The capital of South Africa's smallest province, Gauteng, Johannesburg is the economic powerhouse of Africa with its ever-growing suburban sprawl creeping outwards from the central city skyscrapers and ring-road motorways.

The more than 10-million inhabitants live fast and have a restless spirit, which they have imparted into the fabric of the city, also known by its African name as Egoli, 'the place of gold'. The development of the city, which is just over a century old, has followed the fortunes of the Witwatersrand (White Water Reef), the rich gold-bearing rock reef that stretches across this area of central South Africa. The initial gold rush started in the 1880s, and barely ten years later Johannesburg had become South Africa's largest town and the site of frenzied development that has been ongoing ever since.

Johannesburg today is a city of contrasts, with glass-paned modern luxury high-rise buildings towering beside a few remaining dilapidated Victorian buildings, and affluent northern suburbs filled with stunning private homes giving way to the squalid streets and tiny shoebox houses of the massive Soweto township in the south. The chasm between rich and poor in the city has given rise to a high crime rate, evidenced by the fortress-like security that pervades the wealthier suburbs.

Most visitors to South Africa, particularly those intent on exploring the game reserves of Mpumalanga, arrive at Johannesburg's busy International Airport, which is the main point of entry for the country. There is little in Johannesburg itself to grab the attention of tourists, but a few days can be filled taking in some entertaining man-made attractions before heading off to the game parks of the northeast or the coastal regions. The most interesting diversion in Johannesburg is undoubtedly a 'Heritage Route' or 'Shebeen Crawl' tour of Soweto, but take care only to venture into the maze of the township with an organised tour or professional guide.

Kruger National Park

Address: Johannesburg

Admission: R132 (foreign adult), R66 (foreign child under 12) per day; R33 per day for South African residents Park gates: daily 5.30am to 6.30pm (January, February, November and December), 6am to 5.30/6pm (March to October). Camp gates open 4.30am (January), 5.30am (February, March and October to December), 6am (April to September); closing times same as park gates

Telephone: 013 735 4000

The Kruger National Park is South Africa's oldest, largest and best-known wildlife conservation area, home to a huge variety of wildlife and most famous for its 'Big Five' viewing opportunities. Visitors have an excellent chance of seeing lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino among the enormous variety of wildlife, including over 140 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Situated on South Africa's north eastern border, Kruger is a primary destination for international tourists, and is visited by more than half a million local and international people every year who are attracted by the different safari options as well as the park's excellent range of visitor facilities and choice of accommodation, from luxurious game lodges to cottages and camping.

Gold Reef City

Address: Johannesburg

Admission: Weekdays: R80, which includes minor rides, and all shows and entertainment; access to major rides costs an additional R30. Weekends and holidays: R110 inclusive of all rides and entertainment. Concessions and family tickets available Theme park: Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am to 5pm; open daily during Gauteng school holidays; closed on Christmas day

Telephone: 011 248 6800

This entertainment complex is essentially a theme park full of thrill rides, but was designed to be a re-creation of Victorian Johannesburg during the gold-rush era. The park, four miles (6km) south of the city centre via the M1 motorway, was built around the No.14 Crown mineshaft that began operations in 1887 and closed in 1975. During its production years 1,400 tons of gold came out of the shaft. Visitors can now descend into the old mine shaft to experience life at the rock face, and watch gold being poured and minted. Gold Reef City also houses a number of museums, and offers performances by traditional gumboot dancers. Youngsters particularly enjoy the rides like the Anaconda roller coaster and Thunder Mountain River Rapids. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, a massive casino, and a Victorian hotel for those wanting to stay the night.

Newtown Cultural Precinct

Address: Johannesburg

Admission: Museum: R7 (adults), R2 (children) Museum Africa open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm

This complex of buildings in the city centre has been upgraded and restored as part of the city fathers' urban renewal policy and provides several attractions. The Market Theatre and Museum Africa, for instance are housed in a Victorian building in Bree Street that was originally Johannesburg's fresh produce market. The Museum of Africa is particularly worth a visit with its exhibits that tell the story of the city from its beginnings to the present day, including an interesting section about the Treason Trial of the 1950s in which Nelson Mandela and other activists were accused of plotting against the state. The same building houses a photography museum and the Museum of South African Rock Art. At its eastern end is the Market Theatre, famed for being the venue for many protest theatre productions in the Apartheid era. Also in the area, in President Street, is the South African Breweries Centre, which offers a tour detailing brewing history through some reconstructed gold-rush pubs and shebeens (township bars). Along Jeppe Street is the Oriental Plaza, the commercial centre for the Indian community.

Johannesburg Zoo

Address: Jan Smuts Avenue, main public entrance on Upper Park Drive, Parkview Johannesburg

Admission: R36 (adults), R21 (children 3-12); other concessions available Zoo open daily 8.30am to 5.30pm

Telephone: 011 646 2000

The Johannesburg Zoo is a favourite place for locals to take a stroll among the numerous enclosures that house more than 3,000 species of animal, including polar bears that can be viewed underwater in their pool. Of course the Big Five are all in residence too. A tractor-tram does circuits of the zoo for those who don't fancy walking. On the eastern edge of the zoo is the Museum of Military History, which has some interesting exhibits like tanks, fighter aircraft and submarines.

Sterkfontein Caves

Address: Kromdraai Road, seven miles (12km) north of Krugersdorp Johannesburg

Admission: R75 (adults), R45 (children) Daily 9am to 5pm; tours run every 30 minutes until 4pm

Telephone: 011 956 6342

The ancient dolomite caves with an underground lake, situated a few miles north of Johannesburg, form part of what archaeologists call the 'Cradle of Humankind'. Sterkfontein is recognised as one of the world's most important palaeontological sites, having yielded fossil deposits dating from up to three and a half million years ago, spanning the development of hominids. Among the most famous finds are the 'Taung child', 'Little Foot' and 'Mrs Ples'. Because the cave environment is fragile, visitors are not allowed into certain areas, particularly those that scientists are working on. There are however guided tours of one of the sections, which include the massive Hall of Elephants. A visitor centre includes the Hominid exhibition, conference facilities and a restaurant.

Pretoria

Address: Johannesburg

Only half an hour's drive beyond Johannesburg's northern suburbs lies South Africa's administrative and diplomatic capital city, Pretoria, founded by the pioneering Afrikaans Voortrekkers who built the city as the capital of their Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek in the mid-19th century. Pretoria is an attractive, green city, with purple-hued Jacaranda trees lining its streets that are presided over by the Union Buildings, designed by Sir Herbert Baker. They perch like an acropolis on a hilltop and house the offices of the President and senior government officials. There are numerous other historic buildings too, including the Voortrekker Monument, a memorial commemorating the pioneers' penetration of the interior. Pretoria is also home to South Africa's National Zoological Gardens, which is one of the world's finest zoos.

Hartbeespoort Dam

Address: Johannesburg

Telephone: 012 253 1567

North of Johannesburg lies one of South Africa's oldest dams, built in 1923, which provides a favourite day trip for city dwellers set against the Magaliesberg mountain range. A scenic road encircles the dam, culminating in a tunnel just before it reaches the dam wall and the Hartbeespoort village. The village offers a small zoo and snake park, cableway, bird park, aquarium and several restaurants and curio shops.

Warmbaths

Address: Johannesburg

On the national road north towards Zimbabwe is the flat area known as the Springbok Flats, part of the Great Rift Valley. About 80 miles (125km) north of Johannesburg on the edge of the Flats lies the town of Warmbaths, named for the hot mineral springs that rise to the surface there. The spring yields about 20,000 litres of water, enriched with sodium chloride, calcium carbonate and other minerals every hour. The town has now become a popular spa and holiday resort, considered to be one of the most modern of its kind in the world. It has a large indoor pool with underwater jets, outdoor hot and cold swimming pools, wave pools, and water slides.

Palace of the Lost City

Address: Johannesburg

Telephone: 014 557 1000

Situated in the Bojanala region of the North West Province, the 'Las Vegas' of South Africa is one of the largest adult entertainment centres in the world, with casinos, golf, live shows, and the architectural wonder of the Lost City. The vast resort complex is one of South Africa's top attractions for gambling, entertainment and opulence, a luxury theme park for adults that was the multi-million dollar dreamchild of South African entrepreneur, Sol Kerzner. The Lost City, with its African theme of life-size animals, has at its centre a luxurious 'palace' decorated with mosaics, frescoes, palm fronds and elephant tusks. Surrounding it are lakes, forests and a tropical beach. There are a variety of watersports and The Valley of the Waves, the most advanced waterpark in the country, has among other things a wave machine capable of generating almost seven-foot (2m) waves. The resort complex also borders on the Pilanesberg National Park, home to the 'Big Five' and a popular game-viewing destination.

SAB World of Beer

Address: Corner of President and Miriam Makeba Roads, Newtown Johannesburg

Admission: R25 pp Tuesdays – Saturdays. From 10am, last tour at 5pm.

SABMiller started in South Africa and has expanded to become one of the world's largest brewers of beer. The World of Beer offers a fun short tour, which summarises the history of the company, beer in general and details the brewing process. Afterwards visitors can enjoy a draught or two on the house in the resident pub.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Address: end of Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort Johannesburg

Admission: R20 for adults, concessions available. Daily, 8am to 6pm, no entry after 5pm

Not known for being an especially green city, this oasis in the west side of Johannesburg covers 741 acres (300ha), offering lush gardens and scenic hiking trails. The gardens are a terrific place for bird watching (over 200 species) and garden-enthusiasts interested in seeing a variety of flora and fauna (over 600 species). After a walk or hike, it is common practice to enjoy a picnic on the lawns at the foot of the breathtaking Witpoortjie waterfall.

Melville

Address: West of the city centre Johannesburg

This trendy suburb is a hive of activity on any given night of the week; it is the place to go out and carouse. Anything from hip and upmarket to just plain odd coffee shops, bars and dance venues throng the streets. Partygoers barhop on foot well into the small hours.

The Apartheid Museum

Address: Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg Johannesburg

Admission: R30 Adults, concessions available Tuesday to Sundays, 10am to 5pm

South Africa's history of black oppression is chronicled in this building, situated near Gold Reef City. Relics of the Apartheid system, which banned non-whites from certain areas and from receiving an education, as well as forbidding interracial relationships, can be found here, right down to a bench marked for 'Whites Only'. Visitors often describe the experience of the Apartheid Museum as 'heart wrenching', but at the same time find the story of the struggle over adversity inspirational.

Constitution Hill

Address: Constitutional Court, Johannesburg Johannesburg

Admission: Guided tours adults: R22. Concessions available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm (last tour at 4pm); Saturday 10am – 3pm. Closed Sunday

Telephone: 011 381 3100

A guided tour of the National Heritage Site of Constitution Hill takes visitors on a journey through South Africa's turbulent past, but also illustrates its incredible transition into democracy. Visitors are guided through the Old Fort Prison Complex where the peeling walls and rusty barred cells have many a story to tell of South Africa's past 100 years; from British soldiers in the Anglo Boer War and rebellious youths caught in the Soweto uprising to Nelson Mandela, Joe Slovo and infamous murderess Daisy de Melker. The tour concludes with a look at South Africa's Constitutional Court, the keeper of the basic rights and freedom that those imprisoned here had struggled to win.

Hector Pieterson Memorial Site and Museum

Address: Hector Pieterson Sq., corner of Khumalo and Pela Sts., Orlando West, Soweto Johannesburg

Admission: Adults: R15, students: R5 Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4:30pm

Telephone: (011) 536 0611

Hector Pieterson became the iconic image of the 1976 Soweto uprising during apartheid South Africa, when a news photograph of the dying Hector being carried by a fellow student was published across the globe. He was just 12 years old when the police, unprovoked, opened fire on school children who had gathered to protest the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in township schools. The museum fuses memorabilia with modern technology and cultural history and is located two blocks away from where Hector was killed. In 2007 Hector's sister Antoinette, who is seen in the famous photograph holding her hands held out in panic, was working at the museum as a tour guide and today 16 June is a public holiday named National Youth Day to honour young people.

Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng Visitor Centre

Address: Johannesburg

Admission: R85. Combination ticket (Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves) R130. Concession available. Daily from 9am to 5pm

Telephone: 011 956 6342 (Sterkfontein Cave); 011 957 0106 (Wonder Cave)

The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains a complex of dolimitic limestone caves, including the Sterkfontein Caves, where the fossil, Australopithecus africanus (nicknamed Mrs. Ples) was found in 1947 by Dr Robert Broom and John Robinson. 'Mrs Ples' is estimated to be between 2.6 and 2.8 million years old and ranks high on the long list of australopithecine discoveries for which Sterkfontein is now famous. At present only the Sterkfontein Caves and the Wonder Cave are open to the public. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is a stirring, world-class exhibition space, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors and evolution over the past few million years.

Sun City

Address: Pilanesberg, in the North West Province (187km from Johannesburg). Johannesburg

Telephone: 014 557 1000

In Sun City, 'where the sun always shines', kids will love the various activities and attractions. A must-see is the Valley of the Waves, its fantastic 2m surf breaking onto a artificial beach. Fun activities include horse riding, elephant rides, quad biking and archery. There is also a great games arcade to enjoy.

Unicorn Wish

Address: Partridge Road, Sun Valley Johannesburg

Admission: 8am to 5pm weekends, 10am to 5pm weekdays (closed on Wednesdays)

Telephone: 011 464 2424

Kids will be enchanted by the wonderful world of unicorns, fairies and gnomes to be found at Unicorn Wish. While all the kids enjoy the pony rides, the fairy garden is a favourite for little girls and the boys love seeing the exotic llamas and camels. Fun children's crafts include candle making and fabric painting.

Color Café

Address: Hyde Square Shopping Centre Johannesburg

Admission: Daily, 9am to 5pm

Telephone: 011 341 0734

Children can let their creative tendencies run rampage at Color Café, which has a selection of pottery items just waiting to be painted. From plates, mugs and vases to money boxes and fairy ornaments, the choice of ceramics is vast, and painted items will be glazed and collectable in a week. The cakes and muffins at the café are also great!

Market Theatre

Address: Bree Street, Newtown Johannesburg

Admission: 11am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, 11am to 6pm on Saturdays; Closed on Sundays

Market Theatre is a popular Jo'burg entertainment complex offering live theatre venues (boasting the first production of Sarafina), bookshops, galleries and restaurants, as well as a flea market on Saturdays. The adjoining Museum Africa showcases the lives and cultures of the South African people.

Johannesburg Art Gallery

Address: Klein Street, Joubert Park Johannesburg

Admission: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5pm

Visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park to see a vast collection of works by a host of famous artists, both local and international. Some of the exhibits date as far back as the 15th century and there are also a number of contemporary pieces on display.

Rand Easter Show

Where: The Nasrec Expo Centre at the corner of Randshow and Nasrec Roads,Johannesburg

When: 2-5 April 2010

For more than a century the renowned Rand Easter Show has drawn the crowds every year during the Easter break. It started as an agricultural show, but has grown in popularity, size and scope to become South Africa's largest consumer exhibition, along with an entertainment extravaganza that is eagerly awaited each year. Exhibitors covering a range of categories offer entertaining stalls and shopping specials, while a varied live entertainment programme keeps show-goers buzzing until late each night. The show includes show-jumping, working dog displays and livestock judging, in keeping with its agricultural origins.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden Concerts

Where: Malcolm Road, Poortview,Johannesburg

When: May to September 2010 TBA

A wide variety of musicians and choirs are featured on the programme during the run of the afternoon concerts at Poortview, held every second Sunday from mid-May through to September. The audience can enjoy soaking up the winter sunshine alongside the lake to the tune of a gamut of musical genres, from light classical through to modern favourites. Phone the gardens on +27 (0)11 958 1750 for more information.

Joy of Jazz Festival

Where: various venues in Newtown,Johannesburg

When: August 2010 TBA

Every year the best of South African and international jazz performers come to Newtown to revel in the joys of jazz music. The festival features concerts and collaborations among the artists, often spontaneous and experimental, in the true spirit of jazz. More experienced artists give workshops to, and work closely with, budding artists, who are offered a rare platform to showcase their talents at the festival.

FNB Dance Umbrella

Where: various venues in the Johannesburg CBD: WITS Theatre Complex, Market Theatre, The Dance Factory, University of Johannesburg Arts Centre, Nelson Mandela Square and Mary Fitzgerald Square, Johannesburg Art Gallery,Johannesburg

When: 3-14 March 2010

The Dance Umbrella is a three week long programme of contemporary dance and choreography, exhibiting all styles from African jazz to break dancing and motion (physical) theatre. Artists, hailing from some of the most obscure corners of the globe, see this as one of the biggest modern dance festivals in the world; in 2009 it will be in its 21st year.

Vaal River Meander Wine Route

Where: Various estates along the Vaal River. Inventory available online,Johannesburg

When: July to August 2010 TBA

As the name suggests, this route is a casual, relaxed experience. Like a fine wine, it is meant to be enjoyed at leisure and taken in stride. 20 venues along the banks of the Vaal River are selected each year to showcase South Africa's most elegant wines, over a designated period of time. The route can be travelled by car, taxi or river cruiser. Game drives at the neighbouring reserves, golf on the nearby courses or a visit to the Emerald Casino (which has an indoor water world, bowling and miniature golf facilities) are optional side meanders for an enjoyable family outing.

2010 FIFA World Cup (Johannesburg)

Where: Soccer City and Ellis Park Stadium,Johannesburg

When: Soccer City – 11, 14, 17, 20, 23 and 27 June, 2 and 11 July 2010; Ellis Park – 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 and 28 June, 3 July 2010

The much anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup will be held in South Africa, with matches scheduled at 10 stadiums in nine cities. This is the first time Africa will play host to the tournament and while local infrastructure is being upgraded to meet the demands of the estimated 3 million international spectators, tickets, flights and accommodation are best booked well in advance. The Johannesburg 2010 FIFA World Cup matches will take place at Soccer City (FNB Stadium) and Ellis Park Stadium. Soccer City is South Africa's national football stadium, a first-rate venue enlarged to hold 94 700 FIFA World Cup spectators, particularly at the 11 June kick-off and the 11 July final. Ellis Park hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup final and is a venue with event facilities set to accommodate 60 000 spectators. With a guaranteed entry to the 2010 FIFA World Cup as the host nation, South Africa is ready to do the 'Diski' dance, blow on those Vuvuzela trumpets and play ball!

2010 FIFA World Cup (Rustenburg)

Where: Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, about 110km north-west of Johannesburg,Johannesburg

When: 12, 15, 19, 22, 24 and 26 June 2010

The Rustenburg 2010 FIFA World Cup matches will take place at Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Minor renovations are currently underway to bring the recently built Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace to international standards. The enhanced stadium boasts electronic scoreboards and floodlights, and will accommodate 40 000 spectators.

Gramadoelas

Address: Market Theatre Complex, Bree Street, Newtown Johannesburg

Food Type: Local

For over 30 years celebrities, heads of state and royalty have graced Gramadoelas to sample its traditional South African and Cape cuisine, as well as other African fare. The Cape Malay-spiced bobotie, melktert and malva pudding are renown. Game meat, such as crocodile tail and ostrich steak, is also on the menu. The more adventurous can try Hillary Clinton and Nelson Mandela's favourites: mopani worms and mogodu (black tripe and wild African spinach stew), respectively. Closed on Sunday and no lunch on Mondays. Reservations recommended.

Moyo

Address: 5 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch Johannesburg

Food Type: African

This restaurant takes up five floors, decorated with a combination of modern African designs. Traditionally attired staff serve exotic cuisine, and live African music adds a funky vibe. The menu is varied with dishes from around the continent, such as fragrant North African stews, East African fish curries and huge Mozambique prawns. The unusual African desserts, like sweet potato and chocolate pudding, are not to be missed! Booking is essential, open daily for lunch and dinner.

Al Dente

Address: 173 Rochester Place, Rivonia Road, Morningside Johannesburg

Food Type: Italian

Al Dente is popular for its warm and casual ambience, excellent Italian cuisine and the genial presence of its owner, Federico, who is always close at hand to advise on the menu specials. The food here is authentically Italian and homemade with an extensive menu of pastas and pizzas, as well as specialities such as lightly roasted rump steak with garlic and rosemary. Reservations are recommended. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, dinner only on Saturdays and lunch only on Sundays.

Linger Longer

Address: 58 Wierda Road West, Sandton Johannesburg

Food Type: International

Originally established as a tearoom in 1961, Linger Longer has developed into an elegant restaurant while retaining its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Diners here can feast on delicious international and South African cuisine such as lobster bisque, ostrich khibi with roasted peppers or Asian-style duckling. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday; reservations recommended.

Turtle Creek

Address: 58 Wierda Road, Wierda Valley Johannesburg

Food Type: Mediterranean

The Turtle Creek wine bar and restaurant in Sandton's Wierda Valley offers diners a relaxed atmosphere and an exquisite Mediterranean menu. Favourites include the Mauritian chicken and prawn curry with rice an onion sambal, as well as Moroccan-style lamb shank in red wine. The terrace dining area is beautifully shaded by large oak trees, a very popular spot! Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, with lunch on Sundays. Reservations recommended.

Wombles

Address: 17 3rd Avenue, Parktown North Johannesburg

Food Type: Steakhouse

Reminiscent of its 1980s predecessor in Harare (Zimbabwe), Wombles Steakhouse has white linen and candlelit décor, giving it a relaxed and romantic, colonial-style atmosphere. This is further enhanced by the smiling, khaki-clad staff. The main menu boasts steaks to suit all appetites and tastes, served with fresh vegetables and a choice of potato dishes. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, with dinner also served on Saturdays. Reservations recommended.

Montego Bay

Address: Shop 31, Nelson Mandela Square, Rivonia Road, Sandton Johannesburg

Food Type: Seafood

With excellent service and a comfortable setting, this trendy restaurant boasts a variety of delicious seafood, as well as some excellent international cuisine. Menu favourites include the signature Montego Bay platter with baby crayfish, langoustines (Norwegian lobsters), prawns and calamari, or perhaps something from the world-famous fresh oyster and sushi bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.

Browns of Rivonia

Address: 21 Wessels Road, Rivonia Johannesburg

Food Type: International

Set in one of Johannesburg's most affluent suburbs, Browns of Rivonia offers a truly upmarket, fine dining experience. Outside seating is available on the veranda for those balmy summer evenings, and inside the restaurant there is a large, neat dining area. The food is of the highest quality, especially the roast duck with a Drambuie and orange glaze. The restaurant offers a separate menu for functions and for Sunday lunches. Closed on Saturday for lunch and reservations recommended.

Cool Runnings

Address: Fourways, Melville, Benoni Johannesburg

Food Type: Café

With a decidedly Rastafarian theme, this vibey Jamaican-style café offers a good selection of cheap Caribbean food in huge portions. Students and young professionals frequent this spot to wash down Jamaican schwarma's, curries and stir fries with potent shots of liquor and exotic cocktails. Hookah pipes (Okka pipes or bubblies), with a variety of flavoured tobaccos, are also on offer. Open daily for lunch and dinner.