South Africa’s city of gold, Johannesburg, has plenty of activities to offer to locals and visitors from afar. This fast-paced cosmopolitan is often overlooked as a destination, but don’t be fooled by the high-rises and traffic as there are many hidden adventures to be discovered.
Here are 6 reasons why you should include a few days in Johannesburg in your trip:
1. Artists are not only from Cape Town
The art scene in Johannesburg is vibrant and offers some of the best contemporary art in South Africa. With a variety of galleries such as The Goodman Gallery, Everard Read, Stevenson Gallery, and the award-winning Wits Art Museum, that regularly showcases local artists.
2. Embrace history
Glimpse into South Africa’s past and those who struggled, fought, and liberated the country out of the Apartheid era. A visit to the Apartheid Museum is an eye opener that everyone should spend a few hours at. Discover the Apartheid-era prison site at Constitution Hill that once incarcerated Nelson Mandela and Gandhi.
3. Host a team-building event or challenge
Team building is an important bonding experience for any group, whether it is social or corporate. Choose from a variety of challenges from Bush Games, Battle of the Chefs, or even Fear Factor. Each of these will bring out the competitive side of your team and a fun experience without having to leave the city.
4. Cool off in the summer
No need to fly to Durban to get your summer tan going! There are a number of water activities within an hour’s drive of Johannesburg. Take your family, friends, and loved ones out for a paddle on the river, or tubing down rapids!
5. Visit a World Heritage Site
Some scientists have theorized that life began in Africa, and when you visit the Cradle of Humankind you will discover why. Some of the world’s oldest hominid fossils were discovered in the Sterkfontein Caves. Explore these caves and visit the Maropeng Centre to view the fossil replicas.
6. Pop the question
Take a gentle hot air balloon flight above the Magalies River Valley, just 45km North of Johannesburg. This experience is the perfect proposal for that special someone, or even for an anniversary!
A visit to Johannesburg can be enlightening and filled with a lot more than shopping or Gold Reef City. Watch this reel and discover more adventures in Johannesburg.
Add a visit to the Kruger National Park as part of your South Africa trip, which is a mere 4hours from Johannesburg. Have a look at all of our Kruger and Lowveld activities here.
