Johannesburg is the financial and cultural centre of South Africa, an energetic city undergoing almost constant regeneration and rejuvenation. It is in this part of the country where the world’s most valuable gold fields were discovered in 1886, serving as the focal point in the Apartheid struggles which dominated South African life in the 1970s an 1980s. Today’s Johannesburg is a far cry from those darker days, with the city and its surrounding provinces proving to be one of the most revered travel destinations on earth. With some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet, historical sites dating back to prehistoric times, the world’s best game and nature reserves all within easy reach; it is with no surprise that Johannesburg receives so many repeat visitors. 

If you’re feeling adventurous Gold Reef City amusement park south of Johannesburg’s Central Business District off the M1 is a perfect family day out. Located on the site of an excavated gold mine, staff throughout the park dress in period outfits from the 1880s, with restaurants and other buildings all designed specifically to match this era in South African history. Should you want to take your interest in the gold mining period further; there is a museum located in the grounds of the amusement park. A mixture of rides suited for older children and adults as well as toddlers are available at GoldReef City, making this a versatile stop for any family. 

Also on the site is the Apartheid Museum. Built in 2001, it demonstrates the role Apartheid played in twentieth century South Africa. The museum consists of twenty-two separate exhibition areas that start from the beginning of Apartheid and lead visitors via photographs, films and short talks, on a chronological history of the rule and the situation in South Africa after Apartheid had ended.

Another visit well worth a few hours of your time is the Museum Africa. Established in 1933 in Newtown, opposite the Market Theatre, the museum explores South African history; from its prehistoric routes, to its modern day state. A variety of exhibits are on show from historical works of art to geological artifacts that date back thousands of millions of years.

South Africa is, of course, particularly famous for its wildlife, with countless safaris and game reserves on offer to tourists in neighboring provinces. With most safaris recommended for ages eight and over, a trip to Johannesburg Zoo may be a better option should you be bringing younger children on your travels. The zoo has existed for some 103 years, and is home to 3000 different species including the extremely rare white lions, which you would be unlikely to see on many safaris or game reserves. The zoo is also the only one in South Africa to have bred Siberian Tigers – one of the largest cats on the planet, which makes this trip a worthwhile and unique experience.  

South Africa is also an extremely proud sporting nation, with the ‘Springboks’ rugby union team playing their home games at the massive 60 000 capacity Ellis Park Stadium in the city (which is also scheduled to host World Cup football matches when South Africa hosts the tournament in 2010), whilst the Johannesburg Stadium in the Doornfontein suburb is home to athletics and football, with South Africa’s most famous side, the Orlando Pirates calling the ground home.