Day 1 - S.africa - Johannesburg

Diverse and rich in history, Johannesburg is a city that offers much more than meets the eye. It's not the typical holiday destination, but if you want to truly understand South Africa—its complex past, the Apartheid era, and the legacy of Nelson Mandela—this is the place to be.

Arrival and First Impressions

Before our trip, numerous people warned us about the safety concerns in Johannesburg, advising us to be extremely cautious. Naturally, we took these warnings with a grain of salt and ended up booking a hotel in what locals considered a rough area. Upon our arrival at the ANEW Parktonian Hotel, even our taxi driver mentioned that he usually avoids bringing tourists to this part of town and cautioned us to stay vigilant while exploring the surroundings.

Undeterred, we dropped off our bags and set out to discover what Johannesburg had to offer.

Exploring Braamfontein

Our first stop was the vibrant neighbourhood of Braamfontein. The area was buzzing with energy—friendly and multicultural, filled with young people and a palpable creative spirit. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Neighbourhoods Market, a local hotspot known for its diverse food stalls and lively atmosphere.

To get a broader sense of the city, we hopped on a sightseeing bus that took us through various parts of Johannesburg, offering insightful commentary and stunning views that showcased both the city's challenges and its undeniable charm.

Evening in Rosebank

As evening approached, we made our way to the upscale Rosebank shopping district. The contrast between Rosebank and our hotel area was striking; here, the streets were clean and well-lit, lined with high-end shops and a multitude of dining options. We met up with our friend Andreas, who works in the area, and enjoyed a lovely dinner while catching up and sharing our initial impressions of the city.