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Today Johannesburg has sprawled into South Africa’s most cosmopolitan and populated city with towering skyscrapers and world-class attractions sharing the landscape with extremes of wealth and poverty. The city name means 'City of Gold' and is affectionately referred to as Jo'burg by the locals.
While it has been only within the last 100 years that Johannesburg has gone from modest settlement into the cultural, financial and economic backbone of South Africa, the origins of the Johannesburg area are quite old. Archeological work has identified a number of remarkable findings, including evidence of hominid life dating back more than 3 million years. Bushmen and then Bantu tribes inhabited the region for 100,000 years and it was only in the 1880’s and the gold rush that Johannesburg saw an influx of Europeans into the area.
Take a tour and let Johannesburg unveil to you the intricate rhythms, sights and sounds that embody the rich cultural heritage of this bustling city. It is with great pride that Jo'burg lays claim to the largest man-made urban forest (with over six million trees in public parks and gardens) and the Botanical Gardens ( the largest rose garden in the world). If you need further tempting inducements, there are shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as the clubs and discos that make Jo'burg's night life so lively, to savor. Include a stop at some of the indigenous craft markets and shop for beautifully crafted African masks, carvings and baskets.
Johannesburg is the gateway to the rest of South Africa and an ideal jumping off point for tours of other delightful cities. Make the adventure last and extend your vacation with tours that spotlight the many attractions of South Africa.
- Soweto A tour that takes you into the heart of the largest of South Africa's townships is a must. Located just southwest of Johannesburg, Soweto holds it's own special magic.
- Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Northwest of Johannesburg is one of the most significant archaeological sites of early stone-age, middle stone age, and iron age fossils from two to three million years ago.
- Mpumalanga Travel to a place of stunning views, mountain passes and valleys, waterfalls, and dozens of sanctuaries and reserves.
- Kruger National Park For a one-of-a-kind tour and the ultimate wildlife experience, take a guided walk through the 2 million acre Kruger National Park. Here you will see wildlife, remarkable flora and fauna at its most magnificent.
- Sun City This glamorous resort town has casinos, gourmet restaurants and sports facilities that keep it at the top of the list of popular vacation destinations.
More about traveling to Johannesburg
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