| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
Johannesburg is 1,402km (869 miles) NE of Cape Town; Tshwane is 58km (36 miles) N of Johannesburg Johannesburg, Jo'burg, Jozi . . . ever evolving, this vibrant city throbs to a heady, relentless beat, fueled by the paradox of its reputation as a crime hub and the tremendous sociability of its inhabitants. Jozi's diverse population is a considerably better reflection of South Africa's burgeoning hegemonic spirit than you'll encounter anywhere else in the country, with a new black aristocracy creating their own cultural stew in the clubs, bars, and restaurants in this city's more cosmopolitan areas. But it wasn't always like this. Once rolling bushveld, the "gold capital of the world" was born when a prospector named George Harrison stumbled upon what was to become the richest gold reef in the world in 1886. Within 3 years, these nondescript highveld plains had grown into the third-biggest city in South Africa, and soon Johannesburg, or "eGoli," as it came to be known, would become the largest city south of Cairo. It took only a decade for Jo'burg's population to exceed 100,000, and by 1897 it was producing 27% of the world's gold. The speed at which it grew was due in part to the power and greed of men like Cecil Rhodes -- whose diamond mines in Kimberley provided the capital to exploit the rich gold-bearing reefs of the Witwatersrand -- and to the availability of cheap labor. Along with other "randlords," as the most powerful consortium of mining magnates was known,
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| History (Source: WCities) | Top | The Sterkfontein Valley, situated just 18 miles northwest of Johannesburg, has yielded some of the most startling archaeological treasures of our time. Scientists working the limestone caves in 1998 discovered a lime-encrusted skeleton, which dates the presence of early human beings in the valley to 3.5 million years ago. This discovery places Gauteng at the forefront of international palaeontology research. Evidence of Iron Age smelters on the Melville Koppies and at Lone Hill just north of Sandton, point to a more recent human occupation. While rock engravings in Magaliesberg mark the passage of these hunter gatherers 25,000 years ago. It is not without reason that the province in which Johannesburg sits is called Gauteng - Sotho for "Place of Gold." The city was named after Johan Rissik (the Surveyor General sent to select a site for the village) and Johannes Joubert (the mining commissioner sent to investigate the claims). With the discovery of gold in 1886 (the world's most significant source of this precious mineral is located here), gold diggers, speculators and fortune hunters arrived in droves, and soon a tented town sprung up. This conglomerate of disparate people was to become what is today South Africa's main commercial center. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Witwatersrand gold mines attracted large numbers of African laborers who were housed in compounds on the mines. Company and municipal hostels housed migrant workers for other
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| How To Get There (Source: Frommers) | Top | Most flights to South Africa arrive at Johannesburg International Airport, now known as O.R. Tambo International Airport (tel. 011/921-6262, or 086/727-7888 for flight inquiries), Africa's busiest hub, currently undergoing extensive expansion and upgrading in preparation for the 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament. Note that even if your baggage has been checked through to another South African destination, you must pick up your luggage and clear Customs continuing to your connecting flight. The Gauteng Tourism Authority has a branch in the airport's International Arrivals hall (tel. 011/390-3614; daily 6am-10pm). Foreign exchange is available 24 hours and there are plenty of credit-card-friendly ATMs. The airport is 25km (16 miles) from the city and a 30- to 40-minute drive from the northern suburbs. Taxi lines queue up directly outside the exit and drivers will approach you as you walk through customs; make sure you discuss the price upfront (it should cost you about R275/$39/£20 to get to a Sandton/northern suburbs hotel). A cheaper, more convenient option, but only if you're traveling alone, is the Magic Bus Shuttle, in the Multistory Parkade (tel. 011/548-0822; www.magicbus.hco.za). Transfers to the Sandton center take place every 2 hours (first bus 8am, last bus 6pm) and cost R110 ($16/£7.90) per person; a door-to-door transfer (to your hotel, for example) will cost a little extra. By Train Given time, there's nothing better than trundling thr
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| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | Johannesburg, the city of great diversity, is a place that celebrates and rejoices its different cultures. New genres are being created and cross-cultural projects are tearing down Old South African boundaries. These are exciting times to visit, as the vibrant arts scene sets off on a new course. The city, which was built on gold and then manufacturing, offers cultural escapism for every taste. This is South Africa’s entertainment center – where would-be actors get their first break; where singers are launched onto the international stage and successful artists are invited to exhibit at institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Look out for listings of mainstream entertainment as well as film festivals, unusual art exhibitions and the like. The daily Star newspaper’s Tonight section is a good source of information, but the weekly Mail & Guardian’s Friday section is probably the most comprehensive entertainment guide available. Art There is a plethora of galleries and museums in and around Johannesburg and a week could easily be filled just doing the art routes. The Johannesburg Art Gallery houses the definitive collection of South African art. ABSA Gallery in the center of the city (always phone to book parking) houses an excellent art collection. The Witwatersrand (Wits) University houses the Gertrude Posel Gallery, where exhibitions include collaborations with the Rock Art Research Institute. The Karen McKerron Fine Art Gall
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| Getting Around (Source: Frommers) | Top | If you're comfortable with self-driving, you can rent a car from one of the myriad desks in the airport: Of the big brands, Hertz tends to have better deals more often. Alternatively ResQ (tel. 011/867-6552; www.resqrentacar.co.za) will deliver and collect at the airport, and offers secondhand budget options that have the added advantage of being less desirable to carjackers. Britz Africa (tel. 011/396-1860; www.britz.co.za) specializes in fully equipped four-wheel-drives and camper vans, and will pick you up at the airport. Hire a Land Rover (contact Neil Kemp, tel. 011/608-3442 or 082/929-9237; www.hirealandrover.co.za) rents out a wide range of "Landies" that are in good condition. By Taxi Taxis generally don't cruise the streets, so you'll have to call for one. Try Roses Taxi (tel. 011/403-9625 ) and Maxi Taxi (tel. 011/648-1212 ). In Tshwane, call Rixi Mini Cabs at tel. 012/325-8072 or SA Taxi at tel. 012/320-2075. Charges are around R8 ($1.15/60p) per km. Back to Top Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. Print
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