Johannesburg, South Africa - A Guide

Johannesburg, also known as eGoli (place of gold), is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. The city is affectionately known as Jo'burg, Jozi and JHB by South Africans. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, and which has the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa. The city is one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world, and Africa's only officially designated global city (classified as a gamma world city). While often assumed to be South Africa's capital, Johannesburg does not form one of South Africa's three capital cities. Johannesburg does, however, house the South African Constitutional Court - South Africa's highest court.

Johannesburg is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Johannesburg is also served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa and a gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of southern Africa.

According to the 2001 Census, the population of the city is more than three million. Johannesburg's land area of 1,644 square kilometres (635 sq mi) is very large when compared to other cities, resulting in a population density of only 1,962 per square kilometre (5,082/sq mi). The population of the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Area is almost eight million. Johannesburg also encompasses Soweto to the south west, a township that the apartheid government established to accommodate the large number of migrant workers.

The Misty Hills Country Hotel
Location
Located in the northern suburb of Muldersdrift and just 45 minutes from Pretoria, 25 minutes from Johannesburg centre and 30 minutes from the airport.
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Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg
This museum is architecturally interesting and packed with thoughtful, often brutal, reminders of South Africa's history.

Gold Reef City, Johannesburg
Interactive gold-mining experiences are the highlight of this theme park, which also contains the standard thrill rides and games.

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg
Tranquil gardens, walkways, shady arbors and benches make this sprawling park a popular respite from the pace of the city.

Museum Africa, Johannesburg
Located in the busy Newtown Cultural Precinct, this multi-media museum includes an audio/visual display of Nelson Mandela's treason trial.

Alexandra, Johannesburg
This bustling community is well-known for being the first place where Nelson Mandela owned a home.