Johannesburg

Johannesburg Cricket Holidays & Tours

While its coastal cousins sparkle by the sea, the largest and most rich city in South Africa dazzles you with bling. Glitz and glamour are Johannesburg’s two main calling cards. Although its origins are rooted in the 1880s gold rush, the city has evolved far beyond its mining past. Gold was discovered here and along with diamonds, it has added a shine to Jo’burg ever since. With a population of over 5 million people, Jo’burg (AKA Jozi or Joeys) is a bustling metropolis. It may lack a landmark like Table Mountain, but it will offer you a glittering array of activities instead.

Visit Johannesburg

A visit to South Africa’s biggest city gives you the opportunity to experience a wealth of Johannesburg’s attractions. The streets of Jozi have been paved with gold for many, and as a result, brash skyscrapers and office blocks dominate. But you’ll also get a taste for cosmopolitan Gauteng in the cafes and restaurants, or see rags turn to riches in the Market Square. Jo’burg remains the continent’s economic powerhouse, now defined by a sophisticated skyline and the glass-towered financial district of Sandton, often called the ‘richest square mile in Africa’.

Johannesburg Bars, Pubs & Clubs

In the beginning, Johannesburg’s bars were of the golden variety; now they attract a different crowd of prospectors. South Africa’s largest city is party central with a pub or club to suit all tastes. There is no typical night out in Johannesburg, just a myriad of choices. So for soulful rhythms, head for a South African jazz bar like Sophiatown. Alternatively, check out the cocktail and cafe ‘Vaab’ (vibe) in stylish 7th Street in Melville or relax in a Greenside restaurant.

The Mane Attraction

While South Africa’s expansive national parks, led by the most famous Kruger Park, Johannesburg offers its own accessible wildlife experience at the Lion and Safari Park. This sanctuary, just west of Jozi, is home to many species, including hyenas, zebras, giraffes and antelope. But as you’d expect, the main attraction here is the lion king. Four prides prowl the blood-curdlingly-named Carnivore Camps. Other highlights include cuddly Cub World and Gambit the Giraffe, who is always on the lookout for snacks. Visitors can choose between a self-drive or a guided safari experience for a close look at the animals.

Rock up with the Ancestors

Located less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, you can come face-to-face with some of their earliest ancestors. South Africa’s ‘Cradle of Humankind’ is home to nearly 40% of all hominid fossils and a much-visited World Heritage Site. Centered around Sterkfontein Cave and a complex of caverns, you’re invited to delve into over 4 million years of evolutionary history. Alongside archaeology, you’ll also encounter pockets of adrenaline. This premier multi-hub caters for activities including zip-lining, hot air ballooning, horse riding and go-karting.

Visit Soweto

Synonymous with the struggle against Apartheid, the sprawling township of Soweto provides a fascinating insight into South Africa’s soul. From Mandela to Tutu, its inhabitants have helped shape South Africa’s cultural and political history for decades. The gangs have mainly gone, and the middle class is on the rise, but it’s still edgy and eye-opening.

Closer to the city centre, Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum also provides a vivid portrait of township life in the 20th-century.

Tuscany transplanted to Africa Jo’burg is not always renowned for its tourist attractions, but in Montecasino, it trumps the lot. This faux-Tuscan entertainment complex really has to be seen to be believed. At its core are a casino, cinemas and the outstanding “Teatro Theatre“, home to a succession of powerful musicals. Yes, it’s tacky, but there’s no denying the spectacle. As dusk falls and the lights flicker around the fountains and ornate facades, it can be captivating. Or perhaps that’s the Chianti talking!

Johannesburg

In Johannesburg, the year begins with warm summer weather, with an average maximum temperature peaking around 25° in January and February, while at night temperatures drop to around 14°. As it heads to autumn, temperatures gradually decrease through April and May, reaching the lowest point during the winter months of June and July, where daytime highs average around 16° and nights drop to around 5°. In August, warm temperatures creep back up, and spring temperatures spring back toward the mid-twenties by October, eventually returning to the summer highs of 25° by December.