A notable African city is Johannesburg. Contradiction and an apparent smooth blending of irreconcilable contradictions define Johannesburg. Johannesburg, the biggest city in South Africa, is also the richest and unquestionably the continent’s economic engine.
Since its founding, when the world’s richest gold fields were discovered in Johannesburg during the 1880s, the emphasis in this thriving, lively metropolis has been on generating money, whether in business or on the streets.
First-time visitors may find Johannesburg, or Jozi as it is more often called, to be a little intimidating. This is made worse by the media’s inaccurate portrayal of Johannesburg as a sort of battle zone. Although there is crime and you should exercise caution, once you’ve experienced Jozi’s vibe, you’ll want to return. The inner city of Johannesburg, which was abandoned when heavy business relocated to Sandton and was until recently avoided by everyone save ardent visitors, is currently going through a total redevelopment. The Market Theatre and surrounding region have seen a major transformation thanks to the Newtown Cultural Precinct, which is also close by. The inner city of Johannesburg continues to be South Africa’s greatest employment hub.
But it’s the sprawl of the leafy northern suburbs – there are over six million trees in Johannesburg – that attracts tourists. These include fashionable Melville (forget going a little further to Yeoville – Jozi’s Greenwich Village it might have once been), buzzing, trendy suburbs like Parktown and Norwood, with their restaurant-lined avenues that cater to the dining and décor set, and the sprat-filled suburb of Parktown.
Despite not being marketed as an outdoor city, there are a number of parks and wildlife reserves worth visiting, including the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam. You’re in a great location for activities farther away, such those in the Kruger National Park and the Lowveld game parks, and the Magaliesberg is right outside your door.