South Africaâs âCity of Goldâ was founded in 1886 during a gold rush, making it one of the youngest major cities in the world.
[The Discoverer](
[Johannesburg, South Africa]
Edition 113 | 4:04 read time
[Johannesburg]( | [@unclescrooch](
South Africaâs âCity of Goldâ was founded in 1886 during a gold rush, making it one of the youngest major cities in the world. A certain adventurous spirit comes with that relative youth, which is fitting: Joâburg is the rare destination as perfect for outdoor activities and historical sites as it is for nightlife and shopping. Itâs encountered growing pains in the aftermath of Apartheid, as has the country as a whole, but experiencing it today is both exciting and informative.
Fun Fact:
40% of all human-ancestor fossils ever discovered are in the Johannesburg area.
Johannesburg, South Africa
S 26.20° / E 28.04°
[#johannesburg]( | Ryan_Fire_Starter_James
March â May
As summer turns to autumn in Johannesburg, savvy travelers take advantage of increasingly balmy days. Jozi, as it's known to locals, is situated at an altitude of 5,751 feet, which helps regulate temperatures but may cause lightheadedness in visitors whoâve yet to acclimate to the high elevation. Whenever your trip is, make sure to hydrate even more than you usually would.
[#apartheidmuseum]( | [@sarahelg__](
Long Walk to Freedom
Every country has unfortunate history to contend with, and South Africa is no exception. Apartheid â institutionalized racial segregation â was the countryâs reality from 1948 until the early 1990s, and the [Apartheid Museum]( exists to ensure that itâs neither forgotten nor repeated. A sobering experience, itâs also an enriching one â especially in conjunction with the unaffiliated [Mandela House]( which still bears bullet holes and scorch marks from Molotov-cocktail attacks.
[#goldreefcity]( | [@giotr108](
G-Force City
Anyone tempted to dismiss [Gold Reef City]( as just another amusement park has clearly never heard of Tower of Terror. It boasts the highest g-force of any rollercoaster in the world at 6.5 g â higher than the Space Shuttle or a Formula 1 car â not to mention a 164-foot drop. Built on a gold mine that closed in 1971, the park also features a casino, demonstrations of liquid gold being poured into bullion bars, and a movie theater.
[#cradleofhumankind]( | [@landscape.first](
Cradle to the Grave
All those fossils mentioned above? They were discovered in whatâs now known as the [Cradle of Humankind]( a UNESCO World Heritage Site thatâs livelier than its archaeological roots suggest. In addition to stones and bones, itâs also home to a number of endangered species, caves that will make a spelunker out of even the most claustrophobic of visitors, and such beautiful environs that many choose to get married there. Canopy tours and wine-tasting are also on offer for those looking to fill an entire day.
[Lion & Safari Park]( | [@annabracephotography](
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, ostriches, and crocodiles are just some of the animals to be found at the [Lion & Safari Park]( which offers a number of different ways to interact with its wildlife. Visitors can go on a guided three-hour safari drive, an hour-long lion walk, or take the night-feeding tour, among many other options. Itâs ideal for animal lovers who prefer to see untamed creatures in their natural habitat.
[@ickramer](
Ianâs Discovery
[@ickramer](
"There is so much to do in Johannesburg! As an American trying to describe it â itâs sprawling like Los Angeles with a pulse like New York City. What really struck me was how much of a foodie city it was. Seriously, some of the best food Iâve ever had. Between deciding where to eat and what history to explore, there is never a dull moment. I learned a lot about the country and human history, but what I highly recommend is taking a tour of Soweto with a local!"
[Botanist]( | [@botanistparkhurst](
More moyo
[moyo Melrose Archâs]( decor is as aesthetically pleasing as the food is appetizing. The menu is distinctly African â crocodile tail pies, Maputo peri peri chicken, and springbok carpaccio are all on offer â as is the ambiance, what with its pressed pebble walls and live music. For the classic steakhouse experience, seek out the [Grillhouse Rosebank](. It's been serving ribeyes and winning awards for a full 25 years now, priding itself on being vegetarian-friendly and delighting customers who save room for dessert with its famous brownies and ice cream. And since the third timeâs a charm, try the [Botanist Rotisserieâs]( free-range chicken. Prepared for 24 hours in a proprietary mix of sauces, herbs, and spices, itâs unlike anything else in the city â or beyond.
[Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg]( | [@robertmichaelpoole](
Eco-Friendly Luxury
Whether you prefer your hotel to simply be a relaxing place to unwind or an adventure unto itself, you can hardly go wrong with the five-star [Residence Boutique](. In addition to designer suites and gorgeous architecture, it also boasts a fireplace in the lobby, nearby golf courses, and spa. Less pricey but more environmentally friendly is the [Thaba Eco]( a four-star establishment that lives up to its name by xeriscaping (minimizing water use) and offering eco-drives of the surrounding environs. Just as important are the views, which are genuinely breathtaking. And though you may have stayed in a Four Seasons before, you probably haven't stayed in one like the [Westcliff](. Located on the Witwatersrand hillside, it feels like a getaway unto itself despite being in the middle of Jozi.
[Johannesburg CBD]( | [@unclescrooch](
Catch Some Rays
"Watch the sunset â Joburg's is undoubtedly tempting!" â [@triyunileslee](
Meet the Big Five
"If you're an animal person then the Pilanesberg National Park might just be the place for you. They have over 7,000 animals, including the famous Big 5." â [@allistairlewis](
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