Johannesburg also known as Jo’burg is the largest city in South Africa and interestingly the world’s largest city not located by a body of water. It is located right next to the capital of Pretoria and holds the seat of the Constitutional Court.

One of the financial capitals in the world, Johannesburg is a major economic center for Africa.

However the city is not known for tourism. Johannesburg has a reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in Africa due to its violent crime. After the Group Area’s Act was repealed, thousands of poor non-whites and refugees from war torn countries moved into the city centers. The conditions of the high density urban environment quickly deteriorated to the point that high-rises were abandoned by their owners. The government has made an effort to curb crime and the city is slowly improving.

Most tourists use the city as a hub to go to Cape Town or Kruger National Park, but there are several sights to visit in city.

Mandela House

The Nelson Mandela National Museum is located in Soweto in the former home of Nelson Mandela from 1946 to 1962. The house was donated by Mandela to the Soweto Heritage Trust and declared a National Heritage Site in 1999.

Driving is quite direct with a GPS, though I did not find any proper parking so I parked on the street next to the Mandela Restaurant. Around the museum are shops and some talented street performers.

Walk up to the gate which is locked and someone will let you in after you confirm you are there to see the museum. Inside you can purchase a ticket and hire a guide. The house is very small with just two rooms and a hall. The displays include gifts like Sugar Ray Leonard’s world championship belt and awards that Mandela received.

Apartheid Museum

This museum opened in 2001 focuses on the history of South Africa and events of the apartheid.

The displays include film, pictures, posters, and even vehicles. The entire experience is very powerful and humbling.

Parking onsite is readily available as it shares a lot with Gold Reef City an amusement park build on an old gold mine closed in 1971.

These were the only two sites I had time to visit between my transfers, but there are many other points of interest including several museums and even the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cradle of Humankind.

By renting a car and driving on the highways or hopping onto the Gautrain and then taking a taxi, sites are easily reached from the airport. In my experience, the highways and tourist sites were well guarded and felt quite safe. Though driving and walking at night was a bit risky even in the safer districts like Sandton.

If you are passing through Johannesburg, take some time to check out the sites the city has to offer. You may be pleasantly surprised.

If you have an overnight, I’d recommend Ten Bompas Design Hotel, 54 on Bath, or Clico Boutique Hotel.