Johannesburg, South Africa

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Johannesburg, known to the locals as Egoli or City of Gold, is the pulsating heart of South Africa's industrial and commercial life where gold mining still continues. Yet many visitors are put off staying here and assume that there’s nothing to see.

If you need to travel from one part of Southern Africa to another, such as Botswana or Madikwe to the Kruger, or you are taking a luxury train journey on the Blue Train or Rovos Rail, then you will probably need to stay overnight in either Johannesburg or Pretoria. But don’t be concerned - there is plenty to keep you occupied for one or even two days.

There are some truly superb hotels to choose from in the leafy suburbs of Sandton and Rosebank. Fascinating tours are on offer such as cultural visits to Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, visits to a working diamond mine or a tour to Sterkfontein caves and the Cradle of Humankind where man’s earliest ancestors have been discovered. Art galleries and craft markets abound and of course this is a very good place to buy diamonds….

Pretoria lies only 45 minutes drive north of Johannesburg, and so can be used as an alternative overnight stay if you prefer. Pretoria is famous for its flowering jacaranda trees in springtime when the city is blanketed with purple blossom. Pretoria offers much historical interest such as Jan Smuts House, Church Square, the Union Buildings, and the Voortrekker monument.

If you prefer to spend a couple of nights in the area, you can also stay in the beautiful hills of Magaliesberg, only an hour's drive from Johannesburg. Visit the Cradle of Humanity World Heritage site or perhaps enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride over the hills? The Elephant Sanctuary allows you to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures whilst the Magaliesberg Canopy Tour offers a great eco-adventure.

See our Why Visit section for more on:

• Apartheid Museum
• Tours of the Soweto
• Sterkfontein Caves & rhe Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
• Cullinan Diamond Mine
• Apartheid Museum
• Elephant Sanctuary in the Magaliesberg hills

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Areas in Johannesburg

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the pulsating heart of South Africa's industrial and commercial life. Enjoy visits to Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, diamond workshops & shopping for African artefacts.

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Pretoria

Pretoria is the gracious capital of South Africa and offers a quieter overnight alternative. It’s famous for its flowering jacaranda trees in springtime when the city is blanketed with purple blossom.

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Magaliesberg Hills

The beautiful Magaliesberg hills lie only an hour from Johannesburg and contain the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site, Sterkfontein and Wonder Caves as well as the Elephant Sanctuary.

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