Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a city literally built on gold. Established in 1886 when gold was struck, the city has been rebuilt four times in the past century.

Today, Johannesburg is a lively, affluent and cosmopolitan city, offering the visitor a tempting array of superb restaurants, elegant designer boutiques and bustling world-class shopping centres. Johannesburg also encompasses golf courses, botanical gardens and well-manicured parks dotted amongst its modern amenities.

With easy connections to the Blue Train and Rovos Rail, the city is the gateway to the whole of southern Africa.

Events calendar

Encounters

Jun 2009 (annual), Johannesburg

Encounters is the annual South African International Documentary Film Festival, featuring screenings, panel discussions and workshops for aspiring film-makers. The event visits Johannesburg before moving on to Cape Town (3-13 July). more »

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival

Aug 2009 (annual), Johannesburg

The biggest annual jazz festival in Johannesburg, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival presents local and international stars at venues all over town, including Bassline and The Laboratory. more »

Gardenex

27 - 29 Mar 2009 (annual), Coca-Cola Dome

The largest and most popular floriculture exhibition in South Africa, Gardenex returns to Johannesburg's Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate. A packed programme and hundreds of exhibits attract 20,000 garden enthusiasts and professional horticulturalists alike. more »

See more events »

	The Westcliff Hotel
	A Tuscan-style luxury hillside retreat with magnificent views across Johannesburg. Most rooms have private balconies. more »

	La Belle Terrace Restaurant
	Now the destination restaurant for Johannesburg's executive and social set. The alfresco 'terrace' offers a superb dining experience. more »

	Jacaranda Hill Conf Centre
	This fully-equipped business facility offers highly trained personnel and innovative IT Butlers dedicated to fulfilling every need. more »

	Weddings
	With the addition of the magnificent Jacaranda Hill, The Westcliff has become one of the most desirable special event venues in Johannesburg. more »

	Botanica Spa Suites
	Tucked away amidst the cascading gardens and tinking fountains of this hillside village are the relaxing Botanica Spa Suites. more »

Orient Express Luxury TravelOjnb Map Johannesburg

Language: Afrikaans, English

Currency: Rand

Climate: A very pleasant, Californian-style climate with clear skies, warm temperatures and light rainfall. Early summer (September–October) and autumn (March–April) offer the best weather for a visit.

Culture: Johannesburg is one of the youngest major cities in the world and a mélange of African cultures. As South Africa's largest city and economic hub it is home to 3,2 million people, including the residents of Soweto.

Places to visit: the Kruger National Park, the Gold Reef City, Soweto, Sterkfontein Caves, the Apartheid Museum.

	Tailormade Safaris with Orient-Express

	Luxury For Less in Cape Town

	Special Occasions at The Westcliff, Johannesburg