JOHANNESBURG TRAVEL
GENERAL-Johannesburg, also known as Joburg, Jozi and the City of Gold, is Africa’s economic powerhouse, driving trade and commerce across the continent.The city is located in the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills and is the centre of large-scale gold and diamond trade.The city was founded in 1886 during the Witwatersrand gold rush, making it one of the world’s youngest major cities.This discovery became public, thousands flocked here in search of fortune and new opportunities.Johannesburg grew rapidly and quickly transformed from a small settlement into a full-fledged city. Africa’s second largest metropolis (after Cairo in Egypt) is also home to the earth’s largest man-made forest, with over 10 million trees sheltering Joburg’s streets.
The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is also the wealthiest and, without doubt, the economic powerhouse of Africa. Johannesburg is not one of South Africa's three capital cities; it is the seat of the Constitutional Court.
AREA-335km2 City
POPULATION-10,00,000 City
CO-ORDINATES- 26°12′16″S 28°2′44″E
CLIMATE-
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av M 30 29 28 25 23 20 21 24 28 29 29 30
Av M 15 14 13 10 07 04 04 06 09 11 13 14
O.R. TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT-Located 21 km (13 mi) from the city center, it is the busiest airport in Africa and the connecting hub for flights to other cities in Southern Africa. Terminal A is for international flights and B for domestic flights. When flying out some international flights may have their check-in at Terminal B, but will have to leave from Terminal A. The two terminals are adjacent to each other and a 5-minute indoor walk between the two.
GOLD REEF CITY – UNDERGROUND MINE TOUR-
The Golf Reef City theme park is situated on a 10 hectare site which surrounds the historically significant no 14 shaft at Crown Mines and total depth is 3293 meters. This 19th century gold mine produced 1.4 million kilograms of gold before closing in the 70’s. This made gold reef city (shaft 14) the world’s richest producer of gold, 1.4 million kilograms over its 90 year life span. This shaft was at its time, one of the deepest gold mines and worked by 30 000 miners. The lower levels of the mine are currently flooded – 19th level to the 57th level. Tours are conducted only up to the 5th level. Gold Reef Shaft No 14, was in production for 84 years – 1887 to 1971.Travel down the Gold Mine shaft (under 5 years not allowed) in a large clangy lift to level 5 – 720 feet (226 meters) for a guided tour. Walk down tunnels with a hard hat and a torch in hand and experience the tough conditions that the miners had to endure. Experience a short burst from a miners drill, this will clearly give you an understanding as to why the miners would go deaf without ear plugs.
Underground Gold Deposit-Witwatersrand region around Johannesburg City has the largest underground gold deposit in the world. 50% of the world’s gold production is from this region.
Crown Mines Group-Crown Mines Group, one of the gold prospectors, started mining in 1916 at the place known as Shaft 14 which is now located in Gold Reef City Theme Park. It closed the Shaft 14 in 1977 when the depth of the mining level had reached 3293 meters below the surface. In 1979, it donated the land to Rand Mines which turned it into a museum.
Shaft 14-After a headlamp and safety-helmet one is entered the shaft-cage or elevator, which brought to Level 2 that was 75 metres below the surface. The cage was lowered into the Shaft 14 by a cable that went round a tall head-frame and to a hoist-machine or winder outside the shaft.
Acid Mine Water-Most of the shafts had been filled with acid mine water. The acid was produced when rain-water flowed into the shaft and reacted with sulphides of iron in the underground rocks.
Gold-Bearing Rocks-Less than one gram of gold can be extracted from one ton of gold-bearing rock in the underground mine. But this amount varies from place to place.
Relics at Level 2-There were several relics of the mine left behind at Level 2 for visitors to see, such as locomotive, wagons, explosives, fuses, mercury arc rectifier and a few more.
Gold Pour Demonstration-In the demonstration in a room, two men brought out a container of liquid gold from an oven with temperature of over 1063 degrees Celsius(melting point of gold is 1063 degree Celsius) and poured it into a mould. When gold solidified, it weighed about 12.5 kg.
Gold Ingot or Bar-After the demonstration, visitors were asked to see a gold ingot or bar in front. Everybody was eager to touch the precious, yellow metal. The bar was about 99.5% and weighed 12.5 kg.
Joburg's Jacaranda-The trees blossom around October and November each year, transforming large swathes of the city with their glowing purple canopies. Jacarandas are indigenous to South America, but their history in South Africa can be traced back to as early as 1880, when they were imported from Argentina. gold was discovered on the Witwatersrand in 1886, there were several farmers in the area. These farmers brought seeds from the Cape and planted oak, walnut and jacaranda trees. The first jacaranda to be planted in the city was at Charlton Terrace in Doornfontein. Nelson, who business was known as Nelsonia Nurseries, apparently planted "66 miles (106 kilometres) of trees along the streets of the newly established suburb of Kensington". The task took six months to complete. It's believed to be the first time street trees were planted in South Africa on such a large scale.
Jacaranda trees in Johannesburg boasts “the largest man-made urban forest in the world. Cities like Brazil have bigger forests, but they’re natural. But this is a man-made forest. Apart from the views from the scenic and historical Munro Drive in Houghton, there are several other spots around Johannesburg offering superb views. Melville is a must-visit as the purple Jacaranda blossoms are contrasted against the pink bougainvillea on 4th Avenue.
JOHANNESBURG SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS-
The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is also the wealthiest and, without doubt, the economic powerhouse of Africa. Johannesburg is not one of South Africa's three capital cities; it is the seat of the Constitutional Court.
AREA-335km2 City
POPULATION-10,00,000 City
CO-ORDINATES- 26°12′16″S 28°2′44″E
CLIMATE-
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av M 30 29 28 25 23 20 21 24 28 29 29 30
Av M 15 14 13 10 07 04 04 06 09 11 13 14
O.R. TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT-Located 21 km (13 mi) from the city center, it is the busiest airport in Africa and the connecting hub for flights to other cities in Southern Africa. Terminal A is for international flights and B for domestic flights. When flying out some international flights may have their check-in at Terminal B, but will have to leave from Terminal A. The two terminals are adjacent to each other and a 5-minute indoor walk between the two.
GOLD REEF CITY – UNDERGROUND MINE TOUR-
The Golf Reef City theme park is situated on a 10 hectare site which surrounds the historically significant no 14 shaft at Crown Mines and total depth is 3293 meters. This 19th century gold mine produced 1.4 million kilograms of gold before closing in the 70’s. This made gold reef city (shaft 14) the world’s richest producer of gold, 1.4 million kilograms over its 90 year life span. This shaft was at its time, one of the deepest gold mines and worked by 30 000 miners. The lower levels of the mine are currently flooded – 19th level to the 57th level. Tours are conducted only up to the 5th level. Gold Reef Shaft No 14, was in production for 84 years – 1887 to 1971.Travel down the Gold Mine shaft (under 5 years not allowed) in a large clangy lift to level 5 – 720 feet (226 meters) for a guided tour. Walk down tunnels with a hard hat and a torch in hand and experience the tough conditions that the miners had to endure. Experience a short burst from a miners drill, this will clearly give you an understanding as to why the miners would go deaf without ear plugs.
Underground Gold Deposit-Witwatersrand region around Johannesburg City has the largest underground gold deposit in the world. 50% of the world’s gold production is from this region.
Crown Mines Group-Crown Mines Group, one of the gold prospectors, started mining in 1916 at the place known as Shaft 14 which is now located in Gold Reef City Theme Park. It closed the Shaft 14 in 1977 when the depth of the mining level had reached 3293 meters below the surface. In 1979, it donated the land to Rand Mines which turned it into a museum.
Shaft 14-After a headlamp and safety-helmet one is entered the shaft-cage or elevator, which brought to Level 2 that was 75 metres below the surface. The cage was lowered into the Shaft 14 by a cable that went round a tall head-frame and to a hoist-machine or winder outside the shaft.
Acid Mine Water-Most of the shafts had been filled with acid mine water. The acid was produced when rain-water flowed into the shaft and reacted with sulphides of iron in the underground rocks.
Gold-Bearing Rocks-Less than one gram of gold can be extracted from one ton of gold-bearing rock in the underground mine. But this amount varies from place to place.
Relics at Level 2-There were several relics of the mine left behind at Level 2 for visitors to see, such as locomotive, wagons, explosives, fuses, mercury arc rectifier and a few more.
Gold Pour Demonstration-In the demonstration in a room, two men brought out a container of liquid gold from an oven with temperature of over 1063 degrees Celsius(melting point of gold is 1063 degree Celsius) and poured it into a mould. When gold solidified, it weighed about 12.5 kg.
Gold Ingot or Bar-After the demonstration, visitors were asked to see a gold ingot or bar in front. Everybody was eager to touch the precious, yellow metal. The bar was about 99.5% and weighed 12.5 kg.
Joburg's Jacaranda-The trees blossom around October and November each year, transforming large swathes of the city with their glowing purple canopies. Jacarandas are indigenous to South America, but their history in South Africa can be traced back to as early as 1880, when they were imported from Argentina. gold was discovered on the Witwatersrand in 1886, there were several farmers in the area. These farmers brought seeds from the Cape and planted oak, walnut and jacaranda trees. The first jacaranda to be planted in the city was at Charlton Terrace in Doornfontein. Nelson, who business was known as Nelsonia Nurseries, apparently planted "66 miles (106 kilometres) of trees along the streets of the newly established suburb of Kensington". The task took six months to complete. It's believed to be the first time street trees were planted in South Africa on such a large scale.
Jacaranda trees in Johannesburg boasts “the largest man-made urban forest in the world. Cities like Brazil have bigger forests, but they’re natural. But this is a man-made forest. Apart from the views from the scenic and historical Munro Drive in Houghton, there are several other spots around Johannesburg offering superb views. Melville is a must-visit as the purple Jacaranda blossoms are contrasted against the pink bougainvillea on 4th Avenue.
JOHANNESBURG SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS-
001-GOLD REEF CITY-Gold Reef City is an amusement park in Johannesburg. Located on an old gold mine, which closed in 1971, the park is themed around the gold rush that started in 1886 on the Witwatersrand. Located just 8 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg. There is a museum dedicated to gold mining on the grounds where it is possible to see a gold-containing ore vein and see how real gold is poured into barrels. The theme park boasting an array of Africa’s tallest, biggest and fastest thrill rides, family rides, 4D theatre and a fascinating mine museum with an underground mine tour.
A-Rides At Gold Reef City- The Gold Reef City theme park in Johannesburg has some of South Africa’s fastest, biggest, most twisting and turning thrill rides. There is an abundance of adventures. The rides are-
Anaconda- Dream Boat- Golden Loop- Jozi Express- Miner's Revenge- Raging River Rapids- Runaway Train- Tower of Terro- UFO- Giant Wheel- Lazy Boats- Log Ride- Mermaid- 4D Theatre – Tornado- Vintage Cars- Wave Swing- Golden Wave- Dragon Ride- Balloon Wheel- Carousel- Cups & Saucers- Elephant Ride etc, totalling about 39 rides.
Operating hours | 09h30 - 17h00.
The Theme Park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
B-Accomodation-There are two Gold Reef City hotels.
i-Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel-It’s a mining town hotel .Located within South Africa's biggest theme park, this uniquely different Tsogo Sun Hotel is reminiscent of an authentic turn-of-the century mining town. A choice of 75 luxurious en-suite rooms, access to the hotel’s private pools and gardens, and free access to the popular theme park. The dining options are available, from Barney’s Restaurant and Bar to several well-known franchise restaurants, all located within the precinct.
Rates-1540R (standard twin bed non smoking)
ii-Southern Sun Gold Reef City-There are 38 rooms at the Southern Sun Gold Reef City Hotel.
Rates-1880R(Standard King Bed Non Smoking)
A-Rides At Gold Reef City- The Gold Reef City theme park in Johannesburg has some of South Africa’s fastest, biggest, most twisting and turning thrill rides. There is an abundance of adventures. The rides are-
Anaconda- Dream Boat- Golden Loop- Jozi Express- Miner's Revenge- Raging River Rapids- Runaway Train- Tower of Terro- UFO- Giant Wheel- Lazy Boats- Log Ride- Mermaid- 4D Theatre – Tornado- Vintage Cars- Wave Swing- Golden Wave- Dragon Ride- Balloon Wheel- Carousel- Cups & Saucers- Elephant Ride etc, totalling about 39 rides.
Operating hours | 09h30 - 17h00.
The Theme Park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
B-Accomodation-There are two Gold Reef City hotels.
i-Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel-It’s a mining town hotel .Located within South Africa's biggest theme park, this uniquely different Tsogo Sun Hotel is reminiscent of an authentic turn-of-the century mining town. A choice of 75 luxurious en-suite rooms, access to the hotel’s private pools and gardens, and free access to the popular theme park. The dining options are available, from Barney’s Restaurant and Bar to several well-known franchise restaurants, all located within the precinct.
Rates-1540R (standard twin bed non smoking)
ii-Southern Sun Gold Reef City-There are 38 rooms at the Southern Sun Gold Reef City Hotel.
Rates-1880R(Standard King Bed Non Smoking)
C-Jozi’s Story Of Gold-The Heritage Tour-Underground Mining Tour-Learn how Johannesburg came to be, how gold was discovered on the reef, descend 75 meters underground plus witness the magnificent glow of a live gold pour. Feel the cold air and touch the rough rock that holds the wealth of a nation.
Panning- Pan the mud in freezing cold water by hand.
Gold Pour-Liquid gold-there's nothing quite like the magnificent glow that emanates from the molten liquid.
Tour-Tours are conducted between 09h00 and 15h00 and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Price-Heritage Tour Walk-in --R345
Panning- Pan the mud in freezing cold water by hand.
Gold Pour-Liquid gold-there's nothing quite like the magnificent glow that emanates from the molten liquid.
Tour-Tours are conducted between 09h00 and 15h00 and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Price-Heritage Tour Walk-in --R345
002-NELSON MANDELA HOUSE- The Nelson Mandela House is on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Joburg. He lived here (with his family) since the 1940s and for 11 days. After he was released he had to move for his safety because the entire world descended on that house when he got out of prison in 1991.
Vilakazi Street-This is the only street in the world that can boast having had two Nobel Laureates as residents.The homes of two Nobel Peace Prize laureates – South Africa’s first democratically elected president, the late Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – are found on Vilakazi Street.Vilakazi Street is the Soweto street of the greats, named after Dr Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, a distinguished writer and educator who wrote the first poetry book published in Zulu.
Mandela's house has become a museum. It is called the Mandela House Museum and is open for public tours during the week. Not far from here, on the corner of Moema and Vilakazi streets, is the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum that was established to commemorate the Soweto Uprising of 1976. Hector Peterson was killed by police during the students' uprising of June 16 1976, celebrated as Youth Day.
Address-Vilakazi Street, Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
Vilakazi Street-This is the only street in the world that can boast having had two Nobel Laureates as residents.The homes of two Nobel Peace Prize laureates – South Africa’s first democratically elected president, the late Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – are found on Vilakazi Street.Vilakazi Street is the Soweto street of the greats, named after Dr Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, a distinguished writer and educator who wrote the first poetry book published in Zulu.
Mandela's house has become a museum. It is called the Mandela House Museum and is open for public tours during the week. Not far from here, on the corner of Moema and Vilakazi streets, is the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum that was established to commemorate the Soweto Uprising of 1976. Hector Peterson was killed by police during the students' uprising of June 16 1976, celebrated as Youth Day.
Address-Vilakazi Street, Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
003-HILLBROW TOWER-Johannesburg has the long, thin, Hillbrow Tower, one of the tallest towers in Africa. The Tower dominates the Johannesburg skyline, visible to visitors long before they reach the city itself. It’s a tribute to the tower’s symbolic power that it has been incorporated into the city’s official logo. It is 270-metres (or 90 storeys) high, making it one of the tallest man-made structures with a lift in Africa. Hillbrow Tower was closed to visitors in 1981, for security reasons.
004-CARLTON CENTRE-The Carlton Centre is a 50 story skyscraper and shopping centre located in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa. At 223 metres (732 ft), it is the second tallest building in Africa after The Leonardo and the tallest office building.The Carlton Centre is linked to the Carlton Hotel by a below-ground shopping centre with over 180 shops.The 50th and topmost floor of the Carlton Centre was called the Carlton Panorama and is known colloquially as the "Top of Africa". Once the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Carlton Centre opened with the 5-star and 30-story Carlton Hotel taking up most of the floor space of the complex
The entrance to the lift which takes you to the Top of Africa viewing deck can be found in the lower levels of the mall. The office tower, which stands 223m (740ft.) tall, houses Transnet’s head office and it’s not surprising that the views from its top floor are probably the best you’ll see the city. The Carlton is not all about views though. A massive ground-level and underground shopping centre sprawls underneath the office tower.
The Carlton Centre complex was once home to the five-star, Carlton Hotel, which was prime accommodation in Gauteng and popular with the rich and famous. Former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former President of France François Mitterrand, Hillary Clinton, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and singers Whitney Houston and Mick Jagger count among the hotel’s many famous guests.
Admission – Top of Africa- R30,R20 per person for groups.
Visiting hours – Top of Africa
Open weekdays: 9am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 9am – 2pm
Address-119 Main Street, Johannesburg CBD.
The entrance to the lift which takes you to the Top of Africa viewing deck can be found in the lower levels of the mall. The office tower, which stands 223m (740ft.) tall, houses Transnet’s head office and it’s not surprising that the views from its top floor are probably the best you’ll see the city. The Carlton is not all about views though. A massive ground-level and underground shopping centre sprawls underneath the office tower.
The Carlton Centre complex was once home to the five-star, Carlton Hotel, which was prime accommodation in Gauteng and popular with the rich and famous. Former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former President of France François Mitterrand, Hillary Clinton, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and singers Whitney Houston and Mick Jagger count among the hotel’s many famous guests.
Admission – Top of Africa- R30,R20 per person for groups.
Visiting hours – Top of Africa
Open weekdays: 9am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 9am – 2pm
Address-119 Main Street, Johannesburg CBD.
005-NELSON MANDELA BRIDGE-The largest cable-stayed bridge in South Africa, the 284-metre long Nelson Mandela Bridge, starts virtually at the end of Jan Smuts Avenue and links Constitutional Hill precinct in Braamfontein to the Cultural precinct in Newtown.The bridge, which spans the railway tracks which separate the Johannesburg city centre took 18 months to build and was completed in 2003. The Nelson Mandela Bridge, officially opened by Nelson Mandela himself. The bridge carries two lanes of traffic; there are two sidewalks for pedestrians and a bicycle lane.
006-GANDHI SQUARE-Gandhi Square, named for the Indian leader and human rights activist, is located in Johannesburg’s central business district and functions as the main central bus terminus for the city’s Metrobus network.It is situated in the heart of the Central Business District of Johannesburg, and is about 25 minutes from both Sandton (a commercial epicentre) and the OR Tambo International Airport, which welcomes millions of international visitors every year. It is Between Rissik Street and Eloff Street in Johannesburg Central.
The main focal point of this square is the large statue of Mahatma Gandhi in its centre. At 2.5 meters tall, this statue portrays the man dressed in his legal attorney robes, standing tall and proud as he overlooks the square. It is lined with exciting shops, vibrant bars, inviting cafés, and convenient banking institutions.The Carlton Centre skyscraper is here.
Location-Gandhi Square, Between Rissik Street and Eloff Street in Johannesburg Central, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
The main focal point of this square is the large statue of Mahatma Gandhi in its centre. At 2.5 meters tall, this statue portrays the man dressed in his legal attorney robes, standing tall and proud as he overlooks the square. It is lined with exciting shops, vibrant bars, inviting cafés, and convenient banking institutions.The Carlton Centre skyscraper is here.
Location-Gandhi Square, Between Rissik Street and Eloff Street in Johannesburg Central, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
007-NELSON MANDELA SQUARE-Situated in the heart of Sandton in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Square is surrounded by world-class hotels and restaurants. The popular Sandton City Shopping Centre is adjacent to Mandela Square.The square was formerly known as Sandton Square.At the centre of the square stands a six-metre-tall statue of Nelson Mandela, a very popular place for tourists to take photographs. The statue of the late Nelson Mandela was unveiled and the square renamed on 31 March 2004 to celebrate the first decade of South Africa’s democracy.The Mandela statue weighs over 2.5 tons measuring 2.3 metres from elbow to elbow. The shoulders of the statue are 1.7 metres in width and the shoes are 1 metre in length.The 1,000sqm Square serves as a stage for a host of local and international prestigious events. There is always a song or a dance in the air at the Square.
The Sandton City shopping centre, is one of the largest retail complexes on the continent.Nelson Mandela Square has become one of the most popular venues in South Africa. Its prime location in the heart of Sandton allows easy access to the financial district, the Sandton Convention Centre, superlative hotels and Sandton City’s 295 spectacular shops.
The Sandton City shopping centre, is one of the largest retail complexes on the continent.Nelson Mandela Square has become one of the most popular venues in South Africa. Its prime location in the heart of Sandton allows easy access to the financial district, the Sandton Convention Centre, superlative hotels and Sandton City’s 295 spectacular shops.
008-COSTITUTION HILL- Johannesburg’s most notorious historic prisons (all of them now museums) sit side by side with the home of the Constitutional Court, a symbol of South Africa’s triumphant democracy. The site is located on the ridge between two city neighborhoods, Hillbrow and Braamfontein. 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, is home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens. Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Fatima Meer, they all served time here. In this way, the history of every South African lives here.
Old Fort, a high-security prison built in the 1890s to house prisoners of war during the Anglo-Boer Wars (1899-1902), the Number Four prison block, a so-called “Native Prison”, and the Women’s Gaol. During the apartheid era, the prison complex became a detention centre for political dissidents, striking mine workers, those deemed “anti-establishment” and those who simply violated the inhuman pass laws of the time.
The tour schedule is:
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm (last tour at 4pm)
Wednesdays: Last tour departs at 1pm
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 9am – 4pm
Old Fort, a high-security prison built in the 1890s to house prisoners of war during the Anglo-Boer Wars (1899-1902), the Number Four prison block, a so-called “Native Prison”, and the Women’s Gaol. During the apartheid era, the prison complex became a detention centre for political dissidents, striking mine workers, those deemed “anti-establishment” and those who simply violated the inhuman pass laws of the time.
The tour schedule is:
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm (last tour at 4pm)
Wednesdays: Last tour departs at 1pm
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 9am – 4pm
009-APARTHEID MUSEUM- The museum is situated at the Gold Reef City campus in Ormonde where it opened its doors in 2001. The Apartheid Museum illustrates what life was like for South Africans under the apartheid system through dramatic photographs, videos, press clips, personal artefacts.
History- Beginning in 1948, the white elected National Party Government initiated a process which turned over 20 million people into 2nd class citizens, damning them to a life of slavery, humiliation and abuse. Their liberation in 1994 with the election of Nelson Mandela, the prisoner who became president, is a climax in the saga of a nation’s resistance, courage and fortitude.
Admission-Adults: R85
Visiting hours-Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
No guided tours available on a Monday.
Tour groups are limited to 15 persons.
History- Beginning in 1948, the white elected National Party Government initiated a process which turned over 20 million people into 2nd class citizens, damning them to a life of slavery, humiliation and abuse. Their liberation in 1994 with the election of Nelson Mandela, the prisoner who became president, is a climax in the saga of a nation’s resistance, courage and fortitude.
Admission-Adults: R85
Visiting hours-Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
No guided tours available on a Monday.
Tour groups are limited to 15 persons.
010-NIZAMIYE MOSQUE-Nizamiye is the biggest mosque in the southern hemisphere, mosque situated in the city of Midrand, City of Johannesburg,occupying less than two-thirds of a hectare in a 10 hectares of land.Construction began in October 2009 and was completed in 2012.All the marble, carpets, stained glass and ceramics used in the construction of the mosque were brought in from Turkey, and the intricate interior detailing was hand-painted.The basic plan of the mosque was adopted from the 16th-century Ottoman Selimiye Mosque, located in Edirne, Turkey.
The mosque has a main dome that is 31 m (102 ft) high and 24 m (79 ft) wide that is covered in 48 tons of lead. There are an additional 4 half domes and 21 smaller domes.There are 4 minarets that are 55 m (180 ft) high, which have stairs that go up to three platforms. There are 232 stained glass windows.
Up to 6,000 people can be accommodated per service within the facilities of the central prayer hall for men and the prayer gallery for women.Within the Nizamiye complex there is also a school, clinic, Turkish supermarket, bakery, barber, bookshop, a carpet and ceramics store, and a Turkish restaurant.
The mosque has a main dome that is 31 m (102 ft) high and 24 m (79 ft) wide that is covered in 48 tons of lead. There are an additional 4 half domes and 21 smaller domes.There are 4 minarets that are 55 m (180 ft) high, which have stairs that go up to three platforms. There are 232 stained glass windows.
Up to 6,000 people can be accommodated per service within the facilities of the central prayer hall for men and the prayer gallery for women.Within the Nizamiye complex there is also a school, clinic, Turkish supermarket, bakery, barber, bookshop, a carpet and ceramics store, and a Turkish restaurant.
011-JOHANNESBURG CENTRAL POLICE STATION-The Johannesburg Central Police Station is a South African Police Service police station based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Until 1997, it was called John Vorster Square.John Vorster Square was officially opened on the 23 August 1968 by John Vorster, the then prime minister of the Republic of South Africa. It was a 10 storey, blue coloured cement building.During the apartheid era, the police station in downtown Johannesburg was a notorious site of interrogation, torture and abuse by the South African Security Police of apartheid resistance fighters.Between 1970 and 1990, eight political activists are known to have died during or as a result of their detention in John Vorster Square.
012-SATYAGRAHA CAMPAIGN AT JOHNNESBERG-In August 1906, the British administration in the Transvaal passed the Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance (Black Act) to control the entry of Indians into the Transvaal. Every Indian man, woman and child older than 8 years had to register with the Registrar of Asiatics.Ganghiji started a campaign to oppose the new law.Indian community held a meeting on the grounds of the Hamidia Mosque in Johannesburg. A three-legged pot stood in the corner of the grounds, waiting to be used to burn the registration certificates, if necessary. A telegram arrived from Smuts, saying that the government could not agree to the request of the community.
The certificates were burnt and the Satyagraha Campaign started again. The newspapers gave vivid descriptions of the bonfire, in which more than 2 000 certificates were burnt.
https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/gandhi-and-burning-passes
The certificates were burnt and the Satyagraha Campaign started again. The newspapers gave vivid descriptions of the bonfire, in which more than 2 000 certificates were burnt.
https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/gandhi-and-burning-passes
013-THE DIAMOND BUILDING – JOHANNESBURG-The angular facade resembles a multi-faceted diamond, with massive glass sheets placed at varying angles to reflect different images of the surrounding buildings,it is 80 meters high.Constructed in 1983, it is a 22-storey high rise building with 2 floors below the ground.
THE LION PARK JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA
GENERAL-The Lion Park is an eco-tourism destination, breeding ground and sanctuary that focuses on the well-being and regeneration of the endangered Wild Dog, the rare White Lion and Cheetah. The focus of the park is to provide an opportunity for people, to learn more about these wonderful African animals. There are more than 80 lions at the park, including rare white lions. The lions are kept in three separated large free-roaming enclosures. The best way to see the animals is through one of their guided tours.
The Lion & Safari Park is home to a vast selection of indigenous species such as Lion (Brown and White), Cheetah, Hyena (Brown, Spotted and Striped), Leopard (including black leopard), Wild Dogs, Sable antelope, Kudu, Nyala in 1000 hectares area. One can enjoy a variety of different guided tours. The trained guides turn every tour into an informative and educational trip as they share interesting facts. Tour options include; Lion & Wild Dog Tour, Mini Safari, Night tours (with predator feeding), Private Exclusive tours, Alex Tour, Cheetah and Lion Walks. The 3-hour Safari is the flagship tour which includes snacks and drinks on the bank of the Crocodile river. Lion and Safari Park, moved to the present location in July 2016.
TOURS-
01-Self Drive-Drive your own vehicle and get up close to our predators and other wildlife. No guide is provided; drive with your family and friends in your own time through the lion, wild dog, and cheetah enclosures as well as an extended game drive to view antelope, Hyena and other species.
Duration-8 hours 30 minutes
Price-R195.00pp
Self-drives between 08:30 – 17:00
Soft-top vehicles not allowed
02-Predator Tour-Led by one of our qualified and experienced guides the 1 hour guided tour will introduce you to some of South Africa’s most famous predators. This amazing experience in one of our modern safari trucks will take you through the Lion, Wild dog and Cheetah enclosures where you will have an opportunity to find out more about these incredible animals. During the tour, you may also get the opportunity to see many of our herbivore species including Giraffe, Zebra, Springbok, and Impala.
Duration-1 hour
Price-R540.00 for two
03-Mini Safari Tour-On this thrilling 1.5 hour mini safari drive will see all our predators – lions, hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, and leopards. Our knowledgeable guides will take you through the lion and wild enclosures, antelope safari area and to the three hyena species.
Duration -2 hours
Price-R780.00 for two
04-Full Safari Tour-Our flagship 3-hour safari drive includes the Predator Tour tour, a scenic guided drive through this spectacular 600ha wildlife area, a visit to the hyenas and leopards and a chance to relax with snacks and beverages at our very own beach setting on the Crocodile River. This tour will provide you with the perfect opportunity to take stunning photographs of our animals and surrounding landscapes.
Duration-3 hours
Price-R1,350.00 for two
05-Lion Walk-This experience will allow you to walk and interact with young lions, our trained guides will show you how to safely interact with the lions and share all their knowledge with you as you walk for 45min – 1hr. Our professional photographers will capture this once in a lifetime adventure.
Duration-1 hour Lion Walks depart 10:00 and 15:00 daily.
Price-R1,700.00 for two
06-Cheetah Walk-Discover amazing facts about these majestic animals as you walk and interact with Cheetahs while having your photos taken by a professional photographer.
The 45min – 1hr long Cheetah Walk takes place under the careful supervision of two of our experienced and knowledgeable guides. A truly memorable experience.
Duration-1 hour Cheetah Walks depart 09:00 and 16:00 daily.
Price-R1,700.00 for two
07-Lion Cub Interaction- Get a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with lion cubs and have a professional photograph taken with you and the cubs.
Price-R90.00 pp
08-Girrafe Feed- Have an extraordinary face-to-face encounter with the world’s tallest animal – the Giraffe. Feed and interact with these warm and friendly animals from our specially designed feeding platform. An experience unlike any other. The feeding platform is also periodically visited by a variety of other animals including Zebra’s, Nyala’s and Ostriches.
Price-R40.00pp
PARK HOURS- Open every day of the year!
08:00 – 18:00 MON – FRI
08:00 – 20:00 SAT, SUN, PH
Lion Feeding - (Weekends & Public Holidays) - 12:00 | 15:00
Address: - R512 (Lanseria Rd), Broederstroom, Kalkheuvel. (only 13km from Lanseria Airport)
https://lionandsafaripark.com
PRESENTED BY - V.P.GUPTA
The Lion & Safari Park is home to a vast selection of indigenous species such as Lion (Brown and White), Cheetah, Hyena (Brown, Spotted and Striped), Leopard (including black leopard), Wild Dogs, Sable antelope, Kudu, Nyala in 1000 hectares area. One can enjoy a variety of different guided tours. The trained guides turn every tour into an informative and educational trip as they share interesting facts. Tour options include; Lion & Wild Dog Tour, Mini Safari, Night tours (with predator feeding), Private Exclusive tours, Alex Tour, Cheetah and Lion Walks. The 3-hour Safari is the flagship tour which includes snacks and drinks on the bank of the Crocodile river. Lion and Safari Park, moved to the present location in July 2016.
TOURS-
01-Self Drive-Drive your own vehicle and get up close to our predators and other wildlife. No guide is provided; drive with your family and friends in your own time through the lion, wild dog, and cheetah enclosures as well as an extended game drive to view antelope, Hyena and other species.
Duration-8 hours 30 minutes
Price-R195.00pp
Self-drives between 08:30 – 17:00
Soft-top vehicles not allowed
02-Predator Tour-Led by one of our qualified and experienced guides the 1 hour guided tour will introduce you to some of South Africa’s most famous predators. This amazing experience in one of our modern safari trucks will take you through the Lion, Wild dog and Cheetah enclosures where you will have an opportunity to find out more about these incredible animals. During the tour, you may also get the opportunity to see many of our herbivore species including Giraffe, Zebra, Springbok, and Impala.
Duration-1 hour
Price-R540.00 for two
03-Mini Safari Tour-On this thrilling 1.5 hour mini safari drive will see all our predators – lions, hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, and leopards. Our knowledgeable guides will take you through the lion and wild enclosures, antelope safari area and to the three hyena species.
Duration -2 hours
Price-R780.00 for two
04-Full Safari Tour-Our flagship 3-hour safari drive includes the Predator Tour tour, a scenic guided drive through this spectacular 600ha wildlife area, a visit to the hyenas and leopards and a chance to relax with snacks and beverages at our very own beach setting on the Crocodile River. This tour will provide you with the perfect opportunity to take stunning photographs of our animals and surrounding landscapes.
Duration-3 hours
Price-R1,350.00 for two
05-Lion Walk-This experience will allow you to walk and interact with young lions, our trained guides will show you how to safely interact with the lions and share all their knowledge with you as you walk for 45min – 1hr. Our professional photographers will capture this once in a lifetime adventure.
Duration-1 hour Lion Walks depart 10:00 and 15:00 daily.
Price-R1,700.00 for two
06-Cheetah Walk-Discover amazing facts about these majestic animals as you walk and interact with Cheetahs while having your photos taken by a professional photographer.
The 45min – 1hr long Cheetah Walk takes place under the careful supervision of two of our experienced and knowledgeable guides. A truly memorable experience.
Duration-1 hour Cheetah Walks depart 09:00 and 16:00 daily.
Price-R1,700.00 for two
07-Lion Cub Interaction- Get a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with lion cubs and have a professional photograph taken with you and the cubs.
Price-R90.00 pp
08-Girrafe Feed- Have an extraordinary face-to-face encounter with the world’s tallest animal – the Giraffe. Feed and interact with these warm and friendly animals from our specially designed feeding platform. An experience unlike any other. The feeding platform is also periodically visited by a variety of other animals including Zebra’s, Nyala’s and Ostriches.
Price-R40.00pp
PARK HOURS- Open every day of the year!
08:00 – 18:00 MON – FRI
08:00 – 20:00 SAT, SUN, PH
Lion Feeding - (Weekends & Public Holidays) - 12:00 | 15:00
Address: - R512 (Lanseria Rd), Broederstroom, Kalkheuvel. (only 13km from Lanseria Airport)
https://lionandsafaripark.com
PRESENTED BY - V.P.GUPTA