Johannesburg, what can I say!!! It was a last-minute decision to spend my 2 week vacation time there. I had originally planned to go to Zambia first then if finances permitted check out Johannesburg. But the finances did no agree so I had to make a choice and Johannesburg was it. Lucky for me, I have family who live there and were eager for me to visit.
When people think about traveling to South Africa, majority plan for the safari and granted it’s amazing. I didn’t go for the safari or tourism to be honest. I had made a decision a few days before departure to ensure I spend that time I am there with my young cousins, my uncle and auntie.
But my auntie wouldn’t have it that way and we ended up going places. I am grateful to her for taking me to all these places and doing so much for me. My stay in Johannesburg was nothing but the best and I can’t wait to revisit.
Here is a list of places I managed to visit whilst I was in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City
Though I can not exactly tell you how we got to Sandton city other than we drove, I do know it’s a lovely town. We did quite a fair bit of shopping there, it’s like being in England just with more sunny days.
Mandela House in Soweto
This is one I was waiting for without evening knowing I was waiting to go. This was the house Mandela and his family lived before he was imprisoned and Winnie put on house arrest. We paid R40 to get into the compound, we had a tour guide who explained the entire history. I was amazed by her knowledge, how much of the house was still with original features, even petrol bomb marks. It’s hard to imagine what life must have been life for Mandela and his family, how they managed to survive.
Union Building in Pretoria
When we drove to the Union Building in Pretoria there was actually a protest against unfair pay to social healthcare workers. My auntie quickly ushered me and her friend back in the car and we went round to the main building where the huge statue of Mandela is located. It is definitely a tourist destination but seemed more popular with Asians than any other race. We did have a wander around the grounds before taking professional pictures that align you nicely with the statue.
Pretoria Zoo
Days after my initial visit to Union Building, my auntie brought me back to Pretoria but this time to visit the zoo. I can only say it was an experience to remember. The zoo is large and has so many animals so we decided to take a cab car across to watch the animals from above. Big mistake as the three of us are all scared of heights, it was a two-minute ride but felt like forever. We got off at the very back of the zoo and had to walk back, it was far but nice. I was able to see so many animals; Kodiak bear, Gorillas, giraffes, hippos, lions, cheetahs and many more. I highly recommend visiting this zoo if you’re ever in Johannesburg or Pretoria.
Monticasino Fourways Johannesburg
Now this casino was nothing like I was imagining to be honest, it exceeded my thinking. Though I have not been to a casino before I did not expect it to be what it was. One lovely evening after my uncle finished work, we headed for Monticasino. Again I can’t tell you how to get there but just know it’s a must see place. Entering the casino was like walking into another city and it had the best restaurants ever. There was so much to see, so much to do but we decided to find somewhere to eat. After our meal, we walked around some more before we went home. I was too mesmerised to take any pictures.
I had such a lovely time in South Africa and I can not wait to go back and visit. Have you ever been to South Africa? If so, where and what was your favourite part?
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla says
I’m quite happy to see yet another angle for Africa. Johannesburg really looks and feels like the culmination of every good, natural thing from most western places. That place above really looks like England with more sun, which is something I like.
Lisa Lambert says
Sounds and looks amazing my cousins husband has family who live there she said it’s fabulous and loved every minute
Anosa says
I did definitely, thanks
Anosa says
There is so much more
Adrienne says
What a great experience! Mandela was such an inspiration. I would love to visit some of these places.
Anosa says
It was an amazing experience for sure
OhNikka says
What a fabulous trip you had. Your pics that you took are amazing!!!
Anosa says
Thanks so much
Kara says
South Africa was top of my wishlist for our honeymoon but sadly finances didn’t allow…..maybe one day for us. Looks like you had a fascinating trip
Anosa says
I had an interesting trip thanks and hope you manage to go to south africa soon
Evelina says
Looks great! South Africa is definitely on my list.
Anosa says
It was amazing hope you get a chance to visit
Julie S Kalungi says
Wohooo Girll You not only rocked Jo’burg, your picassas rock too! I truly am so happy for you and what an amazing Aunt! You made the right decision Anosa 🙂 Long may your legacy live Nelson Madikizela Mandela! What a legend.
I am sure many are like I wanna go to SA right now. We just opened a Regional Office over there and It was Like Waaaa! So thanks for taking us on the journey with you!
Julie Syl
Anosa says
Thanks Julie, I appreciate it so much it was an amazing travel.
Anosa says
Sure is
Melanie Edjourian says
It looks like a lovely place with quite a bit to visit, I haven’t been yet!
Anosa says
It sure is an amazing place
Valerie CottageMakingMommy says
You get to go to the most beautiful places. What a trip. I want to see more.
Anosa says
Awww thanks, I sure do.
chubskulit says
Such a beautiful place to visit. Will be putting this on my bucketlist!
Anosa says
Glad to hear it
Tanya Brannan says
What a fabulous adventure you had! I love the photo illusions with Nelson Mandela. I have South Africa on my bucket list for when I can travel more (when children move out lol)
Anosa says
Thanks Tanya and yes I can captivated by these illusions and wanted to take some too
Chrishelle Ebner says
I never knew Johannesburg was such a vibrant metropolis. Like you said I always think of Safari when someone says they will be visiting South Africa.
Anosa says
It sure is, I think most of the ads or testimonies about South Africa have been about the Safaris and nothing more
Amanda Love says
It’s amazing that you got to tour this place while you’re in Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela is one of the people that I admire and to be able to go here would be great.
Anosa says
I feel the same about Mandela
Hannah Heartss ❄️⛄️ says
I’ve never thought about visiting here before, looks like you had a great time!
Anosa says
I did indeed and thanks
Ali says
Wow how lucky to have family in such amazing places and how nice of them to take you to see the sights.
Anosa says
So true, I am blessed
Tara | C&CO. says
I’ve always wanted to visit here, sounds like you had a fabulous time!
Anosa says
I did and much more than I anticipated
rika agustini says
I have always been wanted to visit South Africa! Looks like you had such an amazing time!
Anosa says
I did thank you, it was great
Anosa says
Aww bless I am sure you will
ryan escat says
Looks like you had an amazing trip. Glad you share this
Anosa says
I did indeed and thanks
Lauren Marie Happel says
That looks like a great place to visit and one that is fun an educational!
Anosa says
Yes it’s very educational whilst being fun too
Nicol Wong says
i would love to visit johannesburg. it’s full of history and so much to do
Anosa says
It sure is
Life Unexpected says
What an amazing way to spend two weeks. I’m going to South Africa in February and cannot wait. It looks really beautiful. It sounds like it’s more than worth it. x
Anosa says
Oooh I am jealous already as you will have so much fun and so much to see
Dee says
This would be a trip of a life time for me! I would love to get a chance to go to South Africa and visit Johannesburg. Looks like you had a really great time.
Anosa says
It was a trip of a life fine and yes if was awesome
Kathy says
That looks like a lot of fun! I have never been there before and would love too! Such great photos you have too!
Anosa says
Thanks Kathy it’s a great place to visit
PrimeBeauty says
I’ve never been to South Africa, but would love to go one day. It looks like you had an amazing trip, thanks to your aunt showing you around.
Anosa says
Thank God for my auntie, she is God sent
Anamika Ojha says
Looks like you had so much fun in Johannesburg! My hubby visited Johannesburg last year for work and he also went to Mandela House in Soweto and got his touristy pictures clicked! I also wish to go there someday in my life!
Anosa says
Awww it’s always nice to do the tourist pictures to support the local economy I did it too
Francesca Nelson says
wow that incredible statue of nelson mandela is great!! look how big it is!!!
Anosa says
I was impressed by it too and it’s larger in person
Stacey Werner says
This looks like it was quite a journey.
I really like your pictures.
Anosa says
Thanks Stacey it was
Fi Ni Neachtain says
I’m so in awe of you and all the traveling you get to do, you’re so blessed. South Africa seems like a great place to visit 🙂
Anosa says
Awww thanks so much Fiona I loved it
Jessica Dearnley says
Johannesburg looks amazing, it’s definitely somewhere id like to go in the future.
Anosa says
It sure is and hope you get the chance to go
Laura says
Oh wow, Johannesburg looks fabulous! Id love to visit mandela house xxx
Anosa says
I enjoyed visiting Mandela house
Kelly Reci says
Oh, Johannesburg sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I will put this on my bucket list.
Anosa says
It truly is amazing
Nicole Etolen says
Wow, what an amazing trip. I would like to go there too and explore!
Anosa says
It sure was
Baby Isabella says
My mummy’s friend raves about Jo-burg all the time! It looks like a fascinating place x
Anosa says
Aww how nice and yes it’s fascinating
Stephanie Merry says
Johannesburg looks like such an amazing place, it’s definitely on my bucket list! Glad you had such a good time! x
Anosa says
Thanks and hope it’s an item you get to tick off on your list
Mistee Dawn says
Oh wow! What a great trip! So much history there! You made a great choice! Glad you had a good time.
Anosa says
Thanks it was an amazing trip
Yvonne says
Looks like an incredible trip. I would love to go to Mandela House as well. Makes me want to book a holiday now x
Anosa says
Hahaha and I hope you book soon and go see it for yourself
Taty Pradilla says
What a fantastic trip! It sure is in my bucket list. Glad you also got time with family
Anosa says
It was an amazing trip
Aisha Kristine Chong says
Seems like a wonderful place – makes me want to have a visit there myself. You guys obviously enjoyed it so why not. 🙂
Anosa says
I sure did and hope you manage to visit one day
Hungry_Healthy_Happy says
This is somewhere that I really want to go. I saw a food program about it the other day and the food sounds amazing
Anosa says
The foods are absolutely divine
Rhian Westbury says
Looks like such an interesting place. I really want to do a tour which includes Johannesburg x
Anosa says
It is such a lovely city and I am sure there are many tours to cater for your needs
Stella Kashmoney says
Looks like you had a fab time in South Africa. Nice.
Anosa says
I did thanks
Rebecca Swenor says
It sounds like you had an awesome visit with your family and outings also. The house that Mandela and his family stayed in while he was imprisioned would be interesting too see. Thanks for sharing your awesome journey to Johannesburg.
Anosa says
Thanks Rebecca, it was fascinating and interesting visit
Stephen Parry says
I am flying into Johannesburg next friday 🙂 we are planning to go to Soweto but now we have so many other activities to see!
Anosa says
Oh I am so jealous even though I just got back lol. I am sure you and Jess will have so much fun and can’t wait to read about it
Anosa says
And hope you manage to visit one day
Adriana says
Oh gosh I am so jealous! Johannesburg is HUGE on my bucket list – I need to get there! It’s so gorgeous; I have a friend whose there now and she went bungee jumping off of the largest bungee spot in the world and I am SO jealous haha!
Anosa says
Oh wow that is so cool, me obviously wont be jumping off anything with my fear of heights lol
Nicole Osburn says
Looks like you had so fun fun on your trip! The Mandela house looks like a wonderful historical educational experience. Plus those pictures you took were really fun with the Mandela statue.
Anosa says
It was definitely a wonderful experience and yes we had fun with the Mandela statue
Liz Mays says
Oh what a cool trip! I know so little about Johannesburg and South Africa! It’s really nice to know they’ve been able to preserve a lot about the Mandela house. The casino sounded super impressive too.
Anosa says
It was my first time going too but I was so impressed, definitely exceeded any expectations I had
Brandy says
That looks like such a great time! I would love to vist there sometime!
Anosa says
I had an amazing time thanks
Jodie Whitham says
Sounds like an amazing holiday with lots of memories! I’d love to see nelson mandella house 🙂
Anosa says
Yes so many
HollyAllie Noah says
How inspiring this post is! It looks like you walked away with a ton of good memories.
Anosa says
I sure did
Janine Good says
How inspiring! I would love to check out all the tributes to Nelson Mandella. I would go for the safari though…such a dream of mine.
Anosa says
Mine too but wanted this first
Ana De Jesus says
I would like to go to the Mandela house, he was such a figure of inspiration and remained triumphant even when at times he was defeated.
Anosa says
He sure is/was an inspiration to all
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
Looks like a really good trip. I’d never have thought of going here,
Anosa says
It was indeed
GlamourGlitterGloss says
Looks like you had a great time. Great to see some different day trip options from the standard safaris as you said. Great pictures, I’d love to go to the Mandela House
Anosa says
Thanks and I wanted to show that to people it’s not just safari
Newcastle Family Life says
It sounds like you had a lovely trip. How nice that your aunt took you to all these amazing places, I bet that it was lovely spending quality time with her. xx
Anosa says
It was lovely of her and I am so grateful
Susanna says
That looks like such an amazing trip! I’ve always wanted to go to South Africa, but the penny pinching husband isn’t quite on the same page. 🙁
Anosa says
Hahaha penny pinching lol
Just wait one day it will happen
Kathryn says
I’ve never been to South Africa but it looks like you had an amazing time xx
Anosa says
It sure is
Beth Sachs says
I’d love to go to South Africa. Jo’burg looks absolutely amazing.
Anosa says
Hope you get to one day
Teresa Bowen says
So interesting to hear of other places in South Africa to visit apart from going on safari
Anosa says
I wanted to show this part too
Jayne says
I have never been there before, but it looks amazing!
And what an awesome Auntie you have 🙂
Anosa says
I have such an amazing auntie thank God
Pam W says
Sounds like an awesome trip. You got to see so much history, it must have been amazing to see such important sites.
Anosa says
It was amazing so much history
Anosa says
Exactly that’s what I love about having fun and friends. They take you to the best hunts
Beautyqueenuk says
Friends of mine have bought a place in Jo’burg because they visit so often and love the place x
Anosa says
That’s a good investment on their part for sure
Oyinkan Ogunleye says
Mandela is such an inspiration! Glad your’e enjoying yourself.
Anosa says
He sure is and was.
Jeanetet says
I have been to Johannesburg once and I will have to agree with you there’s so much there and it is such a beautiful place. I cannot wait to go back and visit again.
Anosa says
I can’t wait to go back either
Julie Maloney says
I love all the pictures of you posing with statues, it reminds me of my last vacation. Looks like you got a really great tour, I would especially love the zoo!
Anosa says
I had an amazing tour around all thanks to my auntie
Sarah Bailey says
Wow what an amazing place to go and visit -I bet all the Mandela bit were amazing and emotional to visit.
Anosa says
Very emotional I must admit
Sarah | Susty Meals says
I haven’t been to South Africa, but would definitely love to! I did lots of projects in school Geography about South Africa so it would be lovely to see it in reality rather than theory.
Anosa says
I know what you mean it would be lovely
Blair Villanueva says
Me too, haven’t been to South Africa, but reading your posts makes me curious about its beauty 😀
Anosa says
You should definitely it’s amazing
Cathy Glynn says
What a fantastic opportunity, I have never visited South Africa but there seems so much to do. Thank you for sharing your visit x
Anosa says
There is so much and more to do out there
Claire @ Country Mouse Claire says
What an amazing place to experience! A friend is off to SA soon – I’ll be sharing this with her!
Anosa says
I hope she has fun but I know she will
LaaLaa says
Beautiful rundown of Johannesburg. I’d love to visit South Africa or anywhere in Africa, some real beautiful places to visit.
Anosa says
Thanks and yes mother Africa has a lot to offer
Nikki Hamilton says
I have never been to South Africa but your pictures look amazing! Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip!:)
Anosa says
Thanks, I had so much fun
Little Steps says
Looks amazing. I really did enjoy your photos 🙂 Would love to visit too someday. x
Anosa says
Thanks so much hope you get a chance to visit
Clairejustineo says
Oh wow, looks like you had a great time. Love pictures 🙂 I’ve not travelled for 12 years. Can not wait to get our passports renewed next year…
Anosa says
12 years oh wow that’s a long time I am sure once passports are renewed you will be unstoppable
london_unattached says
I haven’t been to South Africa at all yet – Jo’burg looks fascinating, especially the Nelson Mandela stuff
Anosa says
Johannesburg is really an amazing place to visit
Amber says
This would be an amazing place to visit. I’d really enjoy checking everything out. Nelson Mandela was a wonderful man.
Anosa says
It sure was and it’s such an incredible country too
Tara says
Looks like you guys had an awesome time.
Anosa says
Definitely
[email protected] says
Sadly I haven’t been to South Africa yet. I would love to though – it’s definitely at the top of my travel list. Thanks for sharing some info on JoBurg!
Anosa says
Thanks luv, hope you are able to go visit one day