Joanna James
Sandton, the renowned shopping destination in Africa’s Johannesburg city, offers more than mere retail experiences for travellers. Explore these thrilling destinations in the city and add them to your travel memories.
Incepted in 2001, this one-of-a-kind museum illustrates apartheid and Africa’s 20th-century past. Built on a seven-hectare plot adjoining Gold Reef City, this place takes you on a time-travelling experience into the dark era of Africa’s servitude and on to the healing period found in the form of democracy. Visitors to this destination will be able to admire some film clips, photographs and interactive exhibits which depict the country’s transition.
Nature enthusiasts and bird lovers will find it a treat to visit Montecasino Bird Gardens. The place is home to more than a thousand birds and is known as a conservation site for some rare species. Up-close encounters with feathered friends and feeding lorikeets make enthralling activities for children. It is also a knowledge and educational hub and offers features like bird shows and displays to provide thrills for the young and old.
Voted as Johannesburg's top market for consecutive 10 years, the Rosebank Art & Craft Market is the best place to visit for those who are hunting for souvenirs. African artefacts, crafts, décor, and ritual objects—such as genuine masks, sculptures, and elaborate beadwork—can be found here. Look around and you will find some truly unique pieces of artefacts which come from all over the African continent. This place not only celebrates African artistic talent but provides an insight into the country’s rich culture as well.
Known as a versatile exhibition, conference and events destination which showcases prominent events like the FNB Art Fair and Meetings Africa, Sandton Convention Centre is a great place you can visit especially to catch up with the latest events unfurling in the city. Some of the upcoming attractions to look out for include the 27th Southern African Internal Audit Hybrid Conference (August 12, 2024) and AI Expo Africa 2024 (October 30 and 30, 2024). The building comprises 12 floors and a 22 000m² floor area. Around 10,000 people can be packed into the building which has employed up-to-date technology to deliver the best event experiences to its visitors.
Shopping should definitely be at the top of your things to do in Sandton checklist. Sandton houses more than 300 globally renowned luxury brands. Nelson Mandela Square, an extravagant shopping centre, has been established as an urban tribute to Africa’s globally famous peace bearer. The place houses over 60 unique stores offering products from globally renowned fashion labels. It also has classy restaurants and trendy cafes scattered around its premises which offer world-class dining experiences from local delights to international goodies. The highlight of the destination is probably the bronze statue of the place’s namesake. Guests from properties like NH Johannesburg Sandton can stroll to this shopping destination easily because it is just around a 13-minute walk away. You can even stop by the peacemaker’s museum to inspect the wall displays which reflect the country’s struggle against the colour bar.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
