Choose from 32 Fun Things to Do in Gauteng
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Carlton Centre
Johannesburg has most of Africa's tallest buildings, and the building that's held the title of Africa's tallest office building for nearly four decades is the Carlton Centre.
The Carlton Centre is a combination office building and shopping center. The 50-storey building stands at 732 feet, but almost half of its floor area is below the ground level – that's where the majority of the shopping is located, in an underground shopping mall that's one of the city's top shopping destinations. Until 1997, the Carlton Centre was connected via this underground mall to the luxury Carlton Hotel.
The top floor of the Carlton Centre is known as the “Top of Africa,” and offers some of the best views overlooking Johannesburg.
Practical Info
Entry to the top floor viewing deck is SAR 15 for adults, SAR 10 for children under the age of 12. The Top of Africa is open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 9am-2pm.
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
Hours: The Top of Africa: open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 9am-2pm.
Admission: For Top of Africa: SAR 15 for adults, SAR 10 for children under age 12
From $ 16
Kruger National Park
One of South Africa’s premier attractions, Kruger National Park is famous for the extent and diversity of its wildlife. The “Big Five” of game are all there—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—and a world-class conservation program means you’ll also encounter wildebeest, giraffes, zebra, big cats of all stripes, and diverse bird species.
The Basics
South Africa’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park covers 7,700 square miles (19,485 square km). Many lodges within the park offer safari packages that include morning and afternoon game drives. If you are staying outside Kruger Park in Hazyview, Nelspruit, or White River, you can book a tour that includes an early morning, evening, or day-long game drive. From the full experience from Johannesburg, book a full-day group or private tour that runs up to 16 hours and includes about three hours of game viewing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Kruger safari is a bucket-list trip for any wildlife lover.
- Game drives take place in open safari vehicles and are led by experienced guides who are passionate about wildlife and the bush.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera, as well as binoculars for game viewing at a distance.
- To make the most of your safari experience, follow your guide’s instructions carefully, especially when it comes to safety around the animals.
- You can choose between a guided tour and a self-drive excursion.
How to Get There
From Johannesburg, Kruger National Park is about a five-hour drive or a short flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Buses are also available from Johannesburg to Nelspruit, from where you can also book a tour into the park.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry season, between April and September. Temperatures are pleasant, vegetation is sparse, and water levels are low, which makes for the best game viewing. In the rainy season, October to March, thick foliage can make it harder to spot animals.
Spotting the Big Five in Kruger National Park
Catching sight of the Big Five is the highlight of any African safari. Lions tend to roam the open savannah and travel in prides of five to 15. They spend much of the day sleeping and get active in the later afternoon. Elephants are highly social and you can spot herds as large as 100 in Kruger, most often gathered around a watering hole. Buffalo may be the most dangerous of the Big Five and are also quite social, moving in herds of several hundred that often give rise to large dust clouds as they move in the dry season. Both white and black rhinos are endangered, so seeing them in Kruger is a rare treat. Leopards are the most elusive of the Big Five; you’re most likely to spot one perched on a large tree branch or preparing to stalk prey at night.
Address: South Africa
Hours: Open year round
Admission: Adults: ZAR 304.00. Children under 12: ZAR 76.00
From $ 225
Hartbeespoort Dam
Built in the 1920s, the Hartbeespoort Dam is located between two mountain ranges in an area that was once popular for hunting a type of antelope called the hartebeest. A farm known as Hartbeespoort was on the site and purchased by the government in order to build the dam. The result was the Hartbeespoort Reservoir, created from the Crocodile River.
The dam stands more than195 feet tall and stretches 490 feet across the valley. The reservoir behind it is nearly 150 feet at its deepest point and has become a popular recreation site for residents of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The water quality is generally considered to be poor, but there are lots of opportunities for boating excursions and picnics along the water's edge.
Practical Info
The Hartbeespoort Dam is roughly 28 miles from Pretoria, and just under 60 miles from Johannesburg. There are vacation lodges in various spots around the reservoir.
Address: South Africa
From $ 141
Nelson Mandela Bridge
The Nelson Mandela Bridge covers a span of over 931 feet in the Johannesburg city center, but this bridge doesn't cross a river. Instead, the bridge soars over more than 40 rail lines, linking the Newtown and Braamfontein neighborhoods.
Opened in 2003 by Nelson Mandela himself, the Nelson Mandela Bridge is Africa's largest cable-stayed bridge. The bridge accommodates two lanes of car traffic, a cycling path, and pedestrian sidewalks on either side. The modern design has a lightweight appearance, and the entire bridge is illuminated at night with varying colors – it's something of a light show in the Johannesburg city center every night.
The Nelson Mandela Bridge was built as part of a rejuvenation project in Johannesburg's business district. In 2011, it was used as a runway during Joburg Fashion Week. Thanks to the bridge, it's now easier to get between attractions such as the SAB World of Beer, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Mary Fitzgerald Square, the Civic Theatre, the Market Theatre, and the 1913 Museum Africa.
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
From $ 65
Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway
Gauteng’s answer to the Table Mountain Cableway, the suspended gondolas at Hartbeespoort, just under 50 miles from Johanessburg’s downtown, lift riders to a scenic overlook with hiking, dining and even shopping at the top.
The historic and recently restored cable sports fourteen completely-enclosed green gondolas, each capable of ferrying six passengers ¾ of a mile up the slopes of Magaliesberg Mountain. Wrap-around windows show the impressive lake created by the nearby Hartebeespoort Dam, the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day, all the way to Pretoria. Sharing the airspace are black eagles, endangered Cape vultures and more than 300 other species of birds.
At the top, the short Dassie loop, named for the fluffy rodents found amid the rocks, includes signage at lookouts of interest including the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg, 34 miles to the south. The cableway also operates a pair of restaurants – a fancier sit down place at the bottom and a summit restaurant with Lookout Bar offering customizable baskets for scenic picnics – a jungle gym for kids at the top and an Adventure Centre selling paragliding and abseiling packages near the
base station. Upper and lower curio vendors, including the aptly named ‘Little Shop at the Top,’ sell cableway souvenirs, toys, apparel, jewelry as well as home décor and art.
Practical Info
The Hartbeespoort (Harties for short) Aerial Cableway base station is located off Route 511 just past the high school in Hartbeespoort. It’s open daily, weather permitting, from 8:30 a.m. with the first ride starting at 9 a.m.; closing times vary based on season. It’s worth it to wait for sunny weather – clouds and fog can obscure the full experience. Return tickets cost R 195 for adults and R 115 for kids ages 4 to 14. Many visitors combine a trip to the top with other Hartbeespoort attractions such as the Elephant Sanctuary, the Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary and the Vulture Rehabilitation Centre.
Address: R511, Hartbeespoort, South Africa
Hours: Ticket office opens at 8:30am and the first car up is at 9:00am. Ticket office closes at 4:00pm, outlets at the top close at 4:30pm and the last car down for guests is at 4:45pm.
Admission: Adults: R195; Children (4-14): R115; Under four: free
From $ 305
Old Fort Prison Complex
One of the attractions in the Constitution Hill area of Johannesburg is the Old Fort Prison Complex, which date from the late 19th century. The prison buildings were built by the Boers (Afrikaans speakers) starting in 1896 as the place to put any British invaders who were captured. During the Second Boer War, the tables were turned when the British took over the Old Fort and used the prison to hold (and execute) captive Boers.
Later, during apartheid, the main part of the Old Fort was a “whites-only” prison. An exception was made for Nelson Mandela, who was held here briefly in 1962 before his Rivonia Trial. Gandhi was also among those held in another part of the prison complex.
Practical Info
Constitution Hill is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, and weekends and most public holidays from 10am-3pm. Tours are available every hour on the hour (the last tour on Wednesdays is at 1pm). Admission is SAR50 for adults; SAR20 for students and children; SAR25 for seniors.
Address: 1 Kotze Street, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Weekends and most public holidays from 10am-3pm.
Admission: Adults: SAR50
From $ 65
Cradle of Humankind
A complex of 300 limestone caves, South Africa's Cradle of Humankind is one of the most significant archaeological and anthropological sites in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has produced an extensive human and animal fossil record, including a nearly-complete hominin skull dating back more than 2 million years.
The Basics
You can begin exploring the 181-square-mile (469-square-kilometer) Cradle of Humankind at Maropeng Visitor Centre, which hosts a variety of exhibits detailing the formation of the planet and the history of life over 4 billion years. Not all excavated sites within the Cradle of Humankind are open to the public, but travelers can explore the Sterkfontein Caves, one of the world’s most famous fossil sites and the location of the longest-running continuous paleoanthropological dig.
Cradle of Humankind tours leave from Pretoria or Johannesburg and typically visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre as well as the Sterkfontein Caves. Some tours also include a wildlife safari at the nearby Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Maropeng Visitor Centre and all of its onsite restaurants are wheelchair accessible.
- A variety of hotels, cottages, and bed-and-breakfasts are available in the area for visitors who would like to spend more than just a day exploring.
- While the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves each charge separate admission, guided tours typically provide entrance to both.
How to Get There
The Cradle of Humankind lies west of Johannesburg in South Africa’s Gauteng province. Public transportation is limited in the area, so it’s a good idea to arrive as part of a guided tour or drive independently. The site is located 59 miles (95 kilometers) from O.R. Tambo International Airport and roughly 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Lanseria International Airport. It is situated on the R400, just off the R563 Hekpoort road.
When to Get There
Due to the area’s temperate climate you can visit the Cradle of Humankind year-round. The site is open daily with the exception of major holidays.
“Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot”
Discovered by Robert Broom in 1947, “Mrs. Ples” is the nickname of the most complete skull of an Australopithecus africanus ever found in South Africa, thought to be more than 2 million years old. The archaeological community was thrilled by the discovery of “Little Foot” in 1994 in a box of bones thought to belong to monkeys or other animals. When put together, “Little Foot” was found to be a nearly complete Australopithecus fossil skeleton.
Address: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
From $ 97
Gold Reef City Theme Park and Casino
The Gold Reef City complex is built on the site of an old gold mine, and visitors can still descend into the pits and see how the precious metal is extracted. Those in search of their own windfall should head for the casino, where roulette, baccarat, black jack as well as slot machines are on offer round the clock. First time flutterers and hardened high rollers are well catered for.
The theme park component of Gold Reef City offers thrills for all ages, with rides including the Anacaonda, the Tower of Terror and a roller coaster which provides a great view towards central Johannesburg on its exhilarating journey.
Practical Info
Gold Reef City Theme Park and Casino is in Johannesburg’s south, and can be reached from the center of the city along the Villiers Graaff Motorway. Combine your visit with a tour of the adjacent Apartheid Museum for a fascinating contrast.
Address: Northern Parkway, Ormonde, Johannesburg 2135, South Africa
Hours: Closed Christmas
From $ 16
Mandela House
The Nelson Mandela National Museum (Mandela House), is dedicated to the preservation of the history, heritage, and legacy of the Mandela family. Former South African president Nelson Mandela and his family lived in this Johannesburg house from 1946 to the 1990s before dedicating it to the Soweto Heritage Trust.
The Basics
Since declared a National Heritage Site, the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s house has become a sensitively restored museum, where you can see exhibits and humble household objects that add a personal touch to the story of its occupants’ heroic struggle. Tours that stop at the Mandela House typically cover the highlights of Johannesburg and Soweto, including the Apartheid Museum, Vilakazi Street, and the Hector Pieterson Museum. Site guides at the museum are available at no additional charge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Museum tours take about 20 minutes.
- Children, students, and pensioners are admitted at half-price.
- Mandela House is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Mandela House is in Soweto, about a 30-minute drive southwest of Johannesburg city center. Most tours of Johannesburg (whether from the city center or from Pretoria) include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The small Mandela House can accommodate up to 20 visitors at a time; if there is a large crowd, be prepared to wait. Free guided tours can be arranged in advance to ensure a particular access time.
History of the Mandela House
The Mandela family occupied the house—with its humble cement floor and tin roof that are typical of the Soweto township—for decades. Mandela returned to 8115 Orlando West in Soweto, Johannesburg, after his release from prison in 1990. When Nelson and Winnie Mandela split in 1996, the then president donated the house to ensure that it would remain as a monument to South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. He mentioned the home in his memoir, Long Walk to Freedom, as a point on which he fixated for comfort during his imprisonment.
Address: 8115 Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg 1804, South Africa
Admission: Varies
From $ 55
Constitution Hill
Perhaps nowhere is South Africa’s transition to democracy more vividly apparent than on Constitution Hill. For over a hundred years, buildings here functioned as a much-feared prison complex, holding everyone from common criminals to activists Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, even Winston Churchill (briefly) during the Boer War.
Since 2004, this site has been home to South Africa’s Constitutional Court, partially built with bricks from one of the old prison buildings, complemented with lighter contemporary elements. Visitors can see the court in session after a tour which takes in Mandela’s cell as well as a permanent exhibition dedicated to Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent protest.
Practical Info
Constitution Hill is in Johannesburg’s north, in an area bounded by Kotze, Joubert, Hospital and Sam Constitution Hill is in Johannesburg’s north, in an area bounded by Kotze, Joubert, Hospital and Sam Hancock Streets. The parts of the complex open to visitors include the Old Fort, Women’s Prison, “Number Four” prison and the Constitutional Court.
Address: 1 Kotze Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2017, South Africa
Hours: 9am - 5pm; Closed Sundays
Admission: Adults: R30
From $ 16
Hillbrow Tower
Africa's tallest structure is in the skyscraper-rich city of Johannesburg, in the suburb of Hillbrow to be exact. The Hillbrow Tower stands at 883 feet and has held the title of Africa's tallest tower for 40 years.
The Hillbrow Tower was completed in 1971, and was at one time the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It lost that designation in 1978 when a chimney in Queensland, Australia was built to be two feet taller. The structure is technically called the Telkom Jo'burg Tower, after the telecommunications company for whom it was initially built.
The distinctive Hillbrow Tower is one of the symbols of Johannesburg – it was decorated with an enormous soccer ball during the 2010 World Cup. The tower was closed to visitors in 1981, which is too bad for anyone who appreciates soaring views – the tower was once one of the city's top tourist draws, and one of the top floors even had a revolving restaurant.
Since the Hillbrow Tower was closed, the furnishings in the high-end restaurants and observation deck in the upper floors have been removed and are in the Telkom buildings in Pretoria. Some of the building is now used by Telkom for office space.
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
From $ 65
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum details the injustice, cruelty, and absurdities of white minority rule in South Africa. Apartheid, meaning “separateness” in Afrikaans, was officially in effect from 1948 to 1994, though segregation had been a cornerstone of South African politics since the country’s inception. The museum is dedicated to helping South Africa overcome its oppressive past and look toward the future.
The Basics
Johannesburg city tours and Soweto tours typically feature a stop at the Apartheid Museum, with some including an in-depth tour. The museum tells the story of 20th-century apartheid through photos, documents, and film footage, as well as interactive features that bring the history of racial classification to life. The end of South African segregation in 1990 (following former president Nelson Mandela’s release from prison) is celebrated by the seven pillars of the country’s post-apartheid constitution in the courtyard: democracy, equality, reconciliation, diversity, responsibility, respect, and freedom.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum presents the sometimes shocking reality of apartheid, and some parts may be inappropriate for young kids.
- Visitors should plan for about two hours to explore the museum fully.
- The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
- Guided Apartheid Museum tours are available by advance booking only for groups of more than 15, with a small charge on top of admission.
How to Get There
The Apartheid Museum is in Johannesburg’s southern section of Ormonde and can be reached from the center of the city along the Villiers Graaff Motorway. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours typically have a stop outside the Apartheid Museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm. To avoid crowds, it is best to arrive right at opening time or later in the day closer to closing time.
Nelson Mandela’s Influence
Mandela was one of the most important leaders in the abolition of apartheid. The museum holds a copy of his speech to parliament and a video of the moment he was released from prison after 27 years.
Address: Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg 2135, South Africa
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are a popular escape from the busy city, and the adjacent reservoir created by the Emmarentia Dam provides an additional space for outdoor recreation.
The Emmarentia Dam opened in 1912, and its reservoir is used for boating and fishing. On its western shore, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens cover more than 308 acres and include an herb garden, a succulent garden, and the rose garden from which the rest of the property grew. The rose garden was started in 1964.
The eastern side of the Emmarantia Dam is also good for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor recreation, primarily consisting of woods and grassy meadows.
Practical Info
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are just over 3.7 miles from the city center, and a popular spot for weekend picnics when the weather is nice. The grounds are open year-round from sunrise until sunset, and entry is free.
Address: Olifants Road, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset
From $ 65
Origins Centre
The Origins Centre museum traces the beginning of human history in Africa, and then places visitors in the human timeline with DNA testing. Located in the Braamfontein area of Johannesburg as part of the University of the Witwatersrand, Origins Centre opened in 2006. As the name suggests, the museum's exhibits of fossils, artifacts, and rock art take visitors through history to the origins of humankind some 80,000 years. Interactive displays enhance the experience for all ages.
Visitors are also invited to take a DNA test in order to trace their own ancestral history in addition to a tour of the Origins Centre. The cost of the DNA test is extra.
Practical Info
The Origins Centre is located on the University of Witwatersrand campus, and is open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is SAR80 for adults, SAR65 for seniors, SAR40 for students and children under age 12. An audio guide is included with the cost of entry.
Address: Enoch Sontonga Avenue, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: SAR80
From $ 16
Lesedi Cultural Village
Set among the rocky hills and bushland outside Johannesburg, Lesedi Cultural Village is made up of traditional homesteads and provides an opportunity to meet people from Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele, and Basotho origins. Lesedi reflects the diversity of South Africa’s original inhabitants with elements from many tribal cultures.
The Basics
At the village, you can admire the riotous color schemes of tribal beehive huts, experience traditional dances and foods, talk with individuals from different tribal backgrounds, and even stay overnight. Many half-day Lesedi cultural tours are available from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Some tours combine visits to Lesedi Cultural Village with stops at the Apartheid Museum, Pilanesberg National Park, and the Cradle of Humankind.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dining options include the Nyama Choma Restaurant, the Nile Room, and the Tswana Letsatsi Lapa.
- For guests staying at the property, the village offers game drives, walking trails, and guided Anglo-Boer history tours.
- The on-site craft market is an excellent place to purchase authentic souvenirs.
How to Get There
Lesedi Cultural Village is roughly an hour’s drive north-west of Johannesburg, and makes a good stopover on the way to Sun City. Overnight accommodation is available that reflects the authentic housing styles of each ethnic group.
When to Get There
Visitors typically arrive on a half-day guided tour from Johannesburg or opt to stay the night in a traditional homestead. The overnight stays include a dance show in an African lodge, meals, and other optional activities. The best times to visit the Johannesburg area are from March to May and September to November. These low season months ensure fewer crowds, warm and dry weather, and lower prices.
Overnight Stays at Lesedi Cultural Village
Those wishing to immerse themselves in a true African experience can stay overnight in a traditional beehive hut, with all the modern conveniences supplied. The head of the household will act as a guide and take visitors to the traditional "boma" or dance show, followed by a meal that includes traditional African foods such as potjiekos (a meat stew cooked in a black cast-iron pot with maize porridge), or even crocodile, kudu, or warthog.
Address: South Africa
From $ 70
Johannesburg Zoo
You don’t have to head for the big game reserves to see the amazing variety of South African wildlife – it’s all on display at Johannesburg Zoo. On a sprawling 54 hectare (133 acre) site you’ll see evidence of an enlightened zoological program, with majestic lions, playful monkeys and distinctive horned oryxes all given room to roam.
Additionally, you’ll find non-native animals including polar bears, Siberian Tigers and camels. While enjoying the green expanse of one of Jo’burg’s great outdoor spaces you can watch crocodiles being fed, handle (non-venomous) snakes and visit a real farmyard.
Practical Info
Johannesburg Zoo is north of the city center in the Parktown district. Take the M1 South motorway and follow the signs.
Address: Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkview, Johannesburg 2122, South Africa
From $ 16
James Hall Museum of Transport
This giant brick warehouse divided in to seven sections is dedicated to all things transportation. From ox carts to early bicycles and modern day cars and trains, the James Hall Museum of Transport is a showcase of the implements that have propelled the people of South Africa for more than a century.
Most self-guided tours begin in the North Hall, home to motorcars from before and after the South African War. This area includes the museum’s oldest car, a green Edwardian Clement-Panhard (1900), as well as unusual artifacts like the minuscule 1957 MBW Microcar Isetta. Locomotives and retired city vehicles, like a double-decker bus, are on the open-air porch, and examples of buses and trolleys, including Johannesburg’s last electric powered Tram and a traveling library bus still filled with books, can be seen in the West Hall.
The two floors of the South Hall showcase a plethora of animal drawn vehicles from ox-carts to private carriages… there’s even an old horse-drawn Zeederberg Company mail coach and a Voortrekker wagon used by Afrikanners during the Great Trek to Johannesburg from the Cape Colony. From there, it’s about motorcycles and bikes in front of the East Hall where the silly- looking penny farthing bicycle, tricycles, scooters and rickshaws are on display. The back of the East Hall is a devoted garage for a suite of red fire engines. The courtyard is home to steam-powered vehicles, some of which regain their steam (so to speak) once a year, offering rides for a museum fundraiser. A wander through for most takes between one and two hours.
Practical Info
The museum is located off Turf Road opposite Rand Stadium in Wemmer Pan – Pioneer Park in southern Johannesburg. Many of the sightseeing bus routes navigating the city stop here. The museum is run as a non-profit and admission is free but donations are happily accepted. It’s open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. til 5 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. til noon and from 1 til 5 p.m. For a guided tour, book ahead via the contact on their website.
Address: Turf Rpad, Johannesburg South 2197, South Africa
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. til 5 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. til noon and from 1 til 5 p.m.
From $ 16
Museum Africa
Museum Africa, Johannesburg’s main cultural and historical museum, occupies an imposing building which was once the city’s main fruit and vegetable market. Its inner city location is key; Museum Africa concentrates on urban living, and thus complements the numerous cultural displays which show life as it has been lived for centuries in rural areas.
One of the most interesting interactive displays examines the importance of gold for South Africa – not just the prosperity it has brought, but the high human toll of the mining industry. Elsewhere you’ll find The Sounds of the City, an exhibit which highlights Jo’Burg’s dazzling musical heritage, a phenomenon which echoes far beyond the city itself. A recreation of a shebeen, a type of shanty bar, puts the unique melodies and rhythms of the townships in context.
Practical Info
Museum Africa is centrally located in Newtown, right at the edge of the business district.
Address: 121 Bree Street, Newtown, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
Hours: Closed Mondays.
From $ 55
Newtown
Newtown is a neighborhood in the center of Johannesburg, and it has been the focus of redevelopment efforts in recent years. Originally called “The Brickfields,” as brick-making was the primary industry, the neighborhood was burned to the ground in 1904 – on purpose. The reason given was to stop the spread of the plague. Later that year, as the area was being redeveloped, it was given the name of Newtown.
Today, Newtown is home to some important Johannesburg attractions, such as MuseumAfrica, Market Theatre, and Mary Fitzgerald Square.
Practical Info
Newtown is in the western part of Johannesburg, and the new Nelson Mandela Bridge makes access to the neighborhood easier.
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
From $ 55
Montecasino Bird Gardens
Located in northern Johannesburg, Montecasino is first and foremost a Vegas-like gaming complex, complete with casino games, shopping and restaurants. It’s also home to the Montecasino Bird Gardens.
This walk-through aviary houses more than 1,000 birds representing over 60 species, including Nicobar pigeons and the colorful Scarlet ibis. Other animals — reptiles, amphibians and a few mammals like antelope, sloth and lemur — also call the gardens home. The garden’s collection of more than 750 South African Cycads representing 37 species is the largest private collection of its kind in the world. One specimen is estimated to be more than 2,500 years old.
Twice daily on weekdays and three times daily on weekends, Montecasino Bird Gardens presents a 40-minute Flight of Fantasy educational bird show. Cafe Flamingo serves refreshments overlooking the flamingo pond.
Practical Info
Guests of the Montecasino Hotel get a discount on admission to the Bird Gardens.
Address: 1 Montecasino Blvd, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5pm
Admission: R64
From $ 222