Johannesburg
From Imakoopedia
Johannesburg (sometimes: Joburg) is a city in South Africa.
| Table of contents |
Understand
It has an estimated population of 7 million persons. It is widely regarded as the wealthiest city in Africa and thus is at the center of financial and economic trends in Africa. Yet its riches are not evenly divided upon its people and the city is an interesting contrast between the First World and Third World. The contrast between rich and poor has led to one of the highest crime rates in the world. The haves tend live in houses with a high level of security by western standards, whilst the have nots live in shacks or cheap housing. The traveller should not avoid Johannesburg because of its crime, since it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable stay if precautions are taken. Many South Africans elect to live here over other, safer parts of the country. Throughout the city, mine dumps are a reminder of the cities legacy of gold mining.
There are many things that are unique to Johannesburg. It features a distinct street entrepreneurship, and motorists are able to buy almost anything from vendors selling goods at traffic lights. This includes food, umbrellas, soccer balls, cellular phone accessories and many other goods. Barber shops consisting of nothing but a chair and an enthusiastic barber can be found on the sides of roads, although they tend to specialise in African rather than Caucasoid hair.
Oprah herself has said that Johannesburg is the world's largest man-made urban forest. The city is certainly one of the greenest in the world, considering that the natural land scape is savannah.
Get in
Flights land at Johannesburg International Airport which has both domestic and international terminals. Trains and buses arrive at the central train station downtown. Whilst the station is quite safe, the traveller is warned not to go wandering around the city centre with loads of luggage.
Get around
Public transport in Johannesburg is a tough one. Minibus taxis may be used with caution. Buses are available but routes and times are somewhat limited by western standards.
See
Soweto is an increasingly popular destination for travellers from around the world. The apartheid museum is a worth while stop for any traveller wanting to learn more about the heinous crimes committed against the black majority in South Africa's past.
Do
Gold Reef city is an amusement park with a casino. The visitor can also learn about gold mining and go into a mine here. Affluent shopping in Sandton City.
Buy
Craftsmen and women from all over Africa sell their goods at the Rosebank flea market on Sundays and in a bazaar type shop in the Rosebank mall on week days.
Eat
Drink
Nightlife in Johannesburg is limited. Good pubs and clubs are available in the Melville student district, New town cultural precinct. Posh and upmarket clubbing happens in the "Rivonia" area. This was once the farm which lent its name to the trial of Nelson Mandela.
Sleep
The Backpacker's Ritz in Johannesburg has excellent views of the city, reasonable prices and an extremely helpful travel desk with information about all aspects of travel in South Africa.
Get out
External links
- Official City Website (http://www.joburg.org.za/)
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