Since the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand region in 1886, Johannesburg has evolved from a small mining town into Africa’s wealthiest metropolis. Today, it’s a city of contrasts where luxury malls and makeshift street markets share the same zip code, and sleepy residential suburbs lie a stone’s throw away from skyscrapers and rooftop bars.
The business districts of Sandton and Rosebank are well-traversed hotspots for nightlife and dining. Meanwhile, you’ll find a slice of new Johannesburg in downtown Maboneng Precinct, where art, food and music collide in a celebration of modern South African culture.
In Johannesburg South, the Apartheid Museum is an unmissable glimpse into South Africa’s turbulent history. For wildlife enthusiasts, nearby game reserves like Dinokeng offer the chance to see African wildlife on a day trip or weekend safari.