Is Johannesburg Family Friendly?
Many hotels in Johannesburg are child friendly; however, Johannesburg is not the ideal place for a family holiday. There are plenty of activities to keep the young ones happy, including Gold Reef City and great malls with cinemas, skate parks and the like, however, if a family holiday is what you search for, try Cape Town or Durban.Shopping and Markets
Shopping fanatics will not want for anything while staying in Johannesburg. It is a city with over 20 shopping centres' and a number of markets. The Rosebank shopping centre hosts an impressive market on its rooftop every Sunday. The African Craft Market, close by sells traditional artwork and artifacts from around Africa.
Newtown has the Bus Factory which offers some of the best crafts in South Africa. The Oriental Plaza nearby is renowned for selling quality fabrics and cotton clothing also brass and spices.
Museums and Culture
Museum of Military History - Saxonwold: Kids will be entertained here; displays of tanks, aircraft, a submarine and so on.
Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum - Soweto: A memorial in Soweto to a turbulent time in South African history.
Museum Africa - Newtown: Documenting South African history, it's an excellent museum.
The Cradle of Humankind, World Heritage Site - Maropeng: Only 45 minutes from Johannesburg and Tshwane. Awesome fossils and information as well as 387 other attractions like restaurants, art and crafts, wildlife facilities, lodges and a just a great place for all to enjoy. Also located near here are the Sterkfontein Caves.
Lesedi Cultural Village - Haartbeespoortdam: This excellent and unique village is just 45 minutes from Johannesburg. It is made up Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi and Basotho families, all living together which allow visitors a glimpse into their cultures.
Thrills and Spills Out and About
Ballooning: Bill Harrop's 'Original' Balloon Safaris leave the balloon launch site at Hartebeespoort Dam every day. Get a bird's eye view across the stunning Gauteng and Magalies River Valley.
Sun City: Located 187km from Johannesburg, this is the Las Vegas of Southern Africa. Thousands of tourists every year come to the top quality hotels, magnificent sporting and recreational facilities, 2 world class golf courses, and the magical Lost City Valley of Waves water-park. Visitors will also find casinos and international entertainment as well safaris at the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Game Park.
Pilanesberg National Game Park: Adjacent to the Sun City complex and set in the crater of a long extinct volcano, the Park ranks among the largest in South Africa covering an area of 55 000 hectares. There is a beautiful, large central lake called the Mankwe Dam. Africa's Big Five game can be found here, Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard.
Madikwe Game Reserve: Located further afield at 360km from Johannesburg is Madikwe Game Reserve for an excellent malaria free safari for the whole family in Big Five game territory.
