Africa's Secrets group posting on GLOBOsapiens

To Johannesburg with an open mind

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gardkarlsen Joined: Dec 02 Points: 2833 Posts: 55 Posted: 2004-11-17 16:21:00    Hi I live in Norway and I'm married to a South African girl. We are going to her family for Christmas this year and we are looking forward to that of course. I have been to Joburg before but I have been a bit negative about the city because it seems a bit..well...scary compared to what I'm used to in Norway. But I'm going back there with an open mind and I will give the city a new chance. I hope that I can come back with a trip report that will show the rest of the world that Joburg and South Africa has a lot to offer. We are going to a safari in the Kruger park, we hope to check out Gold Reef City again, I hope to take a tour in Soweto, hope to check out the Apartheid Museum etc. But I'm also open for suggestions....what should we not miss while we stay in Joburg? Are there any resturants that we can't miss etc. Hope to get some feedback Regards Gard http://gardkarlsen.com --- Regards Gard http://gardkarlsen.c-om - trip reports and pictures Reply    Reply with quote    Contact gardkarlsen   mortimer Premium account Joined: Jun 04 Points: 15075 Posts: 528 Posted: 2004-11-17 16:35:00    Hi Gard There are some members that are regular South Africa Visitors, you could try to contact them directly: Bineba, Rangutan, Manievictor, Nedkelly ... Try a search about South Africa here on GLOBOsapiens. I just had a change of airplanes in Joburg when going to Botswana. You might consider doing a trip up north to Victoria Falls and Chobe and perhaps even Moremi. Victoria Falls are worth a visit but only for an overnight. Unless you want to go Bungi jumping, River Rafting, Microlight flying.... Martin --- Today is the first day of the rest of your life, enjoy it! Reply    Reply with quote    Contact mortimer   travelbutlers Premium account Joined: Jul 04 Points: 151 Posts: 2 Posted: 2004-12-14 14:47:00    Hi Gard, It is good to hear of people going to Joburg with an open mind! I would certainly recommend Gold Reef City and the Apartheid Museum, both of which can be combined on the same day, and although you may find some of the locals a little surprised at the number of overseas visitors who choose to visit Soweto, this is in my view one of the most moving and fascinating trips on offer from Joburg. One thing that I would definitely not recommend is the zoo, which is rather disappointing. Further field you can visit Sun City and the Pilanesburg National Park, but although these are both only a couple of hours from Joburg I would suggest at least a 1 night stay. You can see more about these and Joburg's other attractions online at: http://www.travelbutlers.com/south-africa/johannesburg/ If you are looking to do a bit more background research before your safari, again you can read more online at: http://www.travelbutlers.com/south-africa/kruger/ I am sure you will have a great time: South Africans are wonderful hosts; there is a lot to see in and around Joburg; and Kruger offers one of the world's great wildlife experiences! Enjoy your trip! --- Paul Travel Butlers Reply    Reply with quote    Contact travelbutlers   rangutan Premium account Joined: Aug 04 Points: 34752 Posts: 1044 Posted: 2004-12-15 01:11:00    Thanks Paul for usefull links. Its nice to see updates on the situation there, I have not been there since 1999 but sure will sometime again. Gard is lucky and can be relaxed being in the company of family and friends there, that is most important. "Dont travel alone" applies to so many countries these days and, like you recommend, guided or organised trips/tours are a wise choice in Africa. Your tips at www.travelbutlers.com/south-africa/johannesburg/crime.asp is essential information for visitors, apply also to travelling generally, ie. no fancy clothes, jewelrey, gadgets... try not to look like a tourist! Keeping to basic rules will ensure a pleasurable holiday. --- Rudolf "Rangutan" Graspointner Reply    Reply with quote    Contact rangutan   unarmed Joined: Dec 04 Points: 70 Posts: 1 Posted: 2004-12-22 23:47:00    If not a big problem, related to my post, would you mind try and trace my friend from Bosnia, named Studenka Katana, who left for Johanessburgh in 1992 ... She's originally from place called Bijeljina, in Bosnia and Herzegovina Never heard of hear after 1999 --- Vanja-Marija Reply    Reply with quote    Contact unarmed   klip Joined: Jul 06 Points: 122 Posts: 2 Posted: 2006-07-11 14:35:00    Hi Gard, I live in Jo'burg. There is a restourant I love to eat at. SOI - it's in Melville, Jhb. 7th street. It's Thai and not expensive either. Their no is 011 726-5775. Hope you enjoy SA. Regds, Klip --- Klip Reply    Reply with quote    Contact klip