by Patricia Watson

Created on: December 24, 2011   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

Johannesburg is a vibrant and thriving large city located in the Republic of South Africa, North East of central South Africa. Offering a subtropical climate Johannesburg is an interesting location to visit and explore its many attractions.

Gold Reef City

One of the many attractions this city has to offer is Gold Reef City which is located approximately eight kilometres from the city centre. Fun for children and adults alike the complex houses a number of hotels, restaurants and shops plus activities to thrill all.

Theme Park

The Gold Rush Theme Park offers a wide variety of thrilling and breathtaking rides including the tower of terror with its fifty metre drop; raging river rapids and the Jozi express, a high speed roller coaster ride.

Gold Mine Museum

The museum tells the story of Johannesburg and how gold was discovered. Attractions include a tour of a gold mine, a mine official’s house, an informative film and the opportunity to pan for gold.

Theatre.

The ninety six seated 4D theatre shows films daily and uses a variety of techniques such as moving chairs and smells to enhance the excitement for the audience.

Dr Doolittle’s Farm

Ideal for younger visitors the farm offers the opportunity to feed and stroke a large number of animals including horses, cows and monkeys.

Casino

Open twenty four hours a day the casino offers over five hundred slot machines and multiple gaming tables including touch table multi play roulette, American roulette, blackjack and poker.

Apartheid Museum

Located on the Golden Reef Roads near to the Gold Reef City complex this interesting museum details South Africa’s troubled history and struggles. Offering original films, documentation, photographs, statements and exhibitions this museum details the injustices suffered by South African black people and those who campaigned for their freedom.

The exhibition is not deemed suitable for children under the age of eleven.

Sterkfontein Caves.

Located approximately an hour’s drive from the city this world heritage site offers the opportunity to explore the caves and see interesting items such as early life forms. fossils, a two million year old skull and three million year old skeleton.

Lion Park

Located not far from the city and near to Lanseria airport this five hundred acre enclosed area provides the opportunity to observe animals in the wild. and on occasions touch animals such as cheetahs and giraffes. Visitors can take their own car or join a guided drive through the complex to observe animals in the wild, including rare white lions. Also on offer are a restaurant, luxurious tents for overnight stays and night drives.

Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Located in a suburb, north of the city, the zoo is situated in eighty one hectares of land and has over 350 species of animals including the endangered snow leopard, nocturnal birds, fierce bears and fast cheetahs. The zoo offers family fun days which include games and activities and day and night tours.

Johannesburg is a thriving city with an interesting history. The city itself offers a wide variety of museums, galleries, shopping areas and social and leisure resources plus other attractions for all the family.

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