Where is the Johannesburg photo and description of attractions

One can Often hear from novice travelers the question of where is Johannesburg? "In Africa," – the most frequent answer. More precisely, in the Republic of South Africa. This city has a long and complicated history, and today tourists are not very popular. However, those who want to know the real Africa, you should come to this city and see everything with your own eyes. Tell about where Johannesburg than it is to do and how best to plan your trip.

Geographical position

Looking at the map and thinking about the question, where is the city of Johannesburg should look to the South the African continent. The city is located almost in the heart of South Africa.

The Settlement was located on a high plateau, Velde, between the rivers Limpopo, Vaal and Orange. The city is located on a flat, dry plateau at an altitude of 1700 meters above the sea level. The topography of the city is mostly flat, only in the Northern part there is the hills.

Geographical coordinates of Johannesburg: 26° 12’ 8" South latitude, and 28° 2 '37" (28° 2’ 61) East longitude.

The Town is the largest settlement of the country, it today is home to just over 3 million people. The ethnic diversity of the residents is high, about 73% of the population – black. The most popular language in the city is English.

Johannesburg – the capital of Gauteng province. Is the richest region of the state, providing about one third of the gross domestic product of South Africa. The settlement is located in a very picturesque place, close to the mountain ridge of the Witwatersrand. For many years a major factor in the growth of the city was located near the richest deposits of gold. Administrative-territorial division of the Johannesburg includes several areas. The business center is the upscale Sandton and areas in Hillbrow ... and Berey – its absolute antipodes.

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Climate

The Area where Johannesburg, you'll be Equatorial and subtropical climates. Winter here starts in April and ends in October. It is cool and dry time of the year. In June and July, the average daytime temperature is around 15-17 degrees. These months are the driest.

The High tourist season falls on April, may and August. However, the weather in Johannesburg is relatively comfortable year round. The average daily temperature is 23 degrees Celsius. The hottest month-January, when the thermometer Dolbik day rises to 30 degrees, in the same month, high amount of precipitation.

History

The Place where Johannesburg is today, in ancient times was inhabited by hunters and gatherers. The development of these lands in XVII-XVIII centuries led to the complete extermination of the local population. Until the late nineteenth century, there came other tribes Basuto and the Zulus who fought with the Boers.

In 1886, everything has changed dramatically. An Australian prospector found here first field, and here a flood of treasure hunts.

Here begins to build a city, first spontaneously, then with the help of architects. A settlement filled with people of different races and cultures. The affluent city has attracted the attention of the British conquerors. In 1899 starts the Boer war, in which land was ceded to Britain. Since 1930-ies begins a rapid construction in the city, due to the economic boom in South Africa. Until the mid 1970-ies Johannesburg grew and developed, this time formed of its business and residential infrastructure, formed the architectural appearance, even started to call him "African in new York”.

When the fight against the policy of apartheid led to the fall of the regime in the early 90-ies, came to an end and the development of the city. The next decade he gradually lost its infrastructure and decent appearance. When the majority of the white population left the city, there were whole quarters inhabited by squatters. At the end of XX-beginning of XXI century the authorities are making efforts to preserve the city's attractiveness for residents and tourists. In 2010, they even held the world Cup. Today the flow of tourists in Johannesburg is very small, but there is even slightly increased.

Orientation in the city

Today Johannesburg is the economic and business centre of Africa, is clearly divided into a respectable and relatively safe North and South, where a lot of extreme sports. City centre – this place is the convergence of attractions, shops, museums and offices. The hotel is better to choose in the North. And in areas of Hillbrow ... Soweto and Berey better to go only with a trusted guide or ride the tour bus or to abandon this dangerous idea at all.

Security

More recently, the Johannesburg was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. But for the past 20 years, the government is taking effective measures to combat crime. Today the city becomes less dangerous. However, the areas Berey and Hillbrow ... in Johannesburg, where the real ghetto of the poor, continue to be low levelpersonal safety for tourists. Therefore, travelers are advised to observe the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

What to do in Johannesburg

Johannesburg – a modern city and there are a lot of different ways to spend leisure time. The real focus of cafes, bars, discos and clubs is the district of Newtown. Here hold various shows, organize exhibitions of contemporary artists, concerts. Life in this district abounds.

For Those who like educational tourism, should pay attention to the local museums. The most popular of them are the apartheid Museum, Museum Africa, Museum of art of Africa and Museum of transport.

Africa attracted by the opportunity to see exotic animals, therefore, when arriving in Johannesburg, you should visit the local zoo, which features more than 600 species of local fauna, or visit the lion's nursery.

The times ‘gold rush” is reminiscent of theme Park “gold Reef city”. Here tourists are offered to go down into the mines, where he mined gold and diamonds, to participate in the casting of ingots.

Arriving in an exotic country, many tourists like to do shopping. In Johannesburg worth buying different things in ethnic style. Famous local bags made of crocodile skin. And, of course, South Africa is famous for its diamonds, which are worth to buy only in the official shops. If a tourist is making a serious purchase stones, usually he provides the service delivery of goods to the airport in a safe case.

Sights

Johannesburg attractions which will satisfy the most different tastes, attracted by its unusual history and location. In the city to see the skyscrapers of apartheid, the town hall, the Telkom tower, a kind of Chinatown, go to Gandhi square and see some very interesting churches of different denominations.

50 km from the city is a UNESCO monument “the Cradle of humanity" - a complex of caves, where were found the oldest remains of primitive people. A great way to explore the city attractions include a double-Decker bus, a route which passes through the most remarkable places. Near them you can get off the bus, look around and then continue.

How to reach

Thinking about where Johannesburg and how to get there, take a look at the map. Once it becomes clear that the best option – flight. The city's two airports, but unfortunately, direct flights to Russia from South Africa there, so you need to prepare for the long haul. The most popular options with departure from Moscow - etFlights to LancerMapouTu, Gaborone. GoodTsya E fromAFRKanskTheTolItzá South Africa by air, By land.

Festivals and celebrations

Johannesburg – this is not only a town with an interesting history and special culture. Worth coming here to visit unusual events. For example, the festival “Dancing umbrella” collects lovers of dance from different corners of the earth. In August there is a festival of wines, and they are in South Africa great. On the river put on a show, tastings and various master classes from the best sommeliers.

Practical information

Arriving in Johannesburg, you should carefully choose the place to stay. Budget and are considered reasonably safe areas, Ranburg (Randburg), Melrose Arch (Melrose Arch). Wealthy travelers are choosing the respectable district with the history & ndash; Sandton. This is the most safe area, however, you need to be prepared for the fact that some streets are literally fenced in with barbed wire. Here is a business life there are many good restaurants. The city is well served by public transport, however for security purposes tourists are advised to rent a car with driver or use an official taxi.