inside-look-hidden-gems-and-local-secrets-of-south-africas-largest-city

Inside look: Hidden gems and local secrets of South Africa's largest city

 • 1661 views

A first-hand guide to Johannesburgs lesser-known spots and must-try experiences from a long-time Reuters reporter. From street-food discoveries to urban forests this guide shows the citys real character

Johannesburg (or Jozi to locals) started as a gold-mining camp about 140 years ago and grew into Africaʼs money-making powerhouse - a city where old downtown grit meets modern-day wealth

The citys heart beats in Maboneng Precinct: a re-born industrial zone thats now filled with art-spaces cafes and cool hangouts (its name means place of light in Sesotho). Just north‚ the super-rich Sandton district shows off its glass towers and fancy shops‚ with Nelson Mandelaʼs huge statue standing proud in its central square

Getting around here needs some street-smarts: mini-bus taxis zoom past following their own traffic rules; while the high-speed Gautrain offers a comfy ride from the airport for 230 rand. For safety its best to use e-hailing apps or metered cabs

The citys must-try food is iKota - a working-class sandwich with an interesting past:

  • chips
  • processed meat
  • cheese
  • fried egg
  • atchar pickle
  • “Russian“ sausage

This mega-sandwich costs between 12-100 rand depending on whatʼs inside. Its roots go back to apartheid times when black mine-workers werenʼt allowed in restaurants

The music scene here is hot with Amapiano - a mix of house jazz and afro beats. You can catch live shows at spots across town or at the yearly Joburg Day fest which happened couple months back

For nature-lovers theres lots to do: Hennops has easy-going 2km walks while brave hikers can try the tough Rustig trail. The famous Kruger Park (about 4-5 hours away) lets you see the Big Five for 486 rand entry fee

Fun fact: with 6 million plus trees Jozi claims to be earths biggest man-made forest. But dont expect constant warmth - winter nights here can drop below zero

Remember: when meeting locals its better to ask how to say their name right than make up nicknames. And keep your valuables hidden when exploring downtown

Samantha Blake

Society

Popular

News by theme