Located on South Africa’s Highveld plateau, Johannesburg is a fast-paced, creative city shaped by gold-rush history, cultural diversity and constant reinvention. Its atmosphere is energetic and urban, with contemporary galleries, rooftop bars and leafy suburbs existing alongside powerful reminders of the country’s past. Visitors can explore the Apartheid Museum, tour Soweto’s historic streets or browse vibrant markets and design spaces in neighbourhoods such as Maboneng. The city’s soundtrack shifts from lively jazz and amapiano beats to the hum of busy streets, while the scent of grilled street food drifts through open-air cafés and market stalls. Johannesburg rewards travellers who engage with its complexity and culture, though its size, traffic and contrasts mean it is best experienced with some planning and local insight.
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.
