Comments on Johannesburg, South Africa?

Question

Hi guys. Just want to know your comments & what you think of Johannesburg. If you have been here,read or heard about it please feel free.

Thank You

Answer 1

I love Johannesburg. It's a very interesting city, some parts are very westernized. Great food, if you like spicy food, order anything with peri-peri peppers. People are very friendly but racism is sadly still rampant there. Hitchiking is acceptable (mostly outside of the city) and a cheap way to get around, though public transportation is good. I would live there if I found a job. Clubs are tremendously fun, but keep an eye on your belongings.

Answer 2

From a South Africa who spends quite a bit of time in Johannesburg (Joburg):

Look, I'll be honest with you, there really isn't much to see in Joburg unless you're out to shop and/or club. It's a large city and you'd have to know exactly where to go. Shopping malls abound though. Not sure if shopping there would be worth your while. Depends on where you're from and the exchange rate. For most Europeans South Africa is a bargain.

What I can say is that Joburg is a fast-paced, lively city and it gives me a rush every time I go there. But you do have to be extremely careful and not do anything stupid like driving around in dodge areas and after dark. Be extremely aware of what's going on aroung you at all times.

I must also warn you that Joburgers drive like utter maniacs, but you don't really have much of an option for getting around other than by car because public transport isn't really safe for tourists who aren't streetwise. Best to arrange to do everything through a tour operator.

BUT BETTER YET, rather go to Cape Town if you're coming to S.A. It too has a crime problem, but not as bad as Joburg, and not unlike most other developing countries. It's much more chilled, laid back, lots to do, and picturesque - sea, mountain, winelands, you name it.

Answer 3

Was there for a short time in August. It's so tense you can cut it with a knife. Safety is the number one concern when you're out and about. The World Cup is supposed to be there in 2010...and from what I hear, they aren't sure they'll be able to host it because of all the crime. With that said, the South Africans I have met are very hospitable. There's a lot of wealth in the city as well as a lot of poverty. There's also the ongoing tension between the races. All that combined equals a nearly hostile environment. I'm assuming you're planning a trip there. You just have to watch yourself. And never go into a township.

Answer 4

From another South African who was born and bred in Joburg:

What Lauren told you is true. Joburg life is very fast. The ambiance and tempo is like LA. There are however places of interest in Joburg. Unlike what Sara said - u should go to the townships - especially Soweto. There are professional tours that could be arranged. The other advantage of being in Joburg is that you would be able to visit the cradle of mankind, and beautiful sterkfontein caves. if you are into history, you would go to the Nelson Mandela museum, the apartheid museum and the constitutional court precinct..

But you would not have seen South Africa if you only go as far as Joburg. You can go to Cape Town (it is as said by Lauren). But I would recommend the Southern Cape (i.e. Plett, Knysna and George area).

You are welcome to South Africa - a world in one country!

Answer 5

Hey there;) Im was born here in JHB and have lived here since. i studied over seas and one BIG thing i realised is that people over seas are not nearly as friendly and warm as South Africans! I LOVE the "rushed city" i was just in Cape Town and i was goign CRAZY!!!!!! its really really too slow for me! the speed limits on the highways are slower andthe drivers ares o damn coutious!!!! funlaay at some parts of the highway you get speed limit of 120kph and you feel like u speeding coz all the CT drivers anre stil driving at 80 lol;) JHB rocks, Clubs, Museums, Awesome amusement park, goldmines, nice casino's, bird parks, lion and rhino parks, ALLLOT of history, delicious food, really fancy hotels, melrose arch (a nice little village of resteraunts, bars, hotel, african style chill spots, luxury place) beutiful trees all over JHB (sattelite registers Johannesburg as a rain forest!!) all types of people, bright water commons (used to be called randburg water front, now a place with shops, musical fountains, laser shooting, diving lessons, resteraunts and sometimes false snow) gold reef city, Sandton (an upper class area with LOADS to do and see) linksfield ridge (a ridge with luxury houses built on, AWESOME view of the city) Town is not really the place to go unless you just going to get something, Alexandria township is also not a place to go looking for fun, Hilbrow too and well yeh JHB IS RUSHED WITH FUN:)

hope you enjoy if you come;) all the best

anymore questions please feel free to drop me an e-mail;)

Answer 6

Yes sure. Im a durban girl lived there for six months. Its dry just like the people. But the night life is great. The crime is just a worrying factor.

Answer 7

Not sure, but would also like to know. We are also going back to SA, and stil need to decide where to settle, so would welcome all feedback about SA!

Answer 8

Before Mandela and the rest of the Marxist thugs of the ANC took over, Johannesburg was a Westernized and very safe city.
Now, apparently, it's one of the most crime ridden cities on Earth, where no one is safe.
But hey, majority rules, and they got the paradise they wanted.

Answer 9

THE BEST UNIVERSITY IN THE WHOLE WORLD IS THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are places where you won't go(Hillbrow) for instance,but they have great malls there I love it there.
I don't want to live there though. The people are too rushed.