2. General Info
South Africa’s incredible diversity is a key attraction - from the deserts of the Kgalagadi to the lush green forests of Tsitsikamma to the unspoilt beaches of the Wild Coast to the vibrant nightlife of Cape Town - it really does have it all.
The interior of South Africa is a vast, flat, and sparsely populated scrubland, the Karoo, which is drier towards the northwest along the Namib desert. In contrast, the eastern coastline is lush and well-watered, which produces a climate similar to the tropics.
To the north of Johannesburg, the altitude drops beyond the escarpment of the Highveld, and turns into the lower lying Bushveld, an area of mixed dry forest and an abundance of wildlife. East of the Highveld, beyond the eastern escarpment, the Lowveld stretches towards the Indian Ocean. It has particularly high temperatures, and is also the location of extended subtropical agriculture.
South Africa is mercurial in nature, one moment you'll be exploring the origins of ancient man, the next you're cage-diving with Great White Sharks and the next you're drinking traditional beer in a lively township shebeen.
South Africa really is a destination where you can experience it all.
South Africa truly is a ground-breaking destination for explorers and adventurers who want to experience life in all its fullness.
3. City Guide
What to do and see?
You’ll enjoy walking among the modern skyscrapers but also in the city’s numerous parks. The recent development of tourism saw the opening of various history museums such as the apartheid Museum, the Mandela Museum or the Hector Pieterson Museum.
Amateurs of art can visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery or the Museum Africa and entertain themselves at the Market Theatre or at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre.
To chill after your visits, head towards the suburbs of Melville, Newtown, Parkhurst, Norwood and Greenside which are popular for their bohemian atmosphere, street life, and many restaurants and bars.
Where to eat?
The City Centre & Newton are some of the most bustling areas in Johannesburg with a wide variety of great dining options.
One of Johannesburg's most historically significant areas, Soweto is a part of town that is a must-visit but only with a trusted guide. Because there are so many attractions here, it's inevitable that there are also great places to eat and drink. Enjoy authentic South African cuisine at communal tables or try high-end dining, whatever works for you!
As the hub of Johannesburg's upper-class, it's to be expected that many of the finest restaurants in the city are located in The Northern Suburbs, such as Sandton and Parktown.
Where to shop?
The Bruma Lake Flea Market is a definite must-do, you’ll find designer clothes, West African wood crafts, furniture, antiques and textiles--from over 600 vendors
The Rosebank Mall offers a variety of shopping opportunities, especially on the weekends. The roof top has great finds in African Crafts and food. Below the roof top, the mall offers both indoor and outdoor shopping. You will find it all there.
The various Craft Markets carry some of Africa's best crafts. From African masks to beaded dolls, these markets meet the most discerning of tastes for authentic crafts. Natural and organic markets can be found as well, with hundreds of stalls selling hand-made clothing made from 100% natural materials.