Johannesburg Metro: Fun and Games in the Economic Center of South Africa

The Johannesburg Metro is located in the central-western part of the Gauteng province on a raised ridge called the Witwatersrand, an Afrikaans word meaning “White Water Ridge”. This mountain range and chain of hills is rich in gold and other precious metals and has its origins in the gold boom of yore. The area is also known as the “Highveld” due to the high elevation of 1,753 meters (5,751 ft). The Metro enjoys a relatively dry climate with summer rains, showers that occur in the late afternoon.

The Johannesburg Metro is located just to the west of the Ekurhuleni Metro. Johannesburg is the economic center of South Africa and is not normally the scene as a tourist destination. Due to the volume of visitors passing through the Johannesburg Metro, tourist attractions have been developed to showcase the interesting history and culture of this area. These include a number of museums, amusement parks, zoos, galleries, sports arenas, and other attractions.

Some of the most popular attractions:

golden reef city

This restored former gold mine and mining town transports visitors back to the days of the gold rush. The mine offers underground tours, highlighting what it’s like to be a miner. In the mining museum, you can watch how real gold is poured into bars. In the surroundings of this mining town there are a variety of restaurants and shops.

This historical theme park is a wonderful place to bring the whole family. The amusement park offers attractions for young and old. For those less inclined to have their adrenaline glands working overtime, one can enjoy a trip by steam train or coach and take in the beautiful views of the city.

Johannesburg Zoo

The Johannesburg Zoo is just over 100 years old and contains over 2,000 animals. The zoo has partnered with local and provincial conservation authorities and proactively seeks to contribute to our conservation and research in a number of ways. It also plays a leading role in educating children in conservation. Children respond well to the year-round touch, feel, smell and hear program, and the evening tours are also quite popular. This is another wonderful place to bring the whole family.

Johannesburg Botanic Gardens

These gardens have created a beautiful retreat from the urban jungle of Johannesburg, being 6 km from the city centre. There are some popular areas within the garden. The Herb Garden, highlights traditional African herbs, as well as those commonly used in our kitchens. The rose garden is a notable sight during the flower season, as more than 4,500 rose bushes display colorful roses. For those in a contemplative mood you can stroll through the Shakespeare Garden.

Although the area is known as an urban jungle, there are over ten million trees in and around the Johannesburg metro. It is the second largest artificial forest in the world. Tree planting began as a supply for the mining industry and expanded over the years. The Metro Council actively encourages tree planting and conservation awareness programs that focus on the value of trees to the environment.

The next time you fly to Johannesburg, consider spending a few days here enjoying these attractions.

Copyright © 2008 Mark Thomas