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Johannesburg is a very populous city with over three million people living in and around the city. You will find people of many different nationalities and cultures there, making it a very diverse place. Within this diversity, though, is a wide chasm between the rich and poor of the city, which is readily apparent across the many different neighbourhoods. Because of this the crime rate is extremely high in some parts of the city, but the good news for holiday travellers is that these problems most often occur in areas where vacationers are not likely to spend time.
You will find Johannesburg to be a vibrant entrepreneurial city, with vendors selling just about anything you can imagine on the sidewalks, on street corners, and even at traffic lights in some cases. Just as striking, though, is the huge number of trees planted in and around the city. Since its earliest days there has been a concerted effort to make the city a place of greenery, and today it is estimated there are over six million trees in and around the city.
There are many interesting sights and attractions for holiday travellers to choose. Take some time to explore the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, home to native birds (including the Black Eagle, an endangered species), open green spaces, and a wonderful picnic area. Another terrific destination is the Lion Park, where you can get up close and personal with lion cubs. Visitors can drive through various enclosures in the park and see other wildlife (lions, giraffes, zebras, etc.) from the comfort of your rental car. Be aware that the Lion Park tends to get extremely busy and crowded on the weekends and national holidays, so if possible plan your visit for a weekday.
Lesedi Cultural Village is a wonderful stop as well, offering a look at what a typical tribal village looks like for the Ndebele, Sotho, Zulu, Xhosa, and Pedi tribes. You will have an opportunity to enjoy traditional dances and music, as well as taste authentic local food. It is a memorable experience sure to please young and old alike.
South Africa has a long history of gold mining, so take advantage of the chance to explore this industry. A great way to do it is at Ferreira's Mine, located directly beneath the Standard Bank Centre. The bank itself was built on top of the abandoned gold mine, and today it is a popular destination where visitors can go into some parts of the original mine and also explore a very good museum tracing the history and importance of gold mining in the region.
It is easy to find a wide assortment of high quality, handmade beadwork and traditional African arts and crafts at any one of a number of markets in and around Johannesburg. One of the best is Rosebank Flea Market, where you will find artisans and craftsmen literally from all over the African continent. Their works are among the finest you will see anywhere, and because you are buying from the artisan the prices are often much less than you would see in a store.
OR Tambo International Airport, located just outside of Johannesburg, is the primary airport serving the area and one of the busiest airports in Africa. It is generally quite easy to book flights into Johannesburg from most major cities in Europe, so be sure to shop around to find the best deal. Transportation from the airport into the city can be a bit tricky; the public transportation system is generally in poor condition and not the safest for visitors to use. However, a rental car is a good option and many hotels offer discounted or complimentary shuttle services for their guests so be sure to make plans well in advance.
Wiki:- Johannesburg
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