Johannesburg, capital of Gauteng province, and the largest city in South Africa, is home to all kinds of facilities and events with which to fill your day. Beneath from the blissful African sun, you are free to discover the variety of ways to have fun in this lively city. Spanning topics from stunning wildlife and fauna, to theme parks and casinos, Johannesburg is rich enough in entertainment to please everybody.
Read on to find out about the top 10 things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa.
1. Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam
These gardens are a symbol of Johannesburg’s vitality. From picnics to weddings, to their own little Shakespearean festival, this truly is a magical place to spend the day. Relax in the shade of a towering tree and watch the ducks float along the shimmering water of the dam. Glowing high in the sky, the African sun is one reason this place is unlike many other botanical gardens you’ll see. Pair that with expert maintenance and a lot of tender loving care, Johannesburg’s Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam is the perfect basis for a heavenly day out for both young and old alike.
Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam
Address: Olifants Road, Emmarentia
Website: Botanical Gardens
2. Johannesburg Zoo
Pumas, lions, and rhinos all share this spread of land with armadillos, flamingos, and condors. Over 320 species call this spectacular place home. Caring for the most endangered animals like the white rhino and the wattled crane on top of all the other zoo favorites, the keepers here really know their stuff and are happy to share their knowledge with you. This is a trip well worth making; you’ll discover candid creatures basking in the heat of Johannesburg’s ideal climate, as well as the many events that are held at the zoo.
Johannesburg Zoo
Address: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave & Upper Park Dr, Parkview, Johannesburg, 2193
Website: Johannesburg Zoo
3. Gold Reef City Theme Park
Thrill seekers look no further until you’ve visited Gold Reef City Theme Park. Home to Johannesburg’s most famed attractions, enter the largest theme park in South Africa. Considering the park’s vastness and outstanding reputation, the prices are an absolute steal! Rides like the carousel, cups & saucers, and the elephant ride are open to the more easy-going visitors, whilst Anaconda, Dream Boat Golden Loop, and Raging River Rapids beckon those with a craving for adrenaline.
Gold Reef City Theme Park
Address: Corner of Northern Parkway & Data Crescent, Ormonde, Johannesburg 2159
Website: Gold Reef City
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4. Constitution Hill Museum
A remnant of South Africa’s struggle towards democracy, Constitution Hill is a living museum that serves to educate and pay homage to those that stood for the rights of the people. Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and Fatima Meer all sat in the cells at Constitution Hill in the name of a better future. The impact of this historical site is best felt by exploring it with your own eyes.
Constitution Hill Museum
Address: Constitutional Hill Precinct, 11 Kotze St, Johannesburg 2017
Website: Constitution Hill
5. Montecasino Bird Gardens
Meandering walkways will lead your enchanting family day out at Montecasino Bird Gardens. The aviary is home to 60 species of birds, with the added bonus of reptiles, small mammals, and wandering antelope. The Flamingo Cafe will be at hand to provide your refreshments with a spectacular view of the flamingo pond. A 70 ZAR (5.40 USD) entry makes this opportunity hard to pass up on.
Montecasino Bird Gardens
Address: Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways 2055
Website: Montecasino Bird Gardens
6. Satyagraha House
A look into South Africa, another historical site marks the place Mahatma Gandhi called his home one hundred years ago. The information this house provides is both intimate with one man’s past, as well as a country. Little else can be said, for this truly is a place you must see in the flesh. Linking the title museum and guesthouse, you can stay where Ghandi once did for the meagre, worthwhile expense of 2520 ZAR (193 USD).
Satyagraha House
Address: 15 Pine Rd & Garden Road, Orchard, Johannesburg, 2192
Website: Satyagraha House
7. Pilanesberg open vehicle day tour
Yet another chance to observe African wildlife, only this time up close on an open vehicle safari. You’ll be picked up from your Johannesburg place of stay, and whisked away to the magnificent expanse of Pilanesberg National Park. Wild beasts roam happily, protected from the dangers of poaching. All the native species you could wish to find are waiting for you to spot.
Pilanesberg National Park
Address: Bojanala
Website: Pilanesberg Open Vehicle Day Tour
8. Wondercave
In the mood for adventure? Intrepidly explore the underground cave network that lies in the wake of Johannesburg’s mining past. Captivating stalactites and stalagmites coat the ceilings and floors, providing an otherworldly scene. Abseiling, picnicking, a rim stone pool - this attraction is one to check off the list. No crawling necessary, you’ll have a spectacular time at this place. Entry will cost a maximum of 100 ZAR (7.70 USD), a ridiculously modest price for such a unique experience.
Wondercave
Address: 520 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp, 1739
Website: Wondercave
9. Rosebank art and craft market
Handmade mementos that represent the character and personality of not just Johannesburg, but the whole of Africa as well. Be sure to stop by and marvel at the decorative works of real artists with a passion for their culture.
Rosebank art and craft market
Address: Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Website: Rosebank art and craft market
10. Honeydew Mazes
Posted by Honeydew Amaizing Mazes on Monday, 10 July 2017
Posted by Honeydew Amaizing Mazes on Friday, 7 July 2017
A one of a kind maze constructed using bamboo and corn, this is a puzzle fueled activity that will get brains of any age ticking. Complimentary ice cream is given to those that answer the maze quiz well. Smaller quizzes and puzzles are there to keep people occupied in the courtyard.
Honeydew Mazes
Address: 82 Boland Rd, Zandspruit 191-Iq, Johannesburg, 2040
Website: Honeydew Mazes
Which are on your Joburg to-do list?
Johannesburg is jam packed with family fun - take advantage of it!
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