Local Attractions
City Overview: Johannesburg is the business hub of South Africa, contributing to approximately 12 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Despite being a busy city, Johannesburg contains 2,328 parks within the city limits. Johannesburg is a fairly diverse city, welcoming various African cultures and European, Indian and Chinese settlers.
The Melrose Emporium: The Official U.S. Soccer Bar of the Month for June 2010, The Melrose Emporium is an exciting new establishment set up in Johannesburg to support the throngs of soccer-mad supporters traveling to South Africa from around the world. Located in the trendy Melrose Arch Precinct of Johannesburg, The Melrose Emporium will be a central hub for U.S. Soccer fans following the team in South Africa. More Information
Soweto Experience: Soweto is an urban area of the city of Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa. Its name, an English syllabic abbreviation for South Western Townships, refers to its origins as a Black township under South Africa's Apartheid government. This area is often referred to in references of South Africa’s history. More Information
Apartheid Museum: The Apartheid Museum is a museum complex dedicated to the history of apartheid during the 20th century in South Africa. The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and has since become an acclaimed source of information on the historical and cultural impacts of apartheid in South Africa. More Information
Lesedi Cultural Village: Lesedi Cultural Village is a tourist village which celebrates the cultural traditions of several different peoples of Southern Africa. It reproduces traditional dwellings and offers demonstrations of dances and other cultural activities. It is situated near Johannesburg, within the Cradle of Humankind, in Gauteng, South Africa. More Information
Diamond Mine Tour: Diamond mine tours can be an interesting way to understand South Africa’s natural resources and understand how they impact the culture. The Premier Diamond Mine is one of South Africa’s largest diamond mines and is the original site of the famous Cullinan diamond, found in 1905. This world famous diamond is the largest gem diamond ever found. After being discovered, the Cullinan diamond was sent to Amsterdam, where it was cut into nine smaller diamonds, which either form part of the Crown Jewels or are still owned by the British Royal Family. Other famous diamonds mined from the Premier Diamond Mine are the Premier Rose, the Centenary, the Niarchos and the Golden Jubilee. Touring the Premier Diamond Mine will take you to view the massive crater where the Cullinan Diamond was found and to get an in-depth look into the daily routines of a working mine. Full surface tours are available and there is a museum on the premises. More Information
Pilanesberg Game Reserve: One of the most accessible South African game reserves, Pilanesberg is the fourth largest National Park in South Africa. It is located right outside of Rustenburg and a 1.5 hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. The reserve is set high in the Pilanesberg range, across the base of an ancient volcano. Pilanesberg conserves all the major mammal species including lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo. Game viewing, overnight camps and walking trails are all available. More Information
