History of Johannesburg
In 1886, George Harrison, an Australian Prospector, discovered the mineral wealth on the farmland known as Witwatersrand. Harrison sold his discovered claim for 10 pounds and this emerged as the introduction for the powerful “City of Gold”.

Things to see in Johannesburg

Apartheid Museum
When you go to the Apartheid Museum, you will be completely immersed in the alternate reality of black experience under Apartheid in South Africa. The evidence of repression and violence will be all around you, including a collection of the weapons police used to enforce “justice” in the townships, and an example of the intimidating “Kaspar”, the armored vehicle used by security forces. The reality that these items hint at is reinforced by huge photographs on all the walls, upsetting movies taken inside the townships, and metal cages where black prisoners were held, all of which illustrate the evils that the blacks endured under apartheid.

The Soweto Food Festival
The Soweto food festival features a wide range of food, from international cuisine to local favorites. There are demonstrations that show you how to prepare, handle and eat food from different cultures. Some of the featured types of food are Venda and Tswana. There is even an interactive Chef’s Kitchen, which shows you different food from different cultures. You can taste and experience food from around the world and this food exchange is just one way to bring cultures closer together.

If you enjoy beer or wine tasting, you will find plenty of opportunities. For beer lovers, the Beer Garden is the best place to visit. If you prefer wine tasting, a relaxing drive along the wine route will acquaint you with the best wines in South Africa. If you happen to be traveling with children, there is a location with lots of fun activities available, where you can drop off your children before you begin your adventure.

Word’s deepest pub
Visitors can now visit what was once the location of one of the world’s deepest and richest gold mines. There is a lift that will take you 226 meters underground to the site of a donkey stable. This is where the donkeys stayed when they used to pull coco pans up from the mine that were filled with gold-laden rock. These rocks were taken above ground so that the gold could be removed. There is now a bar located at this gold mine site.

Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City is nearly 6 kilometers to the south of the city and this is the place where you can understand how the mining system worked back in the day. Gold Reef City is not only famous for an old mine though. There is a hotel, restaurants and shops like SA Mint where you can purchase silver and gold ornaments. It also has some entertainment in the town square in a five-piece band that gives music to the listeners during the entire day.

People can also do hands on activities at the science centre where you can experiment with different machines. If you feel adventurous, you can take your pick of the 28 rides, such as the tower of terror and the river rapids.

Johannesburg rose from the level of a puny mining city to that of an important, lively industrial city having a high grade of cultural variety. No doubt, it is a good choice for any visitor that wishes to indulge in the South African ambiance.

If you are touring to this beautiful city you will find it easy to get around with the attractive Johannesburg car hire deals available.