Travel: Johannesburg, South Africa
Written by Babs Odunlami
Photography by Babs Odunlami
As the saying goes, “be boundless and infinite”...It suffices to say my spontaneity knows no bounds as I found myself in South African by chance. Few alcoholic beverages over a random winter chin-wag about visiting somewhere warm saw us booking tickets in January and by March, myself and a childhood friend boarded an airbus headed to Johannesburg.
Landing at O.R Tambo International Airport, the soul of the city was almost palpable…"vibrant, colourful and filled with spirited people with infectious smiles”. Add to that a circa 30 minutes taxi drive to our apartment at 20 West Capital Hotels & Apartments in upmarket suburb of Sandton City in the company of arguably the most engaging taxi driver I’ve met in recent time, my interest was piqued.
My eyes lit up and darted from left to right as I took in beautiful sceneries of a city that has dragged itself from obscurity and upheaval to becoming a hallmark of african tourism and culture.
Having read plethora of literature on icons of South Africa, visiting historic sites like the Hector Pietersen Museum and Mandela House in Soweto really brought it home for me as I got to walk the same paths these legends trailed if only for a moment in time.
My time in Jossey as the locals call it was packed with activities as there’s a myriad of things to engage any adventure seeking soul from safari parks to extreme sports for adrenaline junkies.
It's normal to have preconceptions but I was taken aback by how modern and technologically advanced Johannesburg is as a city. Contrary to general belief, Infrastructure and amenities are arguably second to none.
Warm and highly hospitable people, buzzing nightlife, an array of mouthwatering cuisines and awe inspiring tourist attractions altogether made for a remarkable experience. One that will last in my memory for a while yet.
Recommendations
Accommodation
20 west Capital Hotels & Apartments, Sandton
Shopping
Food
Tourism
Hector Pietersen Museum, Mandela House, Cradle of Humankind, Lion Park and Safari, Kruga National Park, Sun City, Orlando towers