Johannesburg is a difficult place to pin down exactly; it is a place of immense wealth and extreme poverty, a place of stunning natural beauty and spiralling urban sprawl, and a place where, if one takes certain precautions, all the seemingly bad aspects will become immaterial - and travellers are likely to lose themselves in the vibrancy of this wild city.

Johannesburg holds a few unlikely records. It is the largest city in the world not to be built around any type of large natural water source (lake, river, sea) though at the same time it is home to the largest man made forest in the world; it also has one of the world’s highest crime rates but it attracts wealthy people from all around to move in and start a life there.

Maybe it is Joburg’s (as the South African’s have dubbed it) proximity to some of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes, or its pleasant year round temperature or maybe even its fast growing economy – whatever it is, despite the fact that it can be dangerous Johannesburg has captured the imaginations of both travellers and settlers alike.

Fantastic amenities such as nearby Lion Park or the short drive to the world famous Kruger Park are abundant in Johannesburg’s surrounding areas; this coupled with a huge number of great drinking and clubbing venues, such as the rough and ready Melville student district or the upmarket Rivonia area, make this such a popular destination. Suffice to say that once a reliable guidebook is gotten-a-hold-of and the hardy explorer has figured out where not to go, this city becomes a hugely rewarding destination for the adventurous traveller.

The Cradle of Humankind

This is quite a spectacular sight and one that will undoubtedly resonate strongly with any humans who happen upon it. This is the site where many of the oldest fossilised remains from right back at the roots of humanity were discovered; human fossils from up to 3 million years ago are to be seen along with complex limestone caves complete with primitive art. This is a spectacular place to visit for anyone of all ages.

Kruger National Park

Home of ‘The Big Five’ (lions, leopard, rhinoceros, African elephant and Cape buffalo) amongst a wealth of other flora and fauna. This is one of the world’s largest wildlife game reserves, and although it is quite a long journey, 350km, from Johannesburg it is an unforgettable and worthwhile experience.

Township Tours

Take a trip through some of the most dangerous areas in the world under protection of competent guards, it is amazing to see the Soweto township and how the majority of Johannesburg’s population live from day to day. For those concerned about the humanitarian aspects of the tour the proceeds do go to helping the area and is thus mutually beneficial. Quite an experience.

The Apartheid Museum

A moving and poignant journey through South Africa’s turbulent past, so much to see that one could get lost in its winding hallways for an entire day. A great help in understanding the journey South Africa took in order to reach where it is today.