Johannesburg - The staycation trend is not a new one but it is an ongoing one. More South Africans are choosing to stay at home over the holidays as tighter economic times drive people to look local.
However – staycations do not mean sitting at home, and there is a growing trend towards day tripping – enjoying an affordable day out locally. With the festive season fast approaching, Johannesburg has so much to offer to any family on staycation.
Day-tripping deluxe – Joburg gems revealed
For an unforgettable view of Joburg be sure to visit the Roof of Africa, situated on the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre. The tower stands 223 m tall and offers incredible 360 degree views from its observation deck – well worth paying the R15 fee.
Gold Reef City is a must-do staycation stop where you can enjoy the thrilling theme park rides, a 4D movie experience or learn about Jozi’s Story of Gold and witness the pouring of gold. If you are enjoying being immersed in gold then try the Mining District Walk, which reveals fascinating details about the industry which built the City of Gold.
If you are a history buff then a trip to the James Hall Transport Museum - with over 2 500 items (all pertaining to the history of transport) on display - or to the Apartheid Museum is for you.
On Saturdays and Sundays, try the Good Food Market and the Grove Market in Braamfontein. For those who remember the area as being a bit less than desirable, think again, it has become a young and trendy neighbourhood that is well worth a visit.
Newtown is another example of city rejuvenation and has become a vibrant area – known as Joburg’s arts and culture precinct. In the heart is the Mary Fitzgerald Square where concerts and festivals take place.
Overlooking the square is Museum Africa - the only museum which tells the story of life in Southern Africa from the Stone Age to nuclear age and beyond. Apart from its historical displays, the museum also houses the South African Rock Art Museum, the Bensusan Museum of Photography and the Geological Museum. Next to this is the famous Market Theatre.
From there take the kids to the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre which is like a magicians cave filled with 384 exciting and interactive science and technology exhibits that will keep them fascinated for hours. For the beer lovers there is also a tour of the SAB World of Beer, where you can learn how beer is brewed and sample the “wares”.
Now that it has been established that Joburg has plenty to offer (and this only just scratches the surface), the best way to explore all of these sites is with the Red City Tour offered by City Sightseeing Joburg. This fascinating tour takes you to all of these attractions as well as Gandhi Square, Santarama Miniland, Origins Centre at Wits, and Constitution Hill.
Kids particularly love the adventure of climbing on board the iconic open topped red double decker City Sightseeing buses (and all kids also get a free, fun activity pack on board the bus), which operate on a Hop-On, Hop-Off basis, meaning that sightseers can get off the bus at any of the stops and then get back on to a later bus at their leisure – with buses running every 40 minutes in the week and every 30 minutes over weekends and during the December school holidays.
You can start the tour from any of the stops – and with ease from Park Station and Gold Reef City, which both provide safe parking – or connect to the City Sightseeing bus from the world class Gautrain and enjoy a safe, fun and unique tour of Joburg, with an informative onboard commentary that paints the picture behind the sights.
This commentary is available in English, Afrikaans, Zulu, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, as well as a special Kids Channel. There is also free Wi-Fi on board all the buses for those that like to stay connected.
The City Sightseeing tours offer a unique perspective and you experience an entirely different side of the city of Johannesburg – memorable sightseeing that the entire family will love. With the wind in your hair and the sun on your shoulders, leave behind your old perceptions of Joburg and see the new city on the City Sightseeing bus.
For detailed information on the City Sightseeing tour options, the times, costs and stops along the route visit the website on www.citysightseeing.co.za/joburg