Explore these 5 awesome experiences, restaurants & hotels/guesthouses in Jozi, South Africa
The city of Johannesburg, more commonly known as Jozi, lies in the heart of Gauteng, South Africa, and includes the city’s vibrant central business district and a vast range of neighbourhoods.
EXPLORE THESE 5 AWESOME EXPERIENCES IN JOZI (click on the links for more details):
1. APARTHEID MUSEUM & CONSTITUTION HILL
The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story. A series of 22 individual exhibition areas takes the visitor through a dramatic emotional journey that tells a story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny. For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental. The museum is a beacon of hope showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with its oppressive past and working towards a future that all South Africans can call their own.
Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past and, today, is home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens. There is perhaps no other site of incarceration in South Africa that imprisoned the sheer number of world-renowned men and women as those held within the walls of Constitution Hill’s Old Fort, Women's Jail and Number Four. Nelson Mandela. Mahatma Gandhi. Joe Slovo. Albertina Sisulu. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Fatima Meer. They all served time here.
On the edges of the Johannesburg Central Business District, you will find the area of Fordsburg. With an interesting history, the area has gone through many cycles of renewal and degradation. Emerging from one such cycle, the area is now home to a thriving immigrant food culture. On just one block you can find Pakistani, Turkish, Palestinian, Indian, Syrian food courtesy of the immigrants who have set up shop in Fordsburg.
The Market Theatre, founded in Johannesburg in 1976 by Mannie Manim and the late Barney Simon, was constructed out of Johannesburg’s Indian Fruit Market – built in 1913. The theatre went on to become internationally renowned as South Africa’s “Theatre of the Struggle”. During the past four decades, The Market Theatre has evolved into a cultural complex for theatre, music, dance and the allied arts. Today, The Market Theatre remains at the forefront of South African theatre, actively encouraging new works that continue to reach international stages.
4. MELVILLE
Prior to the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886, the suburb lay on land on one of the original farms that make up Johannesburg, called Braamfontein. The suburb was proclaimed on 5 October 1896, and is named after the land surveyor, Edward Harker Vincent Melvill. The area, along with Parkhurst, Greenside and Emmarentia, is one of the few areas of the Northern Suburbs to have cafes, restaurants and shops lining the streets rather than in enclosed shopping centres. It is known for its down to earth meets trendy, coffee shop vibe – and its bustling nightlife. More like a café-style village lined with quirky shops, bistros, restaurants and clubs, peppered with a cultural mix of art and antique dealers, clothing and beading shops, Melville has become famous among locals and visitors as not to be missed for a night out in Gauteng.
5. SOWETO
Soweto is an urban settlement or 'township' in South Africa, southwest of Johannesburg. Soweto was created in the 1930s when the White government started seperating Blacks from Whites. Blacks were moved away from Johannesburg, to an area separated from White suburbs. Soweto became the largest Black city in South Africa, but until 1976 its population could have status only as temporary residents, serving as a workforce for Johannesburg. It experienced civil unrest during the Apartheid regime. There were serious riots in 1976, sparked by a ruling that Afrikaans be used in African schools there; the riots were violently suppressed, with 176 striking students killed and more than 1,000 injured. Reforms followed, but riots flared up again in 1985 and continued until the first multiracial elections were held in April 1994. In 2010, South Africa's oldest township hosted the FIFA Soccer World Cup final and the attention of more than a billion soccer spectators from all over the world was focused on Soweto.
CONTACT THESE 5 TOUR COMPANIES FOR GUIDED TOURS OF THESE EXPERIENCES & MUCH MORE:
Established in 1999, Atamela means to come closer or to come together. The name aims to bridge the cultural gap between Africans, white South Africans and visitors alike, through their cultural tour packages.
Gilda Swanepoel, owner of Eenblond Tours, brings her style of travel to her guests, turning tourists into travellers. Eenblond Tours focus on experience tourism, where their guests are introduced to the real South Africa, the way locals live and experience it everyday.
Honest Travel Experiences is an experience's company that prides themselves in creating unique experiences. Their aim is to make traveling affordable and make the world accessible to everyone.
Soweto Visits is a youth led company, run by Africa My Beginning (PTY) Ltd and they operate out of Soweto. They are young, fresh and are in the know about what is happening in and around Johannesburg.
Virgio Tours is a Johannesburg Tour Operator with more than 10 years of experience. They provide premium private tours for small and medium groups as well as tailor made tours.
EAT AT THESE 5 JOZI INSTITUTIONS:
Coachman’s Inn was established in 1982 as a fine dining, French cuisine restaurant with only St. Stithians College to keep it company in what was then just a wide expanse of empty veld. As rare as a restaurant of this age is today, rarer still is that the family who constructed the building decades ago is the same family that owns and manages the restaurant today.
Whether you are a morning person or not, you can look forward to breakfast at the famous Pablo-Eggs-Go-Bar, and try menu items such as the signature Red Shakshuka with Yemen Flat Bread. The restaurant is situated on Melville’s famous 7th street.
The Radium Beerhall is the oldest surviving bar and grill in Johannesburg, with a genuinely historic ambience that's just as enticing as the good food on the menu; as authentic as the foot-tapping live jazz that makes the embossed tin ceiling vibrate in sympathy.
Restaurante Parreirinha (Pa-rey-ring-here), yes they do know it’s a tongue twister, has been called many different names by their regular customers, of which two are our favourites: Restaurante Parr and Restaurante Paraanha. The name Parreirinha originates from the words “little grapevine” and in the Restaurante courtyard there is still a little grapevine, that up until a few years ago was producing grapes. The building itself dates back to the early 50’s where it was locally known as the sixth Street Police Station.
Thunder Gun Steakhouse first opened its doors in 1968. For over 50 years, they have offered great food, friendly and efficient service and excellent value for money. Today, the tradition continues, with Thunder Gun Steakhouse enjoying a remarkably loyal following amongst discerning patrons looking for a warm atmosphere and a great meal at a reasonable price.
SLEEP AT THESE 5 HOTELS/GUESTHOUSES:
1. 10 2ND AVENUE HOUGHTON ESTATE
10 2ND AVENUE HOUGHTON ESTATE is an established, 5 Star Boutique Hotel of superb luxury and effortless style in Johannesburg. Nestled in lush, landscaped gardens, it provides gourmet cuisine and warm, South African hospitality.
2. 58 ON HUME
A luxury B&B on the tree lined streets of Dunkeld, just minutes from the Gautrain, Rosebank’s varied shopping districts and a short ride to the World renowned Sandton city and home of Nelson Mandela square.
Hoëveld House is the pinnacle of upmarket, luxury accommodation in Sandton, South Africa’s leading business, shopping and entertainment destination. The stylish boutique hotel and guesthouse is situated on one of the area’s most iconic properties where statuesque, ancient trees stand sentinel over the magnificent gardens and stately mansion.
4. PABLO HOUSE
Pablo House is situated on the highest point in Melville and has 360 degree views spanning the koppies, Sandton & Johannesburg. Pablo House promises to be the inner-city oasis you’ll never want to leave!
The Devonshire Hotel offers comfortable accommodation for travellers wishing to explore the rich cultural heritage and theatre district of Braamfontein. The choice of standard rooms and executive suites offer something for everyone.
HOW TO GET THERE: Jozi is served by the OR Tambo International Airport
HOW TO GET AROUND: Gautrain & Uber
BEST TIME TO GO: Jozi has a mild climate and easy to visit any time of the year with spring & autumn probably the best
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