History:
Nomadic Bushmen inhabited the area around 100 000 years ago. Around 1060 AD the Bantu people migrated into the area. Europeans later arrived and started farming in the area know as the Witwatersrand. 1886 saw the first major settlement of Johannesburg, with fortune seekers from all over the world descending on the area to find their share of the gold.
In three years of rapid growth, from a tent town to iron shacks, the settlement became the biggest in South Africa. Partnerships, coalitions and later the mining corporations took control of the mining operations. These corporations were predominantly English speaking; this in itself caused friction with the Boer (Afrikaans) government.
With British colonial aspirations this led to the Anglo Boer War of 1899. By its end, 1901, the British were in control of the Transvaal (this included Johannesburg) and the Orange Free State.
In the early 1900, blacks were forcibly removed from the city centre by the British colonial government. This was the start of racial segregation, and with 70 000 black mine workers living in substandard conditions, leading to the strike in 1920. With further agitation from the white miners, a general strike resulted in 1922 - the Rand Revolt, with over 200 people losing their lives.
During the Second World War, with many white workers in the military, a greater influx of blacks resulted. The black population in the area doubled, leading to overcrowding in the black shanty town. This was one of the catalysts in the formation of many of the Black Nationalist movements with roots being put down in these squatter camps.
Government instituted a policy of forced removals from all cities leaving the cities "white". This was also applied to Johannesburg where most of the black population was moved to the South Western Township - Soweto - with their movements controlled by strict enforcement of the pass laws, allowing the holder into the city for work only. Failure to produce this pass or being in an area where you were not allowed meant instant arrest and in most cases a stay at the "fort".
Johannesburg went through turbulent times up to the scrapping of apartheid in 1990 when international sanctions combined with black militancy led to the collapse of the regime and the democratic elections of 1994. Milestones on this road were the month long Soweto student protests of 1976 and the ongoing violence in Johannesburg's black townships including the massive protests of 1984
Johannesburg Today:
Built on the profits of gold - on the richest reef in the world, celebrated it's centenary in 1996 It is the most densely populated and urbanized city of South Africa and is one of the 40 largest metropolitan's in the world. With over 7 million citizens, Johannesburg is a lively metropolis offering a wide spectrum of culture, including European, African and Asian. Almost half of the 7 million live in Soweto and Diepsloot.
Johannesburg is the financial hub of South Africa, an Economic powerhouse producing 20% of South Africa's gross domestic product. This is over 40% of Gauteng's gross domestic product. The large metropolitan area is one of the largest in the world, built on neither an ocean nor major river.
Banking, mining and investment institutions and most South African companies have their head office in Johannesburg, or at least would have a branch in the city or surrounding areas. The city boasts over three million households. Johannesburg is now completely multiracial; however Soweto's residents are over 99% black.
Johannesburg's economical drive has moved away from gold; however the mining industry has etched its mark on the landscape. The numerous yellow man made hills scattered around Johannesburg, will have an impact on the appearance of the urban landscape for decades to come. The mine dumps are a reminder of our heritage and are viewed as a monument to our gold mining past. The dumps are being removed, as small amounts of gold, about a third of a gram to every ton of sand can be recoved. Once removed the site is made available as prime real estate.
Mine dumps/slag dumps. Part of the Johannesburg skyline for many decades and an integral part of the cities heritage. The many dumps, over 200, are currently being re-processed to recover minute amounts of gold.
Safety in Johannesburg:
Safety is a concern in Johannesburg; however the city's reputation as being the crime capital South Africa is incorrect. At end of the apartheid era, crime did rise dramatically, with the worst hit areas being in and around the central business district. With the installation of over 200 video cameras in this area, covering most streets and with a good police response time, the inner city crime rate has dropped considerably and is continuing to improve. As in most major cities, it is advisable to take sensible precautions with some extra care. Certain areas do carry a higher risk so stay alert, keep car windows up with doors locked and do not leave valuable on the seats or in sight.
The Tour:
View and experience the vibe of the Rainbow Nation in Johannesburg.
A view across the Johannesburg central business district and Hillbrow with their stark contrast and living conditions
The up-market suburb of Houghton and the forest like area of Rosebank.
The 360 panoramic view of the city from the "top of Africa" - the 50th floor of the downtown Carlton Centre
Newtown and its inner city revival with a drive across the Nelson Mandela Bridge
And a view of the early 1900 Johannesburg train station.
Historical area of Sophia town/Triomf and on to Mayfair, Brixton with the Brixton communication tower
Downtown drive including historical buildings and the Supreme Court, Stock Exchange and De Beers
Visit the Emmarentia Gardens
Stroll through the Faraday herbal market
Mary Fitzgerald square.
Mine workers museum.
SAB World of Beer
The Walking Tour:
Currently working on a walking tour of parts of Johannesburg. Available soon
Museums:
Museum Africa is a cultural history museum located in Newtown, Johannesburg. It houses an impressive collection of items covering Johannesburg's economic and social history, which tell the story of South Africa. There is also a display covering the 1956 treason trail of Nelson Mandela.
SAB World of Beer tells the story of the South African beer industry and the history of the largest brewer SAB.
AECI Dynamite Factory Museum: the history of explosives, with particular emphasis on their design and use in the South African mining industry. Housed in an original mining officials house, built in 1895.
Adler Museum of Medicine: illustrates the history of medicine with a focus on South Africa's medical past and our achievements.
James Hall Transport Museum: From ox-carts to the model T Ford, bicycles, motorbikes, tractors, fire engines and even buses and trams. Not only is this the largest collection of land transport in Southern Africa, it is also the most comprehensive.
South African National Museum of Military History: South Africa's only military museum covering all of our past military conflicts. Not only conflicts on home soil, but also where South Africa has been involved (First and Second World War). Large selection of planes including the Spitfire, Mosquito Bomber, the Messerschmitt Me262 and more modern aircraft from South Africa's own Airforce. Also armoured vehicles, tanks, guns and naval hardware. The collection of over 44 000 items covers over a 100 years of South Africa's military history including the Anglo-Zulu war, Anglo-Boer war and the resistance movements in South Africa. An extensive archive of photographs, journals and books. Uniforms, medals and if it relates to the military, the chances are you will see it here.
The Johannesburg area itself is rich in history and offers a wonderful array of world-class attractions. Johannesburg is a city with surroundings that give rise to many traditional restaurants, markets and cultural villages. Our Tour packages cover these and many more.
Our tours are specifically designed to offer choice and flexibility. Combining tours as you require to suit your personal preferences and available time.
Perfect tour options to include with the Johannesburg Tour to create a full day tour:
Soweto or Apartheid Museum or Constitution Hill or Lion Park or Rhino and Lion Reserve
For Tour details or bookings - please Contact us
Soweto Tour - Johannesburg Tour - Apartheid Museum - Constitution Hill - Gold Reef City - Lion Park
De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary - Elephant Sanctuary interaction - Pretoria Tour - Pilanesberg National Park
Sun City and the Lost City - Cullinan Diamond Mine - Rhino and Lion Park - The Origins Centre
Adventure Sports - Nile Crocodile Farm - The Lesedi Cultural Village - Cradle of Humankind
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