A local’s guide to Johannesburg, South Africa
Where’s your home town, and what’s the main reason people visit?
I was born in Port Elizabeth, but I now live in Johannesburg (JHB). Most people visit JHB for business. The majority of international flights depart from the airport in JHB, so people also spend a few days here before or after their holiday elsewhere in South Africa.
What’s the main reason you think people SHOULD be visiting?
Contrary to popular belief, JHB is not just a concrete jungle. We have beautiful surrounding areas like Magaliesberg and Hartbeespoort dam, both only a 45 min drive away from the city. In these areas one can hike, go to animal sanctuarys, do adventure sports like quad biking, or just relax.
In JHB, we have some of the best restaurants in the country. We also have lots of quaint artistic areas where you can browse boutique shops.
If you had to recommend to the friend of a friend one unmissable thing to do in your home town what would it be?
Go visit Soweto and take a tour that passes through Nelson Mandela’s home. This will show you what South Africa is REALLY like.
If they had a whole day in town what would you recommend they do?
Take a drive out to Hartbeespoort dam. Go to Ukutula Lion Park and walk with lions as well as play with cubs. Go to the monkey sanctuary, where you can interact with monkeys in a “no cage” environment. Take a boat cruise on the dam.
What if they had three days?
Take a drive to Pilanesburg (2 hours away) and go on a few game drives, where you will be able to see the big 5.
What will you never catch a local doing?
Driving with their window down talking on their cell phone (it will most likely get stolen)
What WILL you catch a local doing?
Watching soccer or rugby while having a braai (barbeque)
And what local delicacies would visitors be fools not to try while they’re there?
Home grown South African beef!
In 140 characters, how would you sum up your home town as a great destination?
In JHB, you have the best of both worlds. A city that never sleeps and is always buzzing, and stunning nature that is easily accessible!
January 13, 2012 @ 8:45 am
I would hope that the next time that you are asked to about JHB or South Africa I would hope that you would only highlight the positive aspects of South Africa. Crime is a worldwide problem but South Africans seem to want to publish our problems. I have had no issues with driving with my window down in JHB and having your windows up do not seem to be a deterrent to some. I do agree it does happen but saying “most likely” is quite harsh. Seeing as it’s illegal to talk on your cellphone while driving, it’s probably just deserves that your phone get stolen.
January 13, 2012 @ 9:23 am
Hi there
Thanks for your comment.
If you read closely, the question is: what would you find a local most likely NOT doing.
I know it is illegal for one to drive while on their cellphone, that’s why I said you wouldn’t find people doing that.
It would be biased and unobjective to only highlight the positive side of any topic. Crime is a key concern in South Africa particularly, and people should be aware of this and realise that if they are flashy with their belongings this may tempt criminals.
January 13, 2012 @ 9:44 am
If that is your response then I put it to you that your response to the question should have been “driving while talking on your cellphone”.
The mention of having your window down or likely chance of your phone being stolen creates a negative connotation. I am not asking you to be biased or un-objective, I’m merely asking you to promote SA. The UK and US news do enough to promote the negativity associated with our country.
My response to the question of “What will you never catch a local doing?” would be “Promoting the positives of the country” i.e this website
January 13, 2012 @ 10:02 am
The point of my blog is not to “promote” JHB. I am not a PR agent. I want my readers to have an honest reflection of my views which are mostly positive but also include some negative aspects. Most of my other articles on the website are also about tourism spots in JHB and surrounds. If you are expecting to read only positive things about all these attractions and JHB itself- you are visiting the wrong blog.
A tourist who visits SA oblivious to the crime factor is asking for trouble.
January 13, 2012 @ 11:21 am
I do not have a problem with your blog or what you wish to discuss in your blog, my reading of your blog should be evidence to that. I definitely don’t expect your blog to do JHB or SA any favors.
My problem is that when you accepted the offered to comment on http://www.worldreviewer.com/ you made yourself an ambassador of South Africa and posted a comment for the world to see that may not be necessarily correct, it may be your honest reflection but it may not be correct.
I don’t think any tourist to our country is oblivious to the crime factor, but that might be my honest reflection, I could be wrong.