Shopping malls are very popular in Johannesburg, and there are many dotted around the city.
South
Africa's largest city is the best place to explore the country's
explosive history and fascinating culture, while enjoying a break
in a dynamic city. Strolling around Johannesburg, with its modern
vibe, high-rise buildings and shopping malls, it's easy to forget
the history that it is famous for. Born during the 1880s gold rush,
while Apartheid tore it apart, the history and development this
city has seen over the years is fascinating to experience. The
Apartheid Museum gives an excellent insight into the recent past,
while Museum Africa looks back to life in the gold mines. In the
centre, Newtown has been the subject of a regeneration programme
and Mary Fitzgerald Square has become a cultural focus with a
theatre complex and plaza of shops and restaurants. Sports fans can
see the Lions rugby team's home at Ellis Park, while families will
enjoy Gold Reef City, a theme park based on gold mining that
includes a tour of a gold mine. The sights here will open your
eyes, and make a perfect counterpoint to the excitement of a safari
or the laid-back feel of a beach resort.
Political past
Thoughts of South Africa conjure up an image of one person in
particular, Nelson Mandela. For those with an interest in South
Africa's past and politics, a tour of the township of Soweto is a
must. Synonymous with the struggle against apartheid, it is South
Africa's largest urban settlement. You can visit the house where
Nelson and Winnie Mandela lived before he was imprisoned and Water
Sisulu Square, where the ANC presented its Freedom Charter in 1955.
Head to Constitution Hill, once the prison in which Mandela spent
time.
Shoppers' paradise
Shopping malls are very popular in Johannesburg, and there are
many dotted around the city, containing everything from giant chain
stores to small boutiques. For a different experience, Bruma Market
in Johannesburg is reputed to be the biggest in the southern
hemisphere, while the city's flea markets are the best place to
pick up something unique to South Africa. Craftsmen sell their
goods at taxi ranks, on inner city pavements and road junctions,
with everything from sweets and vegetables to sculptures and
furniture on their stalls.
- Exciting city
- Great shopping
Johannesburg City Tour
The city tour sets off for Constitution Hill, home of South
Africa's architectural marvel, the Constitutional Court and site of
Johannesburg's Old Fort Prison (closed Sundays). We meander through
the newly renovated, quaint and quirky suburb of Melville with its
vibey shops and trendy restaurants and stop at Newtown Market, home
of Johannesburg Market Theatre. Museum Africa is Johannesburg's
premier cultural history museum, reminiscent of a 1950s shebeen or
pub and it's here you'll really sense the soul of the inner city.
Then return to your hotel via the flipside of the coin, the lush,
upmarket suburb of lower Houghton. A city of contrasts, that's for
certain. Duration: half day. Departs: daily between 12.45am and
1.00pm from Sandton.
Price from: £34 Minimum of two people
Soweto Tour
Gain an insight into the community of Johannesburg's South Western
Township, visiting the Hector Pieterson Museum, Regina Mondi
Church, the site of underground meetings, passing by the Mandela
House on the way, a true experience of life in a township.
Duration: half day. Departs: daily at 8.30am from Sandton.
Price from: £41 Minimum of two people.
Sun City And The Pilanesberg National
Park
Wild and wonderful, that's for sure. The day begins early with a
professionally guided, closed vehicle game drive into Big Five
country: the Pilanesberg National Park. Who knows which of the Big
or Little Five you'll see? Close neighbour to this superb natural
reserve is Sun City, one of South Africa's most popular theme
resorts and you'll have full access to the casino for a little
flutter or two. For the really curious, you'll want to visit the
Wave, Swimming Pools and even enjoy a guided tour of the Lost City
(own account). It's a fabulously relaxing day… and might prove very
profitable for some! Duration: full day. Departs: daily between
6.30am and 7.00am from Sandton.
Price from: £139 Minimum of two people.
Flight time from
the UK (London) Approximately 11 hours.
Arrival Airport O.R. Tambo International Airport
Johannesburg.
Transfers take approximately 30 minutes.
Entry details (for British nationals) A visa is
not required for stays of up to 90 days. Passports need at least 30
days validity beyond your exit date and two blank pages. Before you
depart, check the latest travel advice at www.fco.gov.uk.
Time difference GMT +2 hours.
Currency Rand.
Language English is widely spoken in most
areas.
Here to help
A local Signature representative will meet you at your arrival
airport and will direct you to your pre-booked transfer vehicle.
You will receive a welcome pack containing information about the
local area along with all contact details.
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Garden Court Sandton City
South Africa