If you’ve ever visited Johannesburg, you’ll already know that there are endless choices with regard to attractions in this vibrant, fast-paced city. Not all of us are fortunate enough to have heaps of spare time to see the city. Perhaps you’re a busy business person with only a few hours to spare before you need to rush off to an important meeting, or maybe you have a morning off while waiting for your next flight. If you’re looking for something to fill these gaps, take a look at our picks of things to do with your morning off in Johannesburg.

A majestic male Lion waiting patiently. By Cheetah100 (Flickr).

1. Lion Park – Lanseria
The Lion Park is always a great draw for locals and tourists alike, despite being a 40 minute drive outside of the Johannesburg CBD. Despite the name, you’ll also find herbivores here, such as doe-eyed giraffe, gentle zebra, and excitable antelope in one area. The expected carnivores such as lion prides, along with hyena packs and cheetah are kept in a separate section.

The Lion Park is not a zoo, so don’t arrive expecting to view wildlife in cages. Instead, the animals roam freely in their allocated areas. On the carnivore side, there are several fences and gates in place to separate the different species, so there is no in-fighting. The Lion Park is open daily from 08:30am – 21:00pm and has a fully licensed bar and restaurant on-site.

The old Orlando Towers are now an action-packed adventure centre. By Ruivo! (Flickr)

2. Orlando Towers – Soweto
If you are nervous for you presentation later in the day, why not shed your fear of the boardroom by kicking your adrenaline into high gear at Orlando Towers. Here you have a choice of activities at the world’s first vertical adventure facility, with options such as the classic bungee jump, power swing, and abseil. You can also visit the viewing platform or participate in SCAD jumping (a controlled free-fall into a net).

Also on offer is the nerve-racking rap jumping option, where you rappel down into the 100m west cooling tower. They are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00am to sunset. Groups larger than six will need to call ahead and book, and corporate events can also be organised.

A relaxing facial massage. By o5com (Flickr)

3. West Cliff Hotel and Spa – Westcliff
Those who want a pampering experience, during those precious free hours, should look no further than the West Cliff Hotel. You’ll walk through cascading gardens and softly tinkling fountains before reaching the Botanica Spa. Book an indulgent massage ahead of time and let the masseuse melt away your tension.

All treatments are inspired by Mother Earth and the aromatherapy massages, clay wraps, scrubs and hot stone massages will have you feeling like a goddess in your own right before leaving. Before or after your massage, make sure you check out the on-site restaurant called La Belle Terrasse, which serves wonderful breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The spa is open from 09:00am to 20:00pm daily.

A rousing game of golf gets the blood flowing. By Sands Beach Lanzarote (Flickr)

4. Golf – Boksburg
For many businessmen, golf is an integral way to relax during times of tension, as well as a way to entertain clients. There are many wonderful golf courses, but the E.R.P.M Golf Club is one of the closest to the CBD, making sneaking a game of golf between meetings much easier.

They have a practice bunker if you need to work on your swing, a chipping green for practising your putting skills, and a Pro shop. For non-affiliated members, a fee of R120 is applicable should you wish to play 9-holes, and R240 to access all 18.* Visitors are welcome every day, with the exception of Saturday and Sunday mornings.

294 Meters Below Gold Reef City. By jespahjoy (Flickr)

5. Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City is the perfect spot to relax and watch a theater show of your choice, or take a ride on the wild side at the amusement park. If neither of the above options are what you’re after, then perhaps the bright lights of the casino are more to your taste.

A word of warning is that you should phone ahead and check that all the rides are in operation, as some of the rides require regular maintenance and may be out of order. Some great activities in the theme park include checking out a 4D movie, which is well worth experiencing, riding the raging rapids, and the runaway train. Other gold-rush-era influences can be seen during the historic underground tour, though those who suffer from asthma will have to give it a miss. If you have more time, then head to the casino and eat at Back O’ The Moon restaurant and jazz bar, which serves outstanding gourmet cuisine.

Let us know what your favorite Johannesburg activities are.

*All prices and times correct at date of publication.