In the province of Gauteng and in the northeastern portion of South Africa, rests Johannesburg. Booming with growth, it is one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the world. Johannesburg has become South Africa’s center of commerce.
History of Johannesburg
The amazing growth of the city of Johannesburg became inevitable after prospector George Harrison from Australia discovered the Witwatersrand gold mines in 1886. He sold his claim for 10 pounds, unaware of the magnitude of what he had found. Hordes of treasure seekers were about to inundate what would become the famed “City Of Gold”.
Things to see in Johannesburg
Apartheid Museum
If you have an interest in the Apartheid Era you should visit The Apartheid Museum. It is a sobering experience to view the enlarged photographs from the era that are on display. Visitors are also able to view metal cages, one complete with weapons that were used by security forces, and other exhibits, which exhibit the horrors done to human beings during this era. Also on display is a blue and yellow armored police vehicle known as the “Kaspar.” Visitors can sit in this vehicle and watch films taken from inside.
The Soweto Food Festival
The festival showcases both international cuisine and local food side. Cultural cafes demonstrate the preparations such as Venda, Tswana etcetera. Chef’s kitchen demonstrates tastes and techniques from around the globe without having to travel to other countries. The idea is to generate cultural exchange with food being the platform.
At the beer garden, the tourists can compare South African beers with the international counterparts and it includes a wine route with South Africa’s popular and finest wines for enjoyment to the tourists. Children can enjoy it as well by indulging in several activities safely, when the adults engage in wine and beer tasting activities.
Word’s deepest pub
A huge, clingy lift enables the tourist to reach 220 meter underground to a donkey-stable in which donkeys were made to pull coco pans filled with gold-laden rocks, which were to be removed above the ground. This donkey-stable serves as a bar now and is held in one of the world’s richest and deepest gold mines.
Gold Reef City
To get an overview of how the mining system operated in earlier times, one can visit Gold Reef City, which is located just 6 kilometers south of the city. Although the old mine is a prime attraction, there are many restaurants and shops near the Gold Reef City Hotel. SA Mint, for example, is a unique shop where customers can buy silver and gold jewelry. Also accompanying the attractions is live entertainment located in the town square. Here, a five-piece band provides listeners with music throughout the day.
You can also visit the applied science centre where you will be able to check yourself on several equipments and experiments. If you are bold enough, you can take one of 28 rides that includes the tower of terror and the river rapids.
Johannesburg rose from the level of a puny mining city to that of an important, lively industrial city having a high grade of cultural variety. No doubt, it is a good choice for any visitor that wishes to indulge in the South African ambiance.
You can also get cheap Johannesburg car rental deals online by going to Car Rentals South Africa.