Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the warm and pumping heart of Africa, the economic engine of Southern Africa and the trendsetter of South Africa. It is a melting pot laced with all the flavours of Africa and beyond.

With a population of about 2,5-million people, in a country of 46,5-million. Johannesburg or Joburg is recognised as the financial capital of South Africa and is home to many big businesses. The national capital, Pretoria, is 35-45 minutes' drive north of Johannesburg.

Everyone is on the move, from doing business to hitting the city's nightspots until late. Joburg is a dynamic cosmopolitan city with great holiday accommodation, places to eat, and interesting sites to visit. This is a city of contrasts where the soul of Africa is fused with eastern and western influences.

Not many visitors put Johannesburg on their itineraries but most end up spending a day or two here, as it is the main air traffic hub of Southern Africa - in fact of Africa.  And guess what ? After initially whingeing about having to spend a whole day here, many want to stay longer.  Johannesburg has had very bad press.  Sure it's not Utopia and it's a city where you need to keep your wits about you, but it's not the criminalised war zone that's been portrayed in the media.

Whether for business or pleasure, whatever the length of your stay, Joburg has something for everyone; the very best conference venues, spas of spendour, colourful casinos, amazing golf courses, majestic malls and trendy hotels, self catering accommodation, Guest Houses all fused with a unique urban African essence.

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Getting around

You’ve touched down safely, and now you need to get to your accommodation – what options are available?

One of the first things visitors notice about Johannesburg are the cars. The city is a sprawling metropolis geared to the freeway-borne private motorist.

Joburg, like Los Angeles, is a sprawling city geared to the freeway-borne motorist. Commuters who do not use private cars have access to municipal buses run by Metrobus, train travel or privately operated metered cabs or minibus taxis.

The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link is a state-of-the-art rapid rail network planned in Gauteng.  The rail connection comprises of two links, namely a link between Pretoria and Johannesburg and a link between OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton, the latter is due for completion by end of June 2010. The trip between the airport and Sandton station will take less than 15 minutes.

Attractions

Despite its sociological problems, which intimidate many people away from exploring Johannesburg, this major South African city is not to be written off as tourist destination. Like any large city, visitors to Joburg should be street smart !

For those interested in South Africa's history and culture, Johannesburg offers fascinating museums. A thriving café culture and a thrumming nightlife exist in many of Johannesburg's suburbs. Townships in Johannesburg, South Africa are also interesting to tour.

Business Tourism - Johannesburg boasts some of the finest venues in Africa and in many instances on a par with the best in the world. These are used for exhibitions, events, conferences, concerts and sport extravaganzas. All popular facilities are close to the national road transport infrastructure.

Just 8 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg lies the world famous yet uniquely South African Gold Reef City. With its magnificent Theme Park offering the widest range of features and attractions in Africa and the exhilarating Casino complex.

Johannesburg boasts some particularly fine golf courses, a number of which have hosted European PGA Tours and South African Sunshine Tour events. Within one hours drive of the Sandton area you will find 36 of the Top 100 golf courses in South Africa.
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