Johannesburg
Why go?
For most visitors Johannesburg, the country’s largest city
and economic centre, is just a stop-over on their way to or
from South Africa. It has all the attractions and trappings of a
major city: from theatres, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife to
museums, street markets and shopping malls. It does however, also
have more than its fair share of crime (although this is in
decline) and it's a city you need to know your way round to fully
appreciate. For a safe and comfortable haven, The Peech
in the leafy suburb of Melrose is ideal.
If you do have a couple of days to spend in Johannesburg (Jo'burg
to the locals), consider visiting some of its main attractions
which include the Johannesburg Zoo, Gold Reef City (a
reconstruction of Johannesburg during the gold-rush era), the
Soweto Township and the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. Some
i-escape clients also recommend the Cradle of Humankind and
Maropeng in Newtown - especially MuseumAfrika as well as the
Market Theatre and the Bus Market - and the Main
Street Mall and Oriental Plaza.
To escape from the bustle of the city, head to the Johannesburg
Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam, a wonderful parkland
haven. To sample the more ‘happening scene’ head to the
trendy northern suburb of Melville, for the hippest sidewalk cafes
and boutiques. On the second Saturday of every month, experience
the Melville Mardi Gras, when the streets are closed to
traffic and buskers entertain the crowds. The high streets of
Parkhurst, Kensington, Rosebank and Greenside are also booming in
the busy bar trade. Try tea or cocktails at the Westcliff,
Melrose Arch, and 44 Stanley Avenue.