Hostels in JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Travel around the Beautiful City of Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg is located in Gauteng province of South Africa. It is also the largest city of South Africa. The city is known for its diamond and gold trade putting itself on the world cup with respect to mineral wealth. Johannesburg metropolitan area is one of the fastest growing areas amongst developing countries. Johannesburg is often mentioned as Jo’burg or Jozi. South Africa's highest court, the constitutional court is situated in Johannesburg. The popular city is South Africa’s pride.

Accommodation Options
As Johannesburg is a hub of South Africa's commercial, industrial, and mining undertakings, it has generated a lot of employment opportunities which brings in a lot of migration. Budget hotels, lodges, guesthouses and private accommodations are some of the major options for accommodations in the city. Johannesburg is popular with students which has given rise to the concept of youth hostels near universities.

History
The city was once inhabited by the San tribes and later by Sotho-Tswana communities of Africa. Remains of the Sotho-Tswana villages are found even today in some parts of the city. The city witnessed first European settlers during the 18th century. Witwatersrand hill ranges along the city had witnessed gold rush during 1880s which was responsible for initial settlements here.

Climate
The city experiences a subtropical highland climate which is mostly dry. Annual rainfall in Johannesburg is around 28.1 inches.

Popular Places
Johannesburg City Parks manages parks in the city and is responsible of making it the largest man-made forest in the world with more than 10 million trees. Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Gold Reef City are some popular parks here. The city has many museums like Apartheid museum, Aviation Museum, Adler museum of Medicine, Museum Africa and the Hector Pieterson museum. Other popular recreational places include Johannesburg zoo, Johannesburg art gallery, and Johannesburg civic theatre. The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is just nearby.

Getting Around
Minibus taxis and metered taxis are popular modes of transport here. OR Tambo International airport (earlier known as Johannesburg International airport) serves the city in terms of international and domestic flights. Johannesburg Ring road is a popular beltway used for transport. Freeways leading to Jo’burg include N1, N3, N12, N14, N17, R21, R24 and the R59. Metrobus and metro railway system also serve the city. Travel guides are available easily which makes the stay and travel convenient.

Places of Entertainment
The city has many athletic clubs which organize runs every week. The city gets travellers from all corners of the world due to its reputation as a sports city. Johannesburg is associated with many sports like football, cricket, rugby union and also houses international stadiums which are popular entertainment hubs for visitors and locals. Johannesburg has many pubs, lounges, clubs and bars. Radium Beer Hall is one of the oldest bars in city. Famous nightclubs of Johannesburg are Tokyo Star, Horror Café, The Rock and Wildwaters. Live music venues are also getting popular these days.

Languages Spoken
South Africa has as many as eleven official languages. They include Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. English and Afrikaans are used mostly in Johannesburg. Immigrant languages are also gaining popularity.

Currency
Rand is the main currency but other currencies can be exchanged easily at the airport or banks. News and updates about currency are easily accessible on the internet.