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Activities in Johannesburg

Top 10 things tourists should not miss in Johannesburg

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Johannesburg presents a world-in-one for tourists wishing to sample and savour the delectable delights of this pulsating hub of electrifying energy. Where else in Africa can one find a colourful explosion of culture, cuisine, entertainment, activities for the adrenaline addicted, wildlife and a history far from bland all in one spot? Locals lovingly refer to it as the City of Gold, and indeed, it is a treasure house just waiting to be explored.

1. Nelson Mandela National Museum
The first democratic president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Nelson Mandela’s house in Soweto is a worthy worthwhile point of interest.

2. Gold Reef City
This world renowned theme park should be on every tourist’s itinerary list. A myriad of thrilling adrenaline adventures await the whole family. In addition to the heart stopping amusement park rides, Gold Reef City houses a casino and a reproduction of a mining town which highlights a tour down a mine shaft.

3. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
Framed picturesquely against the Witpoortjie waterfall, this stunning garden boasts 300 hectares of landscaped and natural veld areas.

4. Museum Africa
This museum of note displays exhibits and collections which focus particularly on local African cultures, history and archaeology. A must see is the impressive rock art collection. Local artists are celebrated as well as Pre-Raphaelite and Impressionist paintings.

5. Hector Peterson Memorial and Museum
This memorial has become a symbol of resistance against the apartheid regime and a worthy tribute to Hector Peterson, the 12 year old boy shot by the police on 16 June during the 1976 student uprisings. On display are photographic exhibits which detail the events of that day.

6. Oriental Plaza
Regarded as the Jewel of the shopping price Mecca of South Africa, the Oriental Plaza is a real treat for tourists who are ardent bargain-shoppers. Over 360 shops with the best selection of designer wear of both local and international brand Houses are located here. The food catered for by the restaurants tempts palates that enjoy ethnic and spicy cuisine.

7. Carlton Centre Observation Deck
The Top of Africa observation deck situated on the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre high rise offers scintillating views of Johannesburg.

8. Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
One of South Africa’s eight World Heritage sites and home to about 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils. 53 000 hectares protects a wide range of flora and fauna.

9. Lion Park
Admire the king of the jungle from the safety and comfort from your own car with the option of a hands-on experience with lion cubs. The park is home to just over 80 lions as well as other species of wildlife. Cheetahs, zebra, antelope, wild dogs giraffes are just some of the animals that can be seen.

10. Montecasino
Lauded as the entertainment complex in Johannesburg, it is simply s must-see for every visitor. A movie theatre, bird sanctuary, tenpin bowling, a number of theatres, casino and a whole host of restaurants, coffee shops and a musical fountain to delight both the young and old.

Visit London in Summer

Top Things to Do in London this Summer

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London is arguably the world’s number 1 top tourist destination. It is not surprising at the city boasts plenty of top attractions for the tourist to feast their eyes on. This cosmopolitan capital offers so much for visitors. With a history of over 2000 years, London at heart remains astonishingly youthful and exuberant.

A visit to London reveals exceptional treasures for the tourist to savour all year round, but none more special than during the sizzling season of summer. No list can be comprehensive enough to detail all the gems in London’s trove of tourist treasures.

There are many ways to experience London to tantalise adventure for all tastes and ages from the London Bicycle Tours, river cruises and open hop-on-and-off bus tours.

London Zoo 
Said to be the oldest scientific zoo in the world, London Zoo is an ideal attraction for the whole family to enjoy. Since 1828 the zoo has been facilitating the study of animals. During the summer, the zoo hosts many thrilling exhibitions throughout the day overseen by leading curators. Some of these include bird displays as well as gorilla feedings.

Tower of London 
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city is the iconic Tower of London. A must see for every tourist is a visit back in time to tales of historical drama, the Crown Jewels and the Royal Armouries.

St Paul’s Cathedral
Regarded as the spiritual hub of London, a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral should be on every tourist’s list of things-to-do. Apart from the fact that the burial chamber is the resting place of some of Britain’s more famous personalities – John Donne, Sir Christopher Wren, Horatio Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, lofty St Paul’s Cathedral affords some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Hampton Court Palace
A real treat for palace-loving enthusiasts is a call to Hampton Court Palace, once the home of King Henry VIII. London may boast its fair share of palaces, but what sets this legendary landmark apart from the rest are the visual displays of breathtaking gardens and a world celebrated hedge maze.

Thames River Cruise
Lined along the banks of the Thames River are visual symbols of London almost anyone in the world can identify: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, MI5, Canary Wharf. The waterway intertwines through the city making a river cruise the ultimate experience in witnessing London.

Buckingham Palace
No visit to London can be complete without a sighting of the world renowned Buckingham Palace. A visit here during the summer time is made all the more special as the doors are open to the public. The interiors and paintings on display in royal households are unrivalled and are a sight to feast one’s eyes on.

The London Eye
A relatively new addition to the arsenal of attractions London has to offer. A contribution to London’s millennium celebrations this structure is a giant observation wheel presents scintillating aerial views of the city.

View another 200 things to do in London

10 things to do in Cape Town

Top 10 things to do in Cape Town in Winter

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Cape Town in winter offers a magical myriad of indoor and outdoor attractions for both local and international visitors. Discover Cape Town and witness the city showcasing its unique culture and heritage in the arts, food and wine attractions.

1. Winter wining and dining
Whet your appetite at some of the most exquisite eateries in Cape Town. The Mother City boasts plenty of fine dining establishments where one can savour sumptuous meals in multiple course set menus. Food lovers are spoilt for choice with dishes ranging from Cape Malay inspirations to haute cuisine.

2. Shopping
Shopping enthusiasts are presented with an array of shopping destinations housed comfortably with the city of Cape Town. The premier V&A Waterfront, Cavendish Square and Canal Walk are just some the shopping malls offering unrivalled adventures to shopping connoisseurs of local and international fashion. The V&A Waterfront draws in huge numbers and is celebrated as an ultimate entertainment venue housing theatres, craft markets, specialty shops and pubs.

3. Theatre
World-class theatrical performances can be enjoyed at the Artscape, the Baxter and Masque Theatres and the Theatre-on-the-Bay. From ballet to drama productions to comedy shows there is something to suit every taste.

4. Winter music festivals
Pencil in a music festival whilst in Cape Town. The Cape Town International Jazz festival is a musical extravaganza of note. The fourth largest Jazz festival in the world highlights the talents of 30 international and local acts

5. Two Oceans Aquarium
Explore South Africa’s largest aquarium and savour the enchanting exhibits of aquatic life. The Two Oceans Aquarium promises to delight both the young and old alike. This popular tourist venue displays in excess of 3 000 marine life forms from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

6. Indoor Markets
A leisurely amble around the numerous indoor markets is a perfect introduction to the colourful culture and unique identity of Cape Town. Sample the local cuisine or soak up the buzzying atmosphere of Hout Bay’s Bay Market or V&A Waterfronts’s Market on the Wharf.

7. Historic Museums
Robben Island is synonymous with exile, isolation and imprisonment; this now world renowned museum located only 12 kilometres from Cape Town was where freedom fighter and former South African president Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his life fighting oppression.

8. Kirstenbosch Botantical Gardens
This top tourist attraction situated against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain is celebrated the world over for the astounding beauty and diversity of Cape flora it is home to. Indigenous South African plants are grown exclusively in the 528 hectare estate.

9. The Ice Station
Labelled as a premier South African ice rink, The Ice Station provides experienced and novice ice skaters with plenty of pleasure-filled ice-scapades. Part of the exciting line-up of events held by The Ice Station is ice hockey games and figure-skating competitions.

10. Visit a wine farm
Cape Town is famed for its wine estates and excellent wine. A visit to one in Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl or any of the other wine farms is highly recommended and should be included on every visitor’s itinerary.

30 more things to do in Cape Town