Discovering Johannesburg

Johannesburg (Zulu: eGoli = "City of Gold", called "Joburg" or "Jozi" by locals) is with over 5.6 million inhabitants (metro area: 10+ million) the largest city in South Africa. It was founded in 1886 after the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand and grew from a tent camp to a metropolis in record time.

Joburg has no beach, no Table Mountain, and no Cape—and that's exactly what deters most tourists. A mistake. What Johannesburg offers is unvarnished reality: the history of apartheid, the energy of the townships, an exploding art and culinary scene, and the cradle of humankind at the city's doorstep.

Johannesburg is not "beautiful" in the classical sense—it's fascinating. Plan 2–3 days, preferably with a local guide.