Johannesburg, South Africa Holiday, South Africa Vacation

Welcome to Johannesburg - the heartbeat of South Africa and quite possibly your first stop on your South Africa vacation. It's the economic and cultural centre of South Africa, where people work hard and play harder. Everyone is on the move, from doing business to hitting the city's nightspots until late. Joburg is a dynamic cosmopolitan city with great places to eat and interesting sites to visit.

* Built on the discovery of gold, today it continues to produce its own unique treasures. Its passion.

* Its pride. Its endless possibilities.

* Discover the energy of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

* Feel the spirit of its people in powerful monuments, echoing with the past.

* Hear the rhythm of its music, from sophisticated jazz to urban kwaito.

* See its beauty – from its unmistakable skyline to the unspoilt splendour of the untamed bush.

* Feast on a fusion of flavours in the shebeens of Soweto and the upmarket bistros of Sandton.

* Jozi sizzles through all four seasons.

* One city. A thousand experiences.

* Enough to leave you breathless?

* Diverse in culture, colour and heritage, Joburg will steal your heart. And awaken your soul.

* An unforgettable, non-stop adventure.

The days will be spent visiting all the wonderful and interesting places, and your evenings to enjoy all the theater has to offer and nightlife to make you want to go on till the next morning.

The following are some places that you may visit in Johannesburg as part of your South Africa holiday:

Elephant Sanctuary - Hartbeespoort Dam

Nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains, 1 hour from Johannesburg in a Malaria-free area. The Sanctuary is home to various buck and species of mammals and a very visible family of meerkats.

The Elephant Sanctuary offers an exciting, fully comprehensive elephant experience. We offer an exclusive, ‘hands-on', educationally oriented experience with African Elephants. Touch, feel, brush down and feed these wonderful creatures.

African Craft Market - Rosebank, Johannesburg

The Rosebank African Craft Market offers a fine selection of quality African arts & crafts, including wooden masks and carvings, indigenous beadwork, dolls, and baskets at very reasonable prices. The adjacent Rosebank Rooftop Market also has lots of fashionable clothing, quality ceramics, antiques, second-hand books and other collectibles.

Museum of South African Rock Art and Geological Collections – Johannesburg

With numerous castings as well as genuine artifacts, this museum offers new insights into the previously misunderstood study of ancient cultures. While it was believed that the rock paintings by the Khoi and San peoples, as well as others, were simply depictions of the hunting way of life, we now understand them to indicate shamanic trances and mystical happenings. An intriguing glimpse into one of South Africa's oldest cultures

Voortrekker Monument – Pretoria

The Voortrekker Monument is a national icon for Afrikaans South Africans. Particularly on December 16, the anniversary of the battle at the Blood River, Afrikaners from all over the country stream to the Voortrekker Monument to commemorate the - in their view - most important event in the history of South Africa.

The Building is constructed in such a way that just on that day at 12 noon a ray of sunlight falls onto the Shrine of Honor in the Heroes’ Hall. It bears the inscription: "Ons vir jou, Zuid Afrika!" (We for you, South Africa!).

The Union Buildings – Pretoria

As one of the best known architectural accomplishments of Sir Herbert Baker, the Union Buildings in Pretoria is still a popular tourist attraction apart from its practical application in modern day South African politics. Although the Union Building is not open to the public, you can visit the gardens surrounding the President’s offices. The well manicured gardens surrounding the building and the impressive steps leading up to the entrance of the Union Buildings provide the perfect backdrop for memorable pictures.

Cheetah Breeding Facility – de Wildt

The de Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre are situated nearby Hartbeespoort Dam at the base of the Magaliesberg of North West Province South Africa. This amazing Centre has become renowned for its efforts in breeding and researching endangered species, particularly their accomplishments in preventing the extinction of cheetahs. De Wildt provides visitors with a unique experience allowing tourists and travelers to get up close to cheetah, wild dog, antelope, brown hyena, vultures and owls. This is an educational adventure you do not want to miss.

Apartheid Museum – Johannesburg

Just 15 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport or 20 minutes from Sandton, discover the true history of South Africa. Whoever you are, you cannot but come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this country, its darkest days and its brightest triumphs.

Cullinan Diamond Mine – Pretoria

The charming mining village of Cullinan, located east of Pretoria, gained world-wide attention with the discovery of an incredible 3000-carat stone in 1905. Dubbed the Cullinan Diamond. It is the largest uncut diamond ever found. A large stone cut from the Cullinan Diamond was called 'The Star of Africa' and is part of the British Crown Jewels. The Cullinan Diamond Mine is also the third richest diamond producing mine in South Africa. Over the years more that 120 million carats have been mined here. Visit this still-operational mine to fully appreciate the sweat and blood it takes to produce these brilliant gems. You can also buy some excellent diamonds and trinkets on display at the Cullinan Diamond Mine Market. Let the brilliance of diamonds at South Africa’s Cullinan Diamond Mine dazzle you.

Party Bus to Sun City

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden – Johannesburg

Against the backdrop of the magnificent Witpoortjie waterfall, this Garden (previously called the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden) covers almost 300 hectares and consists of both landscaped and natural veld. The history of the Garden shows that it was founded in 1982, but has been a popular venue for outings since the 1800's.

The natural vegetation of the area is known as the "Rocky Highveld Grassland" and consists of a mosaic of grassland and savanna, with dense bush in kloofs and along streams. A list of naturally occurring trees is available. The variety of habitats accommodates over 600 naturally occurring plant species. View the seasonal highlights. Breeding pair of majestic Verreaux’s Eagles nest on the cliffs alongside the waterfall. The Garden is home to an abundance of wildlife. Together with the other 220 bird species, there are also a number of reptile and small mammals, including small antelope and jackal, which occur naturally in the Nature Reserve. Several short walks run through the Garden and the surrounding natural areas. The JCI Geological Trail gives visitors the opportunity to not only walk along the Roodekrans Ridge and in the Nature Reserve portion of the Garden, but also to learn something about the fascinating geology of the area. Guided tours can be arranged for groups.

SA Mint (Home of the Kruger Rand) – Midrand

The name says it all! Coin World. This is where the oldest and newest coins are to be found. Among the exhibits the museum boasts the oldest working mint press in the world. There are also displays of South African coins, including the first Kruger rand ever minted. The field tour section, Coin walk, hosts tours (under 12's not permitted) through the museum which last for about one and half hours.

Ngiri Safaris Horse trail - Pretoria

The rides can be done virtually at any of the lodges in the area, as we have a horsebox to transport the horses. They currently ride on an 850 hectare game farm.

Clay Pigeon shooting – Pretoria

Monte Casino Bird park – Johannesburg

The Monte Casino Bird Gardens, houses a collection of over 142 African Cycads species, the biggest in the world, and in total, over 1 000 reptiles, small animals and birds. All the animals are housed in their natural surroundings, and the walk through aviary, is the largest exhibit in Africa, of its kind. The Monte Casino Bird Gardens also has a free flight bird show that is guaranteed to thrill spectators.

Gold Reef City – Johannesburg

A unique experience awaits you as you enter the historical world of Gold Reef City Theme Park. Enjoy the "Rich Beginnings - Our Golden Heritage" introductory movie. The Museum also houses:

Mr Ohlthaver's House (Mine Official)

Dowse House (Home-schooling)

Oosthuizen House (Afrikaner Home)

Gold Pour Demonstration

Gold Panning

Underground Mine Tour

SAB World of Beer - Johannesburg

The tour covers a fascinating history of beer that begins in ancient Mesopotamia and continues through Africa and Europe, depicting Johannesburg’s mining camp days, and a traditional Soweto shebeen, in order to provide a backdrop to the brew. A walk through SAB’s sample brewery, a full-scale brewhouse, gives one an idea of the scale of production of a drink most of us take for granted. After brewing, the fermentation process is outlined and the important role of yeast in beer outlined, before a stop in the Tap room to enjoy a glass or two.

Sterkfontein Caves - Cradle of Humankind

Famous for fossil discoveries. Boasts a restaurant, hominoid exhibition and a wooden walkway to the area where Mrs. Ples was discovered!

Goblins Cove Restaurant and Coffee Shoppe - Magaliesburg

A magical experience awaits, discover a creative goblin and fairy world.

Wonderful cuisine and selected wines.

Lipizzaners – Johannesburg

World-famous for their astounding tricks, the South African Lipizzaners perform the same routines and create the same breathtaking stunts as the original Viennese teams. The riders of these white horses never fail to thrill. Depending on the time of year, lucky visitors may also be able to take in a day at the Sappi Horse Trials ground where horses of a different caliber take their chances at cross-country eventing. All situated within walking distance of one another, these venues form the unofficial heart of ‘horse-land' in Johannesburg. Shows only at 11am on Sundays.

The Ring- Johannesburg

The Oxwagon Bed & Breakfast! A unique private hideaway for nature lovers where you relive the romance of the early Pioneers and 'Jock of the Bushveld' era. Relax and unwind. Treat yourself to an unforgettable night in an authentically restored ox-wagon and a panoramic view of Hartbeespoortdam from the Witwatersberg Mountains.

This 10 day package offers you return International flights, accommodation, all meals, entry fees, transport to and from the airport, and theater tickets for two nights.

We will make your stay in Jozi remarkable!

Egoli - The Place of Gold

Johannesburg