Johannesburg Travel Forum

We'll be laying over in Johannesburg for a day on our way to Namibia. We have a four and five year and will be staying just north of OR Tambo Airport. Can anyone give some ideas as to what we can do? We're really not interested in any type of tour. Parks, water parks, amusement parks, ice skating, etc.

You could visit Gold Reef city which you can do in a day. Its outside of Jo'berg, you can either drive yourselves or arrange it as a day tour.

Take a look at the website :) http://www.goldreefcity.co.za/index.asp

Agree, Gold Reef City (Theme Park) is probably what you're looking for. More than 30 thrill rides, restaurants, kiddies corner, tribal dancing etc. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am - 5pm.

I think the children are a bit young for Gold Reef City. Take them to the Monte Casino Bird Park. There are 2 shows a day, and aninals and birds to see in the Park. A good lunch can be had at the Casino comlex, plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Surely not for kiddies corner, June ;-) But I agree, Monte Casino is also a good choice.

I dont know of a Kiddies Corner, The Bird Park is seperated from the Casino.

Because of the perceived danger of Johannesburg, my wife is quite hesitant to venture beyond the security of our inn while we layover for a day. To alleviate her fears (and my desire to explore), I'm hoping to get information concerning the the real threat to safety in the Kempton Park, Montecasino and Sandton areas of Johannesburg. I'm sorry to say, I hear lots of bad things about Johannesburg, and now want to find more positive - and realistic - accounts of the city.

Mate, the sad reality is that violent crime does pose a real threat to people living in and visiting South Africa, including Johannesburg. Last year the South African Institute for Race Relations found 575 out of every 100 000 people in Gauteng fall victim to armed robbers. They base their figures on Statistics South Africa. The concern is that many experts believe crime in South Africa is massively under-reported due to a variety of reason. Crime figures could be much higher than is publicly reported. Open any South African newspaper and you will be saddened and surprised by the extent and scope of crime.
Having said the above, many people still visit South Africa without falling prey to criminals. The message is to take every step to minimize your vulnerability. Do some research on crime prevention strategies: both my sisters-in-law recently returned from South Africa and having taken the necessary precautions had a good time - with the exception of Durban.
Not meant to frighten – merely to inform.
Good luck!

Ive spent time in Sandton twice now (doesn't really make me by any means an expert!) but I have always felt safe when following sensible precautions, like not walking alone, getting a taxi somewhere if I feel unsure, not having all my valuables on show.

These are the same precautions I would take in London or even Belfast where I live.

I couldnt agree with you more - South Africa is not that bad, it is the same wherever you go in the world.

The thing I would highly recommend from my last trip to Jo'Berg is Lebo's Soweto cycling tour.....even though I hated the cycling part....I'm really not at one with a bike!

http://www.sowetobicycletours.com/

Lebo is really knowledgeable as are all of the guides he employs. They all come from the neighbourhood and it was a really fun and friendly experience. I think it gives you a better impression of Soweto that you get from being behind a minibus window. I think it really focused on the people living there now as well as the things that Soweto is famous for. It was a wondeful memory to leave SA on :)

Our bus even broke down when we had to leave, so we got a couple of hours to be with the local children who play out side the backpackers place. They were wonderful, so full of fun and wanting to play :)

Highly rocommended....but take plenty of water! There are a couple of places you can buy it along the way but I needed it before I go to one of those places :)