Jo'burg's must-do activities for all itineraries

Source: Jo'burg's must-do activities for all itineraries, 21/08/2015

Whether tourists are just stopping over for a night or two in transit
or on business, or spending longer on a dedicated trip to explore the
city, there are several highlights that should be included in any
Johannesburg itinerary. Tour operators tell us their top Jo`burg
must-dos.


1.Historical attractions
Historical attractions continue to be a major drawcard as the city`s
rich and complex background has resulted in it being home to some of
the country`s most well-known museums and monuments. Many of these are
situated in parts of Johannesburg that also include various other
activities for tourists, such as Soweto and Johannesburg`s rejuvenated
Central Business District (CBD). Included in the list of tour
operator`s most popular historical attractions are Constitutional
Hill, the Apartheid Museum, Soweto Museum and Liliesleaf Farm.


Peter Mashaba of Mashaba Tours says: "The Hector Pieterson Museum and
Memorial in Soweto is a moving and emotional experience and gives a
great understanding of South African history." He also recommends that
tourists walk along Vilakazi Street and view the public art on the way
to museum.


2.The "real life" of local residents
The majority of tour operators said an increasing number of tourists
are looking to get a sense of the daily life of Johannesburg`s
residents and not just the typical, well-trodden tourist attractions
that make it into the usual brochures. This is fuelled by a growing
awareness of the various different backgrounds and lifestyles of South
Africans, which Jaco Robbertse of Ulysses Tours and Safaris says can
be explained and experienced during city tours of Soweto and
Johannesburg CBD.


Mashaba says he has also noted more requests to experience a "real
slice of Sowetan life" and includes experiences such as a wander
around the Baragwaneth Taxi Rank in his itineraries. Chris Ndlovu
Mlevu, MD of Boyang Gape, says the passing away of former president,
Nelson Mandela, has made Soweto even more popular with international
tourists, as most visitors want to see where this legendary leader
came from.


3.Art and cultural activities
Johannesburg is fast-becoming a graffiti and street art destination,
and Jo Buitendach of Past Experiences specialises in taking tourists
on guided tours to experience this alternative side of the city. She
says: "Loads of local and international artists have added art and
colour to the city and taking tourists to see this is a unique way of
getting to know the city." She adds that it is particularly popular
with travellers with an interest in photography, as well as those
travelling with children.


4.Trendy markets
The renewal of Johannesburg`s CBD has seen various markets springing
up over the last few years, many of which attract a young, urban and
trendy crowd. Mashaba says many of his guests want to experience the
fun, "hipster" side of life in Johannesburg, and he takes them through
to Maboneng or to Arts on Main on its market days on Sundays.
Buitendach echoes these sentiments and says many tourists enjoy
visiting weekend markets in order to try the local food, and craft
beers. "It`s also a great way to meet and interact with locals," she
adds.


5.Wildlife
Although not quite able to compete with true bush destinations
elsewhere in Southern Africa, tourists with limited time that want to
experience wildlife still have the option of seeing the Big 5 in
Jo`burg and its surrounds. Robbertse says he takes guests to the
Melville Koppies, as well as the Johannesburg Zoo, while a bit further
afield, they can travel to Dinokeng Game Reserve, Rietvlei Game
Reserve, Suikerbosrand and Magaliesberg.


Mlevu adds that the Lion Park has also become a leading attraction,
particular for those who want to experience a "safari in the city".