Johannesburg, South Africa Attractions

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Cradle of Humankind is famous for its limestone caves with the fossils of ancient animals, plants and hominids. Producing over a third of early hominid fossils ever found, the Sterkfontein Caves are where the 2.3-million year-old fossil ("Mrs. Ples") was found in 1947. This amazing find helped corroborate the 1924 discovery of the Taung Child skull in the North West Province of South Africa, where excavations continue. A significant site to understanding the evolution of man, the Cradle of Humankind has produced the oldest human fossils ever found, dating back 3.5 million years ago.

Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is the pre-eminent museum in the world dedicated to 20th century South Africa and the history and fall of Apartheid. A superb example of design, space and landscape, the museum offers a unique South Africa experience. Changing exhibitions tell the story of Apartheid and celebrate 10 years of democracy in South America. Visit www.apartheidmuseum.org

Situated in the middle of the Gauteng-Tshwane complex, Lion Park in Johannesburg is home to more than 85 lions including the rare white lions, and many carnivores such as cheetahs, wild dog, and hyenas indigenous to Africa. The nature conservation park also houses grass-eating animals like zebras, giraffes and a variety of antelope that roam freely in a separate camp. Visit www.lion-park.com.

Just 10 minutes from the Johannesburg business district, Gold Reef City South Africa is a spectacular theme park alive with the spirit of Jozi. The park features historical attractions, exhilarating rides, a casino complex, theaters, restaurants, and shops full of family entertainment and excitement. Experience 30 adrenaline-boosting rides and coasters, including The Anaconda, Golden Loop and Jozi Express. Enjoy cinematic sensations in the 4D Theater. Enjoy top entertainment, Broadway and West End shows, concerts and ballet at the luxurious Lyric Theatre, or catch i ntimate revue shows and jazz in the Globe Theatre. Visit www.goldreefcity.co.za/

Located in Joubert Park, the Johannesburg Art Gallery features 15 exhibition halls and sculpture gardens. The museum houses an impressive collection of 17th century Dutch paintings, 18th and 19th century British and European art, 19th century South African works, contemporary 20th century local and international art, and a print works from the 15th century to the present. The current collection includes legendary art by Rodin, Rossetti, Picasso, Monet, and Degas, as well as a unique collection of South African and contemporary local artists.
Visit www.joburg.org.za.

Spend a peaceful day at Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, a beautiful green space and recreation area for walking, jogging, biking,picnicking, bird watching, dog walking or soaking up the sunshine. The city park is home to beautiful gardens with terraced ponds and fountains, 30 000 trees - including exotic oaks, redwoods and birches - and three dams. Stroll through the rose and succulent gardens and indigenous herb patch. The Shakespearean garden has 4,500 rose bushes that delight with a summer display, and the chapel garden is a romantic venue for weddings. Emmarentia Dam is a popular spot for canoeing and sailing. Enjoy gardening demonstrations and Summer Sunset Concerts.  Visit www.jhbcityparks.com.

A World Heritage Site, Melville Koppies is a beautiful nature reserve and green space that conserves the ridges that date back three billion years and remains of the Stone Age and Iron Age. Join a guided ecology walk to learn about the nature reserve's rich diversity of indigenous Highveld grasses, flowers, trees, vegetation, wildlife and 200 types of birds. Melville Koppies is a beautiful place for hiking, bird-watching and touring. A national monument, the reserve features some of the oldest rock on earth, known as greenstone, and an archaeological site with a furnace dating from the Iron Age.

South Africa's first enclosed shopping centre, Hyde Park Corner sets the standard for fashion-conscious boutique shopping in Johannesburg. Hyde Park Corner houses a dynamic mix of high-style international and local brands, as well as eclectic fashion and lifestyle trends. Located in Johannesburg's northern suburb, this shopping landmark features 130 specialty shops and boutiques, as well as Pick n Pay and Woolworths department stores. Experience the timeless European elegance and old world charm of Hyde Park Corner. Visit www.hydeparkshopping.co.za/.

Just 40 minutes from Johannesburg, Krugersdorp Game Reserve offers a peaceful escape from the world. One of South Africa's best kept secrets, the game reserve has diverse natural habitats including open grassland, rocky outcrops and forest, which sustain a variety of wildlife and 30 mammal species, including lions, buffalo, hippo, zebra, giraffe and antelope. A wooded valley that runs through the reserve is habitat for 200 species of birds. For the ultimate South Africa experience, join the day and night game drives.

Nestled at the foot of the Swartkop Mountains, Heia Safari Game Reserve is the peaceful habitat for 22 species of South African wildlife, including include rhino, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, wildebeest, impala, and kudu, as well as 176 bird species. Find tranquility and inspiration on the 1.5 hour game drive.