Johannesburg is a sprawling metropolis that encompasses a historic city centre, world-class commercial districts, colourful townships and upmarket residential areas. It’s the financial and industrial capital of the country and was established during one of the world’s biggest and richest gold rushes, earning it the name Egoli meaning ‘place of gold’.
The ideal starting point for holidays and tours in South Africa, this accommodating city is the gateway to the rest of the country, with most international flights touching down at Johannesburg’s International O.R. Tambo Airport. The upmarket residential and commercial centre of Sandton with its designer malls and boutiques is only 30 minutes away from the airport, as is the bustling township of Soweto, the largest in the country, composed of 26 individual townships with living accommodation ranging from shacks, or informal settlements, to mansions.
