See the sprawling metropolis of Soweto (South Western Townships), situated on the outskirts of Johannesburg. At the Mandela Family Museum, wander around four interlinked rooms and see an assortment of Nelson Mandela's family memorabilia. On the famous Vilakazi Street, see the home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum offers a glimpse into Soweto's struggle against apartheid, its turbulent history and valiant fight for equality.
Affectionately called "Joburg" or "Jozi" by South Africans, Johannesburg is an interesting blend of old structures and glass-sheathed buildings. The tour is designed to give visitors a look into South Africa's commercial and financial capital. Guests will see the suburbs as well as the busy downtown area, which could easily be termed the "New York City of Africa.” Guests will also visit the famous Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill where South Africa's new Constitutional Court opened in 2004.
Johannesburg's flea markets are the perfect place to pick up something uniquely South African. The craft markets feature African masks, wooden carvings, beaded dolls, wire baskets, toys and a variety of other indigenous objects. You will also find clothing, ceramics, collectibles, second-hand books, jewelry and plenty of inexpensive goods. Whatever you are looking for, flea markets are always full of bargains and surprises.
Lion Park offers terrific up-close views and other exciting interactions with a variety of predators and large herbivores indigenous to Africa. Lion Park is home to cheetahs, brown and spotted hyenas, wild dogs, jackals and more than 80 lions. The Cub World area features a feeding platform that puts you at eye level with a tamed resident giraffe, thus creating a fun experience for all ages. Video and photo opportunities are also available.
Maropeng, a Setswana word meaning, "the place where we once lived," captures three million years of human existence. As a matter of fact, 40 percent of the world's human fossils have been found there. A visit to the Maropeng Museum takes you on an incredible journey back in time. Experience a surreal boat ride on an underground lake, see the caves and trace the very origins of humankind with your whole family.
