Johannesburg, known by the locals as Jozi, is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants and taxi ranks. The city has a western appearance with modern skyscrapers and big shopping centres. Johannesburg has a very pleasant climate, the summers are hot with most of the rainfall in the summer months between October and April and the winters mild and dry becoming cold towards the evening. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
Lapalala Game Reserve is a unique and precious place situated only 3.5 hours’ drive outside Johannesburg, spreading from the Palala and Blocklands Rivers. Characterised by 77 kilometres of vast bushveld decorated by deep canyons, this breathtaking landscape is the perfect location for the breeding and protection of endangered species such as black rhino, roan antelope, and others. The reserve is home to all ‘Big Five’, as well as numerous other animals and plants, which can be seen as part of guided day or night walks, game drives, and educational tours. Lapalala is famous for its environmental school, which is open to children and adults and spreads the message of preservation of these invaluable natural riches. Other activities include swimming, fishing, and visiting ancient cave paintings and archaeological sites.
Adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is a private premier game viewing destination. It was the first ever private nature reserve established in South Africa. The landscape features 65 000 hectares of savannah-covered land interspersed with watering holes, dry river beds, lowveld woodlands, and the perennial Sabi and Sand rivers. This spectacular reserve offers exceptional game viewing opportunities with frequent sightings of the renowned Big Five as well as cheetah, zebra, giraffe, and a variety of antelope.Visitors can enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, dining under the stars, guided bush walks and enjoying a stay in some of South Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges.
