Johannesburg, South Africa

Stretching all the way from Pretoria in the north to Vereeniging in the south, Gauteng (Sotho for place of gold, although the ‘gaut’ is also thought to originate from the Dutch ‘goud’ for gold) was created by the ANC in 1994 after the country’s first all-race elections, uniting six regions, including part of the old Transvaal province, into what might be the smallest South African province, but serves as the gateway into Africa. Whilst Gautengs history lies embedded in the discovery of gold, today Gauteng not only has one of the best infrastructures, but its population of over 9 million people form part of a vibrant mix of energy and diversity that make it one of the wealthiest provinces in Africa, and the entertainment epicenter of the country.

What to do:

Lion Park

After being out in the expansive game reserves like Kruger Park, it was a little odd coming to Lion Park, just outside of Johannesburg, relatively close to the posh suburb of Sandton.

Sandton City Shopping Centre

Ahhh… shopping! As a shopaholic, I was looking forward to setting foot in Sandton City again. It seems some aspects of the mall had certainly changed after 5 years. If you only have one day scheduled…

Sun City

Sun City is THE most amazing place I have ever been to -- the hotels are magnificent, the views are fantastic, and the weather was beautiful. What more could you want? Sun City is heaven.

Constitutional Hill

This is the home of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, and it is built on the site of an old prison. The old prison was called Old Fort Prison Complex but was commonly known as "Number Four".

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is a 60k hectare reserve in a malaria-free zone (the lodges/camps hard-sell this as "kiddie-friendly" to attract families) in the NW Province’s most extensive conservation area.

Kruger National Park

As I spent my year with my family, we had a car to drive round the Kruger Park, but it is also possible to do an organized excursion, though you do not get to stop when you want or go at your own…

Soweto

This is the historic heart of the freedom struggle that took place in South Africa. Soweto (or ‘SOuth WEst TOwnships') is replete with schools, squares, cemeteries and other memorials.

Gold Reef City

Built around the No. 14 shaft of Crown Mines, this city is an authentic reproduction of Johannesburg at the beginning of the 1900s. There are fully furnished miner's houses with original furniture.

Wondercave

Located in the internationally renowned valley of Kromdraai, the cave lies amidst famous archaeological and palaeontological sites containing the oldest recorded human remains.

Johannesburg International Airport--Duty Free

Well, and some things you can't carry on. That I can't figure! Johannesburg has joined the list of major international airports where you should allow plenty of time for Duty Free Shopping.