Johannesburg is a popular gateway destination for backpacker
and independent travellers. Hostels in Johannesburg specialise
in information on overland tours and safaris to Kruger National
Park and up into Africa. Backpacker hostels in Johannesburg
can also offer you advise on getting around South Africa
- whether it be with Baz Bus or by car rental. Most hostels
offer some type of free airport pick-up service.
Gauteng Introduction
Despite its small size, Gauteng is the powerhouse of South
Africa. It’s high population and ethnic diversity
makes it a melting pot of cultures. It has a sophisticated,
first world infrastructure and is a gateway to Africa.
What to see and do
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Cradle of Humankind at the Sterkfontein
Caves |
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Gold mining |
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Apartheid Museum |
| Fossil remains of Homo Habilis, or
Handy Man, were found at the Sterkfontein Caves. His
tools are the earliest indication of human culture. |
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Wander around the remnants of Joburg's
first gold mine. Gold Reef City offers underground
mine tours and gold pouring demonstrations. |
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Provocative film footage, photographs,
text panels and artefacts that tell stories of the
apartheid era. You can get more insight at Museum
Afrika in Newtown and the Hector Pieterson Museum
in Orlando West in Soweto. |
Where to stay
Johannesburg
With roots in mining dating back to 1886 when gold was
discovered, Johanesburg exploded from a dusty, crowded mining
camp into the modern economic hub of South Africa. Joburg
attracted hopefuls from other parts of Africa. Today, it
is not uncommon to hear French, Portuguese, Swahili and
countless other languages in addition to the 11 official
languaes of SA.
Soweto
A sprawling township formed in the 1930’s that grew
with the arrival of job seekers from the countyside. Soweto
has a history closely associated to the struggle against
apartheid. Sowetans adopted an urban culture and set trends
in fashion and music. There’s so much to learn and
discover, Soweto cannot be appreciated from a bus window.
Stay a few nights and be surprised.
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