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www.bradtguides.com Though never the capital, Johannesburg has always been South Africa’s first city and main gateway for international visitors, though existing for the most part as an obstacle to be surmounted en route to seemingly more worthwhile South African destinations.
Since majority rule in 1994 the Johannesburg Development Agency has worked hard to improve large areas of the city’s downtown, as well as undertaking building and infrastructure projects in the township of Soweto.
Over the past year enormous strides have been made towards creating a safe, dynamic city environment, acknowledged in the UK by the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Globe Award for Best Major Tourism Project Worldwide.
At the same time, just outside town, the award for Best Overseas Tourism Project went to the £34 million Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, showcasing early remains of modern man.
Bradt’s pocket-sized city guide packs enough information for business and holiday travellers alike. Johannesburg is described in its historical and cultural context, travel links are detailed and common sense advice is provided on avoiding street crime.
Elsewhere, clear city maps in English and Afrikaans highlight the main attractions, which include excellent museums cataloguing South Africa’s turbulent history, art galleries showcasing local painters, markets selling remarkable cheeses land produce, and Bohemian cafés personifying the ‘Rainbow Nation’.
The author, Lizzie Williams, is a freelance writer who has travelled extensively in Africa, both independently and in her role as overland expedition leader. She has written several guides, including Bradt’s Nigeria, and has previously edited a travel magazine in Zimbabwe.
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