How to Make Your Johannesburg Holidays Truly Memorable

by Amanda Sutcliffe Travel Deals

Fondly called as 'Jozi' or 'Joburg', Johannesburg is the provincial capital of the wealthiest South African province of Gauteng and the largest city in the country. It was established in the late 19th century after gold was discovered in a farm in this part of South Africa. After a period of decline in the 1980s and 1990s, the city has now become a major centre with the development of new residential and commercial properties. Today, it’s a friendly city that welcomes tourists from different parts of the world. During your time spent in this city, you'll get the chance to explore its popular attractions.

One of the attractions you'll get to visit during your cheap holidays to Johannesburg is the Apartheid Museum. While in this museum, you can explore the apartheid story through newspaper clippings, photos, film footage, artefacts, and some personal accounts. They take you through a journey that reminds you of the decades of oppression that the country underwent until the birth of democracy. If you're interested in learning more about the freedom struggle of South Africa, head to the Liliesleaf Farm Museum. You must reserve a few hours to get the most out of your visit to these museums.

Your Johannesburg holidays would also allow you to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Cradle of Humankind, which is located at a short distance from the city. It is one of the key paleo-anthropological areas of the world and home to various attractions including the Sterkfontein stalactitic caves. The skull of a humanoid creature dating back two million years was discovered during archaeological excavations conducted at this place. In the year 1998, a skeleton was discovered by scientists that dated the early human presence in this valley back to 3.5 million years. During your visit to the site, you can also stop at the Maropeng Visitor Centre to explore some more exhibits.

During your Johannesburg holidays, you can also take a day trip to the Lion and Safari Park, which can be reached by less than an hour's drive from the downtown. While in this park, you can get closer to the most famous wild animals. You'll get the opportunity to feed the giraffes and cuddle a lion cub. A guided game drive in one of the vehicles of this park would help you watch the lions, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras and other wild animals in action. Visitors to this park are required to follow all safety regulations during such tours.

Also worth visiting is the Pilanesberg National Park, which can be reached with a 2.5-hour drive from the city. It is one of South Africa's most famous game reserves, where you can witness the five major wild animals of Africa, such as the lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. The wonderfully rich ecosystems of this park also help other wild animals to thrive, such as the wild dogs and zebras. You can also find over 300 species of birds while exploring this national park and get plenty of opportunities to click some excellent snaps.

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