In the process of making overseas trip arrangements? A trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, is something you should absolutely do. Check out our curated list of the best things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the best places to visit in Johannesburg, South Africa, below. Wondrous Drifter is a cutting-edge, Web 3.0 travel startup that aspires to change the world.
Table Of Content
- Gold Reef City
- Apartheid Museum
- Liliesleaf Farm
- Alexandra Township
- Constitution Hill
- Johannesburg Zoo
- James Hall Museum of Transport
- Lindfield Victorian House Museum
- Collectors Treasury
- Johannesburg Planetarium
- Soweto Towers
- Honeydew Mazes
- Joburg Theatre Complex
- Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
- Gautrain
- Mandela House
- The Playground
- Aha Lesedi Cultural Village
- Carlton Centre
- Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
- Explore Africa
Gold Reef City
You may enjoy a huge range of interesting activities in Johannesburg by going to the Gold Reef City, which has them all in one convenient location. Have some fun, kick back, and enjoy some top-notch entertainment.
Gold Reef City is the best family entertainment complex in the country, and it offers a broad selection of exciting activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
This is the only amusement park in South Africa. It is located on the site of an abandoned gold mine. It features more than thirty rides that are geared toward people of varying ages. You may also observe a gold-pouring demo, tour an underground mine, watch a 4D presentation, and do many other things.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Joburg and enjoy some excellent entertainment! Enjoy thrilling casino activity, world-class performances at The Lyric, the newest blockbuster movies at Gold Reef City, and mouthwatering cuisine at their vast range of restaurant and fast-food outlets, and spend a fantastic day out at our electrifying Theme Park..
Apartheid Museum
Every single person who lives in South Africa and every tourist who comes here should make it a point to check out this art gallery at least once so that they may appreciate what the country has been through.
The Apartheid Museum was the first museum of its sort and detailed the origins, practice, and eventual demise of apartheid.
The skyscraper’s design was conceptualized by an architectural collaboration consisting of many prominent architectural companies.
The stand for the project spanned seven hectares. The museum is a magnificent illustration of design, space, and geography that provides the international community with a South African experience unlike any other.
The displays were curated and organized by a group of experts from various fields, including artists, filmmakers, anthropologists, and curators.
They feature disturbing video footage, images, text panels, and artifacts that illustrate the events and personal stories that were part of the awful point in South Africa’s apartheid history.
Liliesleaf Farm
Today, Liliesleaf is the site of several remarkable exhibitions that recount how South Africa transitioned to a democratic government.
Liliesleaf seems more than simply a national historic site; it also is a site of remembering that maintains the nation’s freedom’s past and helps keep it alive.
The Liliesleaf Farm, which can be found in the heart of the verdant neighborhood of Rivonia, was a location that was highly significant in the development of South African history.
During a police operation in Johannesburg’s Liliesleaf Farm in 1963, some well-known members of the African National Congress (ANC) were arrested on suspicion that they were plotting to bring down the apartheid regime.
Even though Nelson Mandela had already been incarcerated at the moment of the raid, he was still a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and utilized Liliesleaf Farm as a site to meet and hide.
It is considered the spot where the armed branch of the African National Congress, known as Umkhonto we Sizwe, which battled against the apartheid regime, had its start.
Alexandra Township
Alexandra Township is not just one of the most historically significant townships in Johannesburg but also the oldest. It was also the location of Nelson Mandela’s first home in Johannesburg once he arrived in the city.
During apartheid, non-white people were forced out of their houses and relocated to suburban regions outside of cities, where they lacked access to basic facilities and infrastructure.
These areas were further divided according to race. These settlements were eventually given the name of townships.
Mr. HB Papenfus, a prosperous farmer and owner of the property on which Alexandra Township was afterward laid out, was the person responsible for establishing the township in 1912.
At the time, this was one of the very few metropolitan places in the region where persons of African descent could purchase land. He chose to honor her memory by naming the business after her.
Constitution Hill
The structures on Constitution Hill in District not only shed light on the atrocities that occurred during some of the most difficult times in South Africa during the 20th century, but they also highlight the bright and hopeful future enshrined in the country’s contemporary Constitutional Court.
Bricks salvaged from an earlier building housing defendants awaiting trial were used in the construction of the Constitutional Court, which first opened its doors in 2003. The airy, welcoming, and contemporary structure is packed with hundreds of paintings and sculptures from South Africa, which are reasons to visit the building.
This is the constitutional court in the nation, and its primary responsibility is to maintain the ideals of liberty and equality inscribed in South Africa’s constitution, which was fought for and achieved with great difficulty.
Hearings in court are open to the public, and interested parties are welcome to observe them as well as tour the courtroom.
Johannesburg Zoo
Absence at the Johannesburg Zoo on a visit to the city is the only thing that would make it feel incomplete. The zoo is well-known for the many animals that can be seen there and for many other things.
They feature various displays ranging from history to animals, and they even have a working farmyard. In addition to that, there is a theme park that is renowned for being among the largest in all of South Africa.
Going to the zoo is a delightful experience! The next time you get together with your family for the holidays, consider doing something like this. Not only is it entertaining and educational, but it’s also a great way to strengthen family bonds.
Are you in need of some gift ideas?
For yourself, a friend, or a family member, you can adopt a favorite animal from the Joburg Zoo, which will allow you to spread your passion for animals. Rewarding and enjoyable!
Joburg Zoo’s continued commitment to worldwide wildlife conservation is bolstered by your adoption donation, which gives the animals the care and nourishment they need.
James Hall Museum of Transport
In Johannesburg, it’s hard to believe that there was a period when the streets were devoid of fast-moving automobiles. Time your visit to include a stop at James Hall Museum to learn more about land transportation’s rich history.
The biggest and most complete land transportation museum in South Africa is located in Johannesburg at this Museum of Transport. As a joint effort between Johannesburg and the late Jimmie Hall, it was established in February 1964.
There is no better place to learn about Johannesburg’s transportation history than the JHMT. The museum is South Africa’s most large-scale land transport museum, with displays and exhibits arranged by theme across the museum’s numerous exhibit rooms.
On top of all that, there’s an incredible collection of historical relics and rare and interesting steam-powered vehicles.
Young people may witness how their ancestors and great-grandparents used to get around the city, and even the country, all those years ago at James Hall Museum of Transportation.
Lindfield Victorian House Museum
The museum educates visitors about the area’s cultural history and allows them to feel what it was like to live in a different time by recreating the atmosphere of days gone by.
A story about the routine lives of a family and the latest fashions, as well as lords and servants, refinement, civilization, high banquets, social etiquette, and intellectual accomplishments.
Even if the inside of the museum, particularly the drawing room, has a worn-out appearance, the fact that it is real contributes to the overall allure of the visit.
This has been built up over the course of many years with the investment of a substantial amount of time, resources, love, and care.
The visitors will be able to appreciate the depth of this as they move from room to room, listen to the stories, and look at the artifacts from a bygone age that, for better or worse, had a significant impact on many aspects of the environment that surrounds it today.
After the tour, every one of the guests will undoubtedly have a favorite item or space they particularly enjoyed.
Collectors Treasury
This establishment is home to the most extensive book collection in the Southern Hemisphere, and they never get rid of anything. What an incredible maze this labyrinth is! It is highly recommended that you go check out the location.
Even if you don’t discover what you’ve been searching for, even if you only spend an hour browsing titles and gathering some inspiration, it will be worth it. A ridiculous assortment of books covering every subject imaginable.
There are supposedly 2 million books, 300,000 albums, and a wide variety of collectibles stored in the structure, with eight stories dedicated to book storage, even though not every level is accessible to you.
It is mind-blowing to see books everywhere, and I’m sure that you will find something that you’ve been looking for for a while among the dusty heaps of books that are simply everywhere. Books are just everywhere.
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Johannesburg Planetarium
Experience something truly off of this planet as you pay a visit to the world-famous Johannesburg Planetarium.
People who visit South Africa frequently comment on the beautiful night skies and the seemingly never-ending display of stars that can be seen there. Even though a stay in Johannesburg may mostly consist of shopping and entertainment.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in the glimmering magic within the Johannesburg Planetarium, which honors the incomparable magnitude of the universe and its constellations.
This spectacular destination is also referred to as the Wits Planetarium because of the fact that it is affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand.
This planetarium opened its doors in 1960, and since then, it has been visited by tens of thousands of tourists annually.
Children have a lot of fun exploring the planetarium and discovering the Milky Way, other galaxies, constellations, specific stars, and the moon’s motion, as well as how the Earth fits in so smoothly with everything else.
Soweto Towers
An adrenaline addict may engage in a broad selection of extreme sports at the Soweto Towers. These activities include bungee jumping, paintball, SCAD free falls, skydiving, wall climbing, and many more. You may safely jump off our suspension bridge if you wrap a rubber string around your feet.
An elevator may take us to the Western Cooling Tower’s peak, where a viewing platform provides a 360-degree panorama over Soweto and Johannesburg.
If you choose to jump, you can find solace in knowing that the staff members here have undergone a rigorous selection process and are highly trained to assure your safety.
Chaf Pozi is a bustling African braai restaurant that is located at the foot of the towers. Once you have returned to the ground, you may reward yourself with a refreshing drink at Chaf Pozi.
Honeydew Mazes
Honeydew Mazes are an outdoor labyrinth activity that the whole family may enjoy. Reeds have been woven together to create a massive maze we invite you to investigate.
Find the five hidden gardens, and then solve the general knowledge question that will put everyone to the test.
The solution to the maze can be found in roughly an hour and a half. In addition to the larger mazes and puzzles in the Courtyard area, there are several smaller ones. These will keep you amused. There are no reservations necessary.
At Honeydew Mazes, there’s really usually at least one major maze that is available for guests to explore.
They have a Reed Maze called the Elemental Maze throughout the winter and spring months, and earlier a year, they have a Maize Maze that you may get lost in. Both of the mazes are difficult to navigate for people of all ages.
Joburg Theatre Complex
The Johannesburg Theatre is the best venue in Africa for live entertainment. It regularly stages local and international theater productions of the highest possible caliber.
This theatre is home to several different forms of live performance, including traditional theater and pantomime, and dance.
There are four stages and three extra rooms within the Joburg Theatre Complex often called the Johannesburg Civic Theatre.
The Mandela Theatre can accommodate a maximum of 1,069 persons, the Fringe Theatre can accommodate 252 individuals, and the Peoples Theatre can accommodate 176 individuals. In contrast, the other theater provides both seating and a changing place.
The lobby, on two levels, is decorated in an understated and elegant manner. The timings change based on the show that you choose to watch. You can see the schedule of forthcoming events as well as timing information on their website.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens are among Johannesburg’s most important green spaces. A sports field and a golf driving range with no trees were used for the gardens in 1969 when the site was set aside for this purpose.
It’s now a collection of open, grassy areas peppered with trees where people go running, picnicking, and walking their dogs. On rare occasions, it serves as the setting for concerts and kite-flying competitions.
This arboretum includes family groups of plants and trees from South Africa and other parts of the world in its distinctive gardens, including the Shakespearean Garden, a Rose Garden, and a Herb Garden, as well as a Hedge Demonstration Garden.
Overlooking the historic Emmarentia Dam, a famous canoeing and boating spot, the gardens include a colorful mix of indigenous plants and exotic plants clustered together in lush meadows. Additionally, there are meeting rooms, a floreum, and a tea pergola.
There are 2 small dams above the dam that is home to a variety of waterfowl, which feed the larger one.
Guards are posted at all of the park’s gates and around the perimeter fence to ensure the safety of all visitors.
Gautrain
The gleaming gold Gautrain, sometimes known as the “How-train,” is the pride and pleasure of the province of Gauteng.
First of its kind in Africa, Gautrain is a world-class, contemporary express bus and rail service serving Gauteng, South Africa’s most populous province.
Travelers in and out of Johannesburg and those between the City of Gold and Pretoria have significantly benefited from the Gautrain. The Gautrain is a high-speed rail line designed to alleviate traffic congestion in and around the Gauteng cities of Joburg and Pretoria.
It connects the major business center of Joburg (Park Station) with key commercial districts of the north. It continues on to Pretoria and O.R. International Tambo Airport.
To ride the train, you must first get a Swift Card from any station and then load money onto it from a vending machine or kiosk located within the station. You can also pay for your excursion with a contactless bank card, another payment option.
Mandela House
The Mandela House is a significant point of interest on the historical map of South Africa. Take a trip down memory lane and retrace one of South Africa’s most important struggle trips.
Mandela House aspires to be a tourist destination of world-class caliber and a leading center for the preservation, exhibition, and research of historical heritage and the legacy of the Mandela Family.
Ensure that each and every guest has a meaningful, effective, and fulfilling experience; that is the objective of the Mandela House.
Every day, the staff works hard to create a culture of respect, decency, and forgiveness so that visitors can relive the tale of President Nelson Mandela’s house and his life as they tour the property.
Every event should result in respect for one another, reconciliation, and tolerance among South Africans and tourists visiting the nation.
The Playground
In celebration of Red Bus Week, the city’s weekend beating heart has reopened and is open to anyone! Exactly as its name implies, a place to rekindle the joy and interaction that Covid nearly smothered.
Saturdays are spent at The Playground, where an artisan market is held, serving a selection of gourmet street cuisine and beverages. Not only is this an exhibition venue, but it also serves as a showcase for the city’s best up-and-coming artists.
South Africa’s brightest emerging designers will be on display at the launch event of a fresh talent incubator pop-up, introducing fresh and intriguing aspects to the mix every week.
The Playground is home to more than 30 unique food vendors offering a variety of cuisines. In addition, there is a focus placed on encouraging local clothing and design and exhibiting the very best up-and-coming young designers. The Playground also features a creativity accelerator pop-up throughout its events.
The Playground features top-notch live and D.J. performances every week as an essential element of the overall entertainment offering.
Aha Lesedi Cultural Village
Aha Lesedi is a cultural village and African lodge that can be found just outside of Johannesburg. It comprises conventional homesteads and offers visitors the chance to interact with individuals from various ethnic backgrounds.
During a complete tour to Lesedi that departs from Johannesburg, visitors can take in this cross-African community’s splendor, history, and customs.
As part of this journey, you will not only receive an understanding and insight into the locals’ way of life, but you will also get to sample traditional food, song, and dance.
When living in a large and contemporary metropolis such as Johannesburg, it can be challenging to understand how people lived in the past. This is exactly what you will get from this guided tour of the Lesedi Traditional Village, as you will have the chance to learn about the cultural practices of various southern African peoples throughout your time there.
Lesedi incorporates aspects of a wide variety of South African tribal traditions, so reflecting the cultural diversity of the country’s first occupants.
Carlton Centre
One of the city’s tallest and longest commercial landmarks stands at 50 floors and spans four blocks. If you visit the Carlton Centre retail arcade, you may get a taste of what malls in South Africa were like in the 1980s.
The center was constructed in the 1970s, and ever since, it has been an important landmark in the city’s skyline.
It has several additional features, such as an observation deck on the 50th floor, Top of Africa, which provides 360-degree city views, and an underground shopping center that links the center to the Carlton Hotel, which is located nearby.
This accessible landmark, which can be found in the middle of the Central Business District in Johannesburg, should be on the agenda of each traveler that comes to the city.
Hundreds of individuals are commuting in and out of this area anytime. Make sure to take the elevators to the top level of this Centre and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
Since the completion of The Leonardo, located in Sandton, Johannesburg, rather than the city center, Carlton Centre has lost its position as Africa’s tallest skyscraper.
Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
This location offers many fun things for kids and adults alike to do together. You may choose to have a day filled with excitement or a day of resting in the woods; whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll be able to discover something perfect for you right here!
Discover Africa’s Cradle of Humanity at the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve.
There are so many activities for you and your relatives to participate in at this location. You may go on safaris, see lions and tigers hunt, ride a bike track, swim in a pool, eat pizza, drink sundowners, and more.
In cages set up beside a stream of fresh water, you can get close to some of the world’s most stunning kinds of waterfowl. Experience the thrill of seeing the most deadly creature in Africa in its native environment.
Having the Cradle Bike Park, a kid-friendly play park, and kid-friendly food choices at the Thatch Café will keep your kids active and entertained all day long.
