Edition 113   |   4:04 read time

Johannesburg | @unclescrooch South Africa’s “City of Gold” was founded in 1886 during a gold rush, making it one of the youngest major cities in the world. A certain adventurous spirit comes with that relative youth, which is fitting: Jo’burg is the rare destination as perfect for outdoor activities and historical sites as it is for nightlife and shopping. It’s encountered growing pains in the aftermath of Apartheid, as has the country as a whole, but experiencing it today is both exciting and informative.

Fun Fact: 40% of all human-ancestor fossils ever discovered are in the Johannesburg area.

Johannesburg, South Africa S 26.20° / E 28.04°

#johannesburg | Ryan_Fire_Starter_James March — May As summer turns to autumn in Johannesburg, savvy travelers take advantage of increasingly balmy days. Jozi, as it's known to locals, is situated at an altitude of 5,751 feet, which helps regulate temperatures but may cause lightheadedness in visitors who’ve yet to acclimate to the high elevation. Whenever your trip is, make sure to hydrate even more than you usually would.

#apartheidmuseum | @sarahelg__ Long Walk to Freedom Every country has unfortunate history to contend with, and South Africa is no exception. Apartheid — institutionalized racial segregation — was the country’s reality from 1948 until the early 1990s, and the Apartheid Museum exists to ensure that it’s neither forgotten nor repeated. A sobering experience, it’s also an enriching one — especially in conjunction with the unaffiliated Mandela House, which still bears bullet holes and scorch marks from Molotov-cocktail attacks. #goldreefcity | @giotr108 G-Force City Anyone tempted to dismiss Gold Reef City as just another amusement park has clearly never heard of Tower of Terror. It boasts the highest g-force of any rollercoaster in the world at 6.5 g — higher than the Space Shuttle or a Formula 1 car — not to mention a 164-foot drop. Built on a gold mine that closed in 1971, the park also features a casino, demonstrations of liquid gold being poured into bullion bars, and a movie theater. #cradleofhumankind | @landscape.first Cradle to the Grave All those fossils mentioned above? They were discovered in what’s now known as the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s livelier than its archaeological roots suggest. In addition to stones and bones, it’s also home to a number of endangered species, caves that will make a spelunker out of even the most claustrophobic of visitors, and such beautiful environs that many choose to get married there. Canopy tours and wine-tasting are also on offer for those looking to fill an entire day. Lion & Safari Park | @annabracephotography Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, ostriches, and crocodiles are just some of the animals to be found at the Lion & Safari Park, which offers a number of different ways to interact with its wildlife. Visitors can go on a guided three-hour safari drive, an hour-long lion walk, or take the night-feeding tour, among many other options. It’s ideal for animal lovers who prefer to see untamed creatures in their natural habitat. @ickramer   Ian’s Discovery @ickramer "There is so much to do in Johannesburg! As an American trying to describe it — it’s sprawling like Los Angeles with a pulse like New York City. What really struck me was how much of a foodie city it was. Seriously, some of the best food I’ve ever had. Between deciding where to eat and what history to explore, there is never a dull moment. I learned a lot about the country and human history, but what I highly recommend is taking a tour of Soweto with a local!"

Botanist | @botanistparkhurst More moyo moyo Melrose Arch’s decor is as aesthetically pleasing as the food is appetizing. The menu is distinctly African — crocodile tail pies, Maputo peri peri chicken, and springbok carpaccio are all on offer — as is the ambiance, what with its pressed pebble walls and live music. For the classic steakhouse experience, seek out the Grillhouse Rosebank. It's been serving ribeyes and winning awards for a full 25 years now, priding itself on being vegetarian-friendly and delighting customers who save room for dessert with its famous brownies and ice cream. And since the third time’s a charm, try the Botanist Rotisserie’s free-range chicken. Prepared for 24 hours in a proprietary mix of sauces, herbs, and spices, it’s unlike anything else in the city — or beyond.

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg | @robertmichaelpoole Eco-Friendly Luxury Whether you prefer your hotel to simply be a relaxing place to unwind or an adventure unto itself, you can hardly go wrong with the five-star Residence Boutique. In addition to designer suites and gorgeous architecture, it also boasts a fireplace in the lobby, nearby golf courses, and spa. Less pricey but more environmentally friendly is the Thaba Eco, a four-star establishment that lives up to its name by xeriscaping (minimizing water use) and offering eco-drives of the surrounding environs. Just as important are the views, which are genuinely breathtaking. And though you may have stayed in a Four Seasons before, you probably haven't stayed in one like the Westcliff. Located on the Witwatersrand hillside, it feels like a getaway unto itself despite being in the middle of Jozi.

Johannesburg CBD | @unclescrooch Catch Some Rays "Watch the sunset — Joburg's is undoubtedly tempting!" – @triyunileslee Meet the Big Five "If you're an animal person then the Pilanesberg National Park might just be the place for you. They have over 7,000 animals, including the famous Big 5." – @allistairlewis SUBMIT TO UPCOMING DESTINATIONS!

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