thanks to its unique location in a transition zone. Which places the park in a land with lush lowland vegetation on one side and a parched Kalahari on the other. One can also avail the unique opportunity of witnessing the ‘big five’. The park in addition to being home to several unique species of flora and fauna is also the humble abode to more than 300 species of birds.
Website: https://www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org/
9. The Lindfield Victorian House Museum
Our journey of how to reach and explore tourist places in Johannesburg brings us to this unique Victorian style living museum. The establishment is a Victorian-era mansion now serving as a heritage museum. The reason we call it the living is because the owner who goes by the name of Ms Katherine Love. The person responsible for the property has been hosting tourists since 1967. Katherine on weekdays dresses up in a Victorian-style dress. And take visitors on a tour around the mansion while donning the dress. The mansion was designed by one of the most decorated architects in South Africa known as Mr Herbert Baker. The tour of the mansion may last about 2.5 hours. And may give you the opportunity to sip on some English tea while enjoying the view of the courtyard from the balcony of the mansion.
Website: http://lindfield.wix.com/museum#!explore/c1jmx
8. South African National Museum of Military History
The next stop on our journey of how to reach and explore tourist places in Johannesburg brings us to the unique military museum of South Africa. The museum is home to several artefacts that serve as traces of the most influential conflicts in South African military history. The museum houses World War II bombers, fighter planes, ammunition, arms, rifles and several other relics of historical significance. However, the most intriguing exhibit in the museum is the exhibit on medicine and medical practices made use during the war. These medical practices showcase the traditional methods of healing methods employed by different tribes of Zulu. Which were in use during the Anglo-Zulu war. Several exhibits also showcase the use of modern medical practices on the battlefield.
Website: http://www.ditsong.org.za/militaryhistory.htm
7. Constitution Hill
The next location on our journey of how to reach and explore tourist places in Johannesburg brings us to Constitution Hill in South Africa. The establishment is a former prison for defectors of the colonial state. And serves as a reminder of an integral part of South Africa’s history. At the hill, one can explore the bold exhibits at the Old Fort museum or the Number Four museum or the Women’s Gaol museum. All these establishments were once part of a bigger establishment that served as a fort. The building was used to keep high profile prisoners and defectors from the government. In order to keep them from highlighting the dictatorship regime of the colonial rule in the limelight.
Website: https://www.constitutionhill.org.za/
6. Cradle of Humankind
Our journey of how to reach and explore tourist places in Johannesburg brings us to the Cradle Of Humankind. The historical site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is approximately an hour drive from the city of Johannesburg. The Cradle of Humankind is one of the most productive and important paleo-anthropological areas in the world. The most interesting thing about the site is the existence of 6 intertwined tunnels linked to each other. And each of these ending in a pool of water almost 40 meters below the surface of the earth. Archaeologists have also been able to recover the fossil of an ancient human being skull that dates back to almost two million years. Another find was the remains of a human skeletal that carbon dates back to almost three point five million years.
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5. Soweto & Mandela Museum
This particular destination has to be one of the most important tourist places to visit in Johannesburg, South Africa. And ranks at the top of the best historic places in the country. The Soweto & Mandela Museum is not just a monument made in honour of a leader. Rather it is a beacon of hope for all who believe in the power of democracy. And look up to Mr Nelson Mandela, the former leader of the nation. The museum came up in the region of Soweto, where black labourers were put in a planned section away from the city centre and from the white population. The place is also known as the birthplace of democracy that began with uprisings in the Soweto region against the Apartheid state.
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4. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
The next location on how to reach and explore tourist places in Johannesburg brings us to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens. The location is perfect for anyone and everyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The location is under the management of the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Which offers a mesmerizing and tranquil experience of the wilderness that adorns the area. The garden is among the top nine botanical gardens of South Africa offering a beautiful view of a landscape adorned by the view of red rock cliffs. The centrepiece of the garden is the mighty Wiipoortjie waterfalls with massive space surrounding the falls. Offering a soul-soothing ambience in the laps of mother nature.
Website: http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu/
3. The Maboneng Precinct
Our journey in search of how to reach and explore tourist places in Johannesburg brings us to the Maboneng Precinct. This particular neighbourhood gives an in-depth peek into how the locals of South Africa overcame their oppressors. And built a new society where everyone stands as one irrespective of their skin colour and belief. The word Maboneng itself translates into the “place of light”. Every weekend a special market is set up in this neighbourhood that sees people from different walks of life visit the market. Come together and celebrate the uniqueness of their customs, culture and cuisine. The region is also home to a theatre, community centre, studios, galleries and many other facilities open for all.
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2. Market Theatre
The next stop on our journey in search of how to reach and explore tourist places in Johannesburg brings us to the Market theatre. The establishment is another imperative location made to celebrate the unique blend of culture that lives in Johannesburg. The market is home to four live theatre venues. Each, under the management of the best production houses in South Africa. The establishment is also home to a photographic gallery, bookshop and restaurants to ensure everyone a vivid experience of Johannesburg hospitality.
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1. The Apartheid Museum
The final stop on our journey in search of how to reach and explore tourist places in Johannesburg brings us to the Apartheid Museum. This building is probably the only standing monument in Africa that is a reminder of human brutality and oppression. The museum is a reminder of how humans treated each other based on the basis of skin colour and race. The museum has several paintings and musical pieces that display the sacrifice of the numerous Africans who went through such an ordeal. And all for what? Just so that the oppressors could feed their pride and ego and enjoy a life of privilege. While denying even the basic human rights to the African locals. Although we are in the 21st century, such places are a reminder of the wrongs we as humans are capable of.
Website: http://www.apartheidmuseum.org
