Travelbuddieslifestyle at Hennops Hiking trail
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Travelbuddieslifestyle at Hennops Hiking traili

Johannesburg, Joburg, Jozi, or Egoli (meaning place of gold) as it is often referred to, once produced forty percent of the world’s gold. It is the capital of the Gauteng province and the biggest city in South Africa. Since I was born and raised in Johannesburg, I often get inquiries about where to go and what to see on a short city visit to Johannesburg.

Johannesburg is not a popular holiday destination like Cape Town or Kwa-Zulu Natal. Most travelers make a short visit to Johannesburg while in transit or doing business.

Here are my recommendations for a two-to-three-day short visit to Johannesburg.

Here are my top 5 suggestions for a short city break in Johannesburg:

Moncasino Bird Park, Fourways

Travelbuddieslifestyle in Johannesburg

The Montecasino bird park and wildlife park in Fourways, Johannesburg is the only bird park of its kind in Africa. Visitors can stroll along elevated wooden walkways to explore walk-through aviaries with over 60 species of colourful birds including some rather rare and unique species of reptiles, and small mammals.

It is not only a great outing for bird enthusiasts but also for keen gardeners, like me, who enjoy getting inspiration from beautifully maintained gardens. The park hosts the largest and most unique collection of Cycads in the world with more than 750 plants from 37 different species.

During my visit in October 2021, I was filled with wonder watching the Eastern White Pelicans getting ready for breeding. You can view this incredible footage on our @travelbuddies_lifestyle Instagram page.   

Travelbuddieslifestyle at the Montecasino Bird Park

Lion and Safari Park, Hartebeespoort

The lion and safari park near Hartebeespoort is usually the first experience of Africa I enjoy giving to my international guests. The park offers visitors a self-drive experience through 1000 hectares of unspoiled terrain with lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and other wildlife several antelope such as Giraffes, Zebra, Springbok, and Impalas.

In addition, the park also offers photographic tours, guided bush walks, interactions with Lion cubs, a Giraffe feeding, or even a big cat interaction. Over weekends, adventure seekers can enjoy the reserve’s mountain bike trails, ranging from an easy 8 km ride to a more challenging 20 km ride.

There are no entrance fees, and visitors only pay for their selected activities.

For more information about their rates, please click here. The park has a restaurant that serves light meals and a super gift shop stocked with locally sourced African arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.

Travelbuddieslifestyle at Lion Park
Bernie spielt mit den Jungen
Travelbuddieslifestyle at Lion Park
Giraffen Momente

44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark

Travelbuddies at 44 Stanley

I have featured 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark (Braamfontein Werf), previously on our Instagram page.  It is the perfect place to introduce international visitors to downtown Johannesburg. For me, 44 Stanley is the Joburg version of Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town, but on a much smaller scale. Just like Old Biscuit Mill, this former 1930s industrial complex was transformed into a trendy creative space with art galleries, fashion designers, and independent boutiques.

There are many restaurants to enjoy a great meal, such as Bean there coffee companyChocoloza, Even After All, Forest Gelato, La Pergola, Peachy, The Bioscope, and Salvation Café (my favourite)

Travelbuddies and 44 Stanley
Außen-Sitzbereich
Travelbuddies at 44 Stanley
Restaurants

4th Avenue Parkhust

4th Avenue Parkhurst Modena Restaurant

4th Avenue Parkhurst offers world-class open-air dining experiences with some of the finest restaurants, designer shops, and independent boutiques in Johannesburg. 

Kolonaki Greek Kouzina, Hudsons Burger Joint, Liban Café, Nice of 4th, and The Fat Zebra, are just some excellent restaurants on the street.  However, our first choice is Modena. If you want to enjoy authentic Italian food, in a warm and inviting atmosphere, this is the place for you!

Hennops Hiking Trails

I am not a keen hiker, but I do enjoy being in the outdoors and experiencing the beautiful unspoiled nature. Therefore, Hennops hiking trails are on my list of suggested things to do in Johannesburg. The trail consists of three easy and fun sub-trails namely Dassie, Zebra, and Krokodilberg trail. The shortest route is Dassie, 2km, and the longest is Krokodilberg, 10 km. The trail has two unique features that I love, the suspension bridge and the cable car.

Where to stay in Johannesburg

We highly recommend the following hotels when staying in Johannesburg because they are located in a safe area and near the best attractions:

Conclusion

Contrary to the sky-scraper images people have of Johannesburg, it is a nature city due to its 17 nature reserves, 63 hectares of bird sanctuaries, and 1000 hectares of green space.

Interestingly, the city’s abundance of trees (approximately 10 million) owned it the title of the largest manufactured forest in the world.

We have year-round sunshine, daily clear blue skies, and mild Winters. Why not visit Johannesburg today and be mighty surprised?

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About the Author

As a freelance travel journalist and seasoned business professional, Bernie van der Linde has made it her mission to explore the world's most unique and luxurious destinations. With a PhD in business studies from the University of South Africa, Bernie has channeled her passion for travel, web design, and writing into founding the travel blog Travel Buddies Lifestyle. Here, she shares her adventures alongside her best friend and travel business partner, Petra, who seamlessly translate and compile articles relevant to their German and European audience.

Bernie's love for exploring new places has taken her to some of the world's most exotic locations. Whether gazing out at the glittering skyline of Dubai or enjoying the tranquillity of a private beach in Mauritius, Bernie is always looking for unique experiences that will inspire and entice her readers to travel.

Through her thoughtful writing and unparalleled passion for travel, Bernie van der Linde has made a name for herself in the world of travel writing. Her knack for uncovering hidden gems and sharing her experiences with her readers has made her a trusted source of inspiration for those looking to explore the world in style.

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