10 Things to do in Johannesburg

An American friend of mine is coming to visit in June and I cannot wait to meet her. Her name is Sheila, we met through blogging, and you can check out her blog here. She is just the most inspirational lady! It's going to be awesome!

So, she was wondering what to do in Johannesburg, as she'll be here for a day or two and I thought that there could be no better way to tell her about the stuff to do than write it in a post.

South Africa is known for its game, so of course I'm going to start with the animals.

1.         The Lion Park, Lanseria

It boasts some pretty awesome wildlife, including bontebokke, meerkats, cheetahs and of course lions. You can interact with the cubs, go on a gamedrive, have lunch at their café and peruse their curio shop. They also have a very curious giraffe and ostrich, which you can feed!

Check out their website here and my posts on the park here and here.

2.         Joburg Zoo, Zoo Lake and The Bowling Club

The zoo, which covers 55 hectares of land, has every animal you can think of! You can even go for a run (when there is a marathon), or just have a chilled picnic on the zoo lawns while listening to the animals. Right across the road is Zoo Lake, which is the embodiment of chill. Visit the Moyo Restaurant, feed the ducks or enjoy the afternoon at the bowling club – cheap booze and good vibes! 

 

3.         Arts on Main, Neighbourgoods and 44 Stanley

Scattered around the city, these three markets offers the best of local eateries, culture and crafts. Arts on Main and Neighbourgoods are smack bang in the city. These are must see places, even if it is just for the people who frequent them. When visiting Neighbourgoods, make sure to check out the Nelson Mandela Bridge! Check out my posts on them here, here and here.

4          Greenside

Not just is it a stunning leafy suburb with a few parks to hang out in, including neighbouring Delta Park and Emmarentia Dam, but it is also one of the best party spots in Johannesburg. Glen Eagles Road has some great restaurants and clubs and it is always hustling and bustling over weekends.

Occasionally, these parks also have music festivals to attend! 

5.         Parkhurst

On that same note, the nearby suburb of Parkhurst is also a must see. 4^th Avenue is packed to the rafters with the greatest eateries in the city – The Wolfpack, Craft, Espresso and Jolly Rogers are but a few to mention. People frequent the area for long walks with their dogs, so don’t be surprised when you see a few dogs in the restaurants.

 6.        Sandton, dahling

Snobs galore and hosts a huge shopping centre, Sandton City - which has been dubbed the richest square mile in Africa. That's all I'll say about it. Also has a Nelson Mandela statue. Worth a looksee. 

Outside of Johannesburg, but still close enough to count

7.           Lory Park Zoo, Midrand

You get to play with leopards! 'Nough said! But, you can also gawk at all the beautiful birds, have a braai, growl at their pumas, lions and tigers or have some fun with the other animals in this small, yet amazing zoo! Check out my post about Lory Park here.

8.       Hartbeespoortdam

Only about an hours drive from the city, there is much to see and do at this beautiful dam with it's mountainous area - from going on the dam; to mountain biking; to going on the cablecars - it is well worth the daytrip to this lovely area.

9.          Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary

Also in Hartbeespoortdam, the naughty little monkeys at the sanctuary will steal your heart! 

10.       Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Roodepoort

Boasting a breeding pair of Verneaux Eagles, a waterfall, indigenous plants and lush gardens, the botanical gardens is the perfect place for a family picnic! It also has a number of other bird species, a few tortoises and interesting art pieces to keep you busy.

Is there anything that you think I missed that my friend must-must see? Please comment below!