JOHANNESBURG & PRETORIA
JOHANNESBURG & PRETORIA
NORTH WEST
Church Square Freedom Park
Voortrekker Monument
PRETORIA
Voortrekker Monument
MPUMALANGA
Pretoria National Botanic Gardens
Cullinan Diamonds Union Buildings
The wealthy province of Gauteng is a noteworthy urban playground with two great cities at its heart
Johannesburg has grown apace since the discovery of gold in 1886 . Today , South Africa ’ s largest city is booming , edgy and cool with an infectious vibrancy . Along with a diverse cultural life , some great shopping , restaurants and nightlife , there are many notable landmarks and attractions . An absolute must-see is the Apartheid Museum , which graphically charts the chilling era of segregation and oppression . Overlooking the city , Constitution Hill is home of the architectural marvel , Constitutional Court , as well as important heritage buildings such as the Old Fort museum and Women ’ s Gaol museum . Just outside the city you ’ ll find the Cradle of Humankind and the nearby Sterkfontein Caves . For a further journey into Apartheid history , don ’ t miss the fascinating township of Soweto . More of a city than a township , Soweto was home to iconic freedom fighters , including Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu , and where the infamous1976 Soweto uprising occurred . The precinct of Newtown is the heart of Johannesburg ’ s cultural landscape and brims with trendy coffee shops , eateries , galleries , craft workshops , nightclubs , theatres and museums . The up-and-coming neighbourhood of Maboneng , which is often compared with New York ’ s Brooklyn , is worth a visit , particularly on Sunday to browse the weekly Market on Main , where food and crafts take centre stage . The more relaxed city of Pretoria , which is the country ’ s administrative capital , may not be as dynamic as Jo ’ burg , but has a rich heritage with stately buildings and good museums within pretty jacaranda-lined streets . Top sights include the imposing Union Buildings , a crescent-shaped complex where thousands gathered in 1994 to see Nelson Mandela inaugurated as South African president . At Church Square see the fine Palace of Justice building , where Nelson Mandela was tried for treason . Other city sights include the lovely Pretoria National Botanic Gardens , Freedom Park which encompasses a series of poignant memorials and an impressive museum , and the nearby Voortrekker Monument , which commemorates the epic exodus of Boers from the Cape into the interior .
Cradle of Humankind
Soweto Freedom Park
JOHANNESBURG
Constitution Hill Newtown
Apartheid Museum
OR Tambo Airport Maboneng
GAUTENG
MPUMALANGA
Johannesburg Jacaranda trees
Getting there : Johannesburg is approximately 11 hours flying time from the UK ( non-stop ). Pretoria is an hour ’ s drive from Johannesburg . Best time to go : Johannesburg enjoys a mild climate with around six weeks of chilly weather in mid-winter ( July-August ) and warm summers ( October-March ). Pretoria ’ s climate is similar but with a somewhat lower altitude , temperatures can be slightly higher .
UNMISSABLE JOHANNESBURG EXPERIENCES
Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person
SOWETO from £ 49
Join this half day tour from Johannesburg for an insight to the township of SOWETO , acronym for South Western Township , which is home to over two million people . Visit the Kliptown Open Air Museum , Hector Pieterson Museum , pass Mandela House , Regina Mundi Church - site of many secret meetings of the then banned political parties , and finally travel past Soccer City .
PRETORIA & CULLINAN DIAMOND TOUR from £ 145
This full day tour from Johannesburg begins at the Cullinan Diamond Mine , South Africa ’ s third richest diamond mine which produced the world ’ s largest gem quality diamond . See the workings and machinery of the mine and visit the enormous open cast mine . Later , continue to Pretoria to see the legendary Voortrekker Monument , the Kruger Museum and the historic Union Buildings .
HISTORY OF HUMANKIND & LESEDI CULTURAL TOUR from £ 159
This full day tour from Johannesburg starts at the World Heritage Site of The Cradle of Humankind . After a stop at the superb Maropeng Visitor Centre , you ’ ll discover Zulu , Xhosa , Ndebele , Sotho and Pedi cultures at the Lesedi Cultural Village and experience their warmth and hospitality . The tour concludes with a traditional African meal .
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