Many people don’t think of Joburg as an exciting holiday destination, but having lived there for 10 years, I can tell you that Jozi has it all! It’s funky, the people are wickedly friendly, and whatever isn’t in town is on its doorstep.
If you need to see it to believe it, scroll on down…
At 269m high, the Hillbrow Tower is the tallest structure in Johannesburg and a prominent feature in the city’s skyline. PS. The lightning storms in Joburg are intense! Photo: Derek Keats, flickr
The Air Cinema Club transforms into an outdoor cinema once a month in the city centre.
Only a short drive out of the concrete jungle and you can hike, mountain bike, and play in as much nature as you can handle!
Enjoy bird watching? There’s plenty of that!
Even the dassies in Lonehill dig the Joburg scene. Photo: Derek Keats, flickr
The Gautrain fills any need for speed.
FNB’s Bank City precinct has become an inner-city haven. It was designed to celebrate the bank’s 175th anniversary.
Opulent architecture like the iconic Michelangelo Towers lets you know that you’re in Africa’s biggest economic hub.
A sneak peek at the extravagance you’ll find inside The Michelangelo.
There’s even grass on the balconies.
Dance group competing in a cultural dance festival in Joubert Park. Photo: Chris Kirchhoff, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
Nothing lifts the human spirit like a capacity crowd at Soccer City! Photo: Celso Flores, flickr
Mrs. Ples is kind of a rock star! Found at the Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind, the skull is now housed in the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History. Photo: José Braga & Didier Descouens, Wikimedia Commons
The streets of Jozi are filled with funky graffiti street art – especially in the inner-city precincts of Braamfontein, Maboneng, and Newtown. Thanks to Mzansi Girl for sharing this photo! See more of her Joburg street art photos here.
SMACK! Republic Brewing Co. is the only micro-brewery in Joburg’s inner city, offering artisan beer as well as beer and food pairing evenings.
Cyclists crossing the Nelson Mandela Bridge during the 94.7 Highveld Cycle Challenge. The annual 95km road race attracts around 25 000 entries. Photo: Chris Kirchhoff, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
The Shaft of Terror at Gold Reef City is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Africa. It has a 47m drop, and a G force of over 6 Gs! Photo: Xander Buys, flickr
The Dinokeng region has over 275 tourist attractions and is home to the Big 5. Explore in style in a hot air balloon! Photo: Hayward’s Grand Safari Company Africa
Getting lost is half the fun at Honeydew A-maize-ing Mazes! Photo: Honeydew Mazes
No vineyards, but never a shortage of wine.
Skydive at Wonderboom, home to the Pretoria Skydiving Club and one of the most beautiful drop zones.
Where else can you dance with a giant Madiba? Photo: Emma Cloete, Pinterest
And then eat at his family restaurant?! Photo: Nagarjun, flickr
Get your Christmas lights fix at Emperor’s Palace as the annual Garden of Lights display is switched on in the Gardens of Vespasian at the Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel.
Be daring and hold a baby crocodile, a variety of exotic snakes, and a tarantula at Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park.
The five hundred restaurant at the Saxon Hotel claimed 2nd place in the Top 10 Restaurants category of the 2013 Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards.
With over 10 million trees, Johannesburg is the world’s largest man-made forest. Photo: photorator.com
Head to Orlando Towers in Soweto to bungee jump, power swing, base jump, and more! Photo: Nagarjun, flickr
Joburg is so central, it’s easy to get to Pretoria, Durban, Kimberley, and other areas for weekend getaways.
The Lion Park is home to a number of predators, as well as other game that roam freely in a separate area. Take a self-drive or night drive tour, and enjoy the rare opportunity to play with lion cubs and feed the resident giraffe.
Visit Irene Dairy for some good old farm culture and delicious fresh produce. Photo: Monxdavies, wikipedia
South Africa is one of the top producers of beer. SAB World of Beer offers a fun and informative tour through the history and heritage of brewing– from the tombs of Egypt to a township shebeen.
The Johannesburg Zoo is home to the only two polar bears in Africa – Geebee and Wang. Photo: Happy Touring
The world could do with more pink elephants. Photo: Paul Keller, flickr
Tired of the usual restaurants? The Indaba Hotel offers unique dining experiences at the Chief’s Boma…
…and Dinner in the Sky!
Who wouldn’t want to play at the Nike Football Soweto Training Facility? Photo: Dundas Football Club, flickr
At 173m, Ponte Tower is the tallest residential skyscraper in Africa. Photo: SprachLos1 (flickr)
Jozi guys are hardcore! Photo: Nagarjun, flickr
If you’re itching to experience Johannesburg for yourself, check out 5 MORE reasons to visit Jozi, then visit LekkeSlaap.co.za and book your accommodation the easy way!
Main image credited to Dylan Harbour (wikimedia commons)
Photos not credited are author’s own or supplied.
