Best Places to View Jacarandas

Its that time of year when Joburg and Pretoria turn purple. There is a saying amongst students that if you haven't started revising for your exams by the time the streets turn purple it's too late. 

The Jacaranda's don’t last all that long, the best time is usually the second or third weekend in October, just after the first rains have come at the start of summer.  

Half Day Trips: 

Rosebank  

Park in Rosebank Mall, and then head out towards Tyrwhitt Avenue, and across Oxford Road into Melrose. Take a stroll around the avenue's before heading back along Jellicoe. Finish up with a drink or meal at the Keys Mile. If you are looking for views, we recommend Marble or Mesh Club (which is open to the public after 4pm), or the Milk Bar for great vibe.  

Picnic In Emmarentia Park 

Park in Emmarentia car park, just off Orange Road, and then stroll up Troon Road, up and over Barry Herzog, and into the beautiful Clovelly Road. You can stroll all around Greenside, before heading back into Emmerentia to pick up your picnic and head into the park. (If you have kids there is a great play area right by the entrance on Olifants Road.  

Take A Heritage Stroll

Drive around the streets in parkview, before parking at the bottom of Westcliff Steps on Crescent Drive or the intersection of Wicklow Avenue and Westcliff Drive. The 210 steps are well worth the climb to take in a view across the whole of Johannesburg.

Westcliff is home to all the old "Randlords", its one of the oldest parts of the city. With its large properties with incredible views. It is also home to two outstanding (and over subscribed) schools; The Ridge (boys) and St Catherine’s (girls). The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation run wonderful guided walks. 

Lunch @ Four Seasons Hotel - Westcliff 

This is a must do at least once during your stay here. You can not beat the views from the terrace at this luxury hotel. But make sure you book, it is incredibly popular at this time of year. You may even want to go for a walk around the zoo in the morning, since its right opposite.  

Pretoria 

Pretoria is usually 3 degrees warmer than Joburg, as a result the Jacarandas bloom a few weeks earlier than they do in Joburg. 

A great viewing spot is the Union Buildings, which you can get to via the Gautrain, take the Hatfield stop and then the H3 bus. 

If driving, head to the Brooklyn Area, and drive along Pienaar Street and Murray Street, amongst others. For the White Jacaranda's drive along Herbert Baker Street, and then up into the Klapperkop Nature Reserve to get an ariel view. 

For more info on 2Summers hunt for the White Jacaranda's Click here to read her post and see more beautiful photos.  

Want to join others to explore the streets? We arrange a meetup every month over in our Around the World Hikers WhatsApp Group. Email me here to get an invite and come join us.

Where to Take your Guests in Joburg

One of the most enjoyable parts about being an expat is having friends and family come over to visit. While living in South Africa might have its frustrations and challenges at times, visitors to South Africa are never disappointed.

While many tourists might head straight to Cape Town or the bush and completely bypass Joburg, having friends come to stay in the city is a wonderful opportunity to show them an African city that is becoming more and more popular with visitors every year.

1. A Drink With a View

Even with the many “koppies” (small hills) in the city, it can be difficult to get a view of the city unless you’re in a tall building.

Make the most of some of the best views in the city by taking your visitors for a sunset drink at Marble in Rosebank, or the balcony of Flames at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Westcliff.

If you’re hungry, and looking for 5-star dining, you can also choose to stay for a meal at either.

If you’re lucky you might catch a summer thunderstorm, or in October, the purple Jacaranda bloom that happens every spring.

2. A Special Treat

The Saxon is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, and is famous for its afternoon tea, and its spa.

Internationally renowned South African chef Luke Dale-Roberts has also set up a restaurant at The Saxon. This is definitely worth visiting if you feel like splurging on a 7-course set menu. 

3. Explore the Cradle of Humankind

Finding out more about prehistory and our early human ancestors is relevant to visitors from any part of the world, so a visit to the Cradle of Humankind is a must if you’re looking for an enlightening and educational experience.

The Cradle is also known for its variety of restaurants and outdoor venues. For upmarket Italian try Casalinga, for contemporary cuisine try Roots at Forum Homini or if you’re looking for something a bit more wholesome try Leafy Greens, a vegan restaurant on the Casalinga property.

4. A Weekend Market

Outdoor weekend markets have become very popular in Joburg, especially since they’re perfect for making the most of the city’s sunny climate, even in winter.

The city’s markets are also a great way to interact with all kinds of different people, as well as get a taste of local food and drinks, and just to have a good time (Joburgers definitely know how to have fun!).

• Saturdays: 
  Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein
  Bryanston Organic Market

• Sundays: 
  Market on Main in Maboneng (go exploring in the Maboneng Precinct afterwards)
  Fourways Farmers Market opposite Monte Casino
  Waterfall Market at Mall of Africa

• Monthly markets are also found in the greater Gauteng area, including:
  Irene Village Market
  Ngwenya Country Market

5. Arts & Culture

Johannesburg is a thriving cultural hub, with several world class galleries and museums. If your guests are here on the first Thursday of a month, take them out to Rosebank, Braamfontein or Maboneng, where all of the art galleries and some stores open late for First Thursdays.

Other well-known art galleries and museums to visit are:

• Apartheid Museum

• Origins Centre (a great complement to a trip to the Cradle of Humankind)

• Constitution Hill

• Keyes Art Mile (Circa and Everard Read Gallery, with Goodman Gallery and David Krut further down the road)

• Lilliesleaf (historical museum in Rivonia)

6. Township Culture

It’s no secret that South Africa’s segregated past is an indelible part of the city, but there’s no better way to engage with than with a visit to Soweto, one of South Africa’s most famous “townships”, or designated residential areas for black people under apartheid.

There are many ways to visit Soweto, which include many different private tour offerings, but you can also go there by yourself and visit some of the following places:

Vilakazi Street: a historical precinct with several restaurants, Mandela House museum and the Hector Pieterson memorial and museum, which commemorates the Soweto Riots that took place on the 16th of June 1976.

Orlando Towers: a repurposed landmark, the well-known Orlando Towers are now a tourist attraction with a bridge swing and a range of other activities on offer.

An easy way to get around Joburg with guests is to take them on a Red Bus tour, which stops at several locations in and around the city centre, as well as the Apartheid Museum, with additional smaller bus trips that take guests to Soweto.

Johannesburg Tours

People often ask me if I feel safe to walk around and explore Johannesburg. Like any city there are no go area's. or places I would only go through with a local, or as part of a group. But there are lots of places that you just have to be aware (rather than paranoid). Plan your trip, know where you are going, where to park, and leave your Rolex at home.  

Here are my top experiences, the majority are individually or community run, with the larger more established tours at the end. 

1. Day Tour With Thami 

Thami provides the BEST tour in the whole of South Africa! Every guest who comes to stay with us, has to go out with him, at least for half a day. We have sent global CEO's, and my in laws out with him. Thami has grown up in Soweto, he know everyone and everything. There isn't anything he can't show you or explain to you. Thami will personalise your tour, and give you a day you will always remember! He really is outstanding. All the profits he makes go directly back into the people of Soweto. 

2. Micro Adventures Tour Guide 

https://www.facebook.com/KWTMicroadventurer/

Great variety of adventures to go on, from running up the stairs at Ponte Tower, to exploring Joburg's Heritage. Each event always has a great mix of people who create a welcoming environment. But be warned their adventures sell out quickly, so if you see something you would like to do, make sure you book it! 

3. Johannesburg Heritage Foundation

https://www.facebook.com/groups/112707830122/

My good friend Heather Mason from 2Summers told me about these guys, and wow what a great find! They provide a vast amount of knowledge and history delivered in a variety of formats, from bus trips to neighbourhood walking tours. They always run a special offer on tours throughout September to celebrate Heritage Day.  

4. Joburg Photowalkers & InstaWalks 

For those who want to explore off the beaten path, join the Photo walkers facebook group, or keep a look out for the next Instawalk. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/710081799017014/

5. Dlala Nje - Hillbrow 

Most Joburger's consider Hillbrow a no-go area. Thankfully Micro Adventures and Dlala Nje are changing that, by encouraging people to return, by running Hillbrow and Ponte tours and have also just opened a bar and yoga classes inside Ponte Tower.  Dlala Nje operate a youth club based out off Ponte, all proceeds from their tours go directly to the running costs.. 

6. City Skate Tours

https://www.facebook.com/cityskatetours/

The tour lasts three hours and skateboards are provided (tours are for persons aged over 18 only). The first hour is usually spent teaching you how to skate, before heading into town to tell you more about the history, and point out some up and coming urban developments, graffiti and street sculptures.   To book contact Mnyandu on +27 79 839 8833, email cityskatetours@gmail.com. Tours from R300 per person (including skateboard rental). Tours on Sat, Sun, start at 10:00 and 14:00.

7. New In Town Orientation Tour

Have you just moved to Joburg? There is no need to do this all on your own. We can pick you up and show you around for the day! Introduce you to people within your area, take you to the local yoga studio, shops, schools, parks, and generally help you get your weekly routine set up. We are all expats so understand whats its like, let us take you shopping and introduce you to all our favourite South African brands! Contact us to learn more.

General Tours - You Need To Do At Least Once

Red Bus Tour

Lebo's Bicycle Tour - Soweto

Past Experiences

Joburg Places  

Have a specific question? I like to hang out over on Instagram, and often have a story or two to show you around Joburg. Come PM any questions or concerns you have over at: https://www.instagram.com/expatcollection