South Africa’s “City of Gold” was founded in 1886 during a gold rush, making it one of the youngest major cities in the world A certain adventurous spirit comes with that relative youth, which is fitting: Jo’burg is the rare destination as perfect for outdoor activities and historical sites as it is for nightlife and shopping. It’s encountered growing pains in the aftermath of Apartheid, as has the country as a whole, but experiencing it today is both exciting and informative.

Long walk of freedom

Every country has unfortunate history to contend with, and South Africa is no exception. Apartheid — institutionalized racial segregation — was the country’s reality from 1948 until the early 1990s, and the Apartheid Museum exists to ensure that it’s neither forgotten nor repeated. A sobering experience, it’s also an enriching one — especially in conjunction with the unaffiliated Mandela House, which still bears bullet holes and scorch marks from Molotov-cocktail attacks.

G-Force City

Anyone tempted to dismiss Gold Reef City as just another amusement park has clearly never heard of Tower of Terror. It boasts the highest g-force of any rollercoaster in the world at 6.5 g — higher than the Space Shuttle or a Formula 1 car — not to mention a 164-foot drop. Built on a gold mine that closed in 1971, the park also features a casino, demonstrations of liquid gold being poured into bullion bars, and a movie theater.

Cradle to the Grave

All those fossils mentioned above? They were discovered in what’s now known as the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s livelier than its archaeological roots suggest. In addition to stones and bones, it’s also home to a number of endangered species, caves that will make a spelunker out of even the most claustrophobic of visitors, and such beautiful environs that many choose to get married there. Canopy tours and wine-tasting are also on offer for those looking to fill an entire day.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, ostriches, and crocodiles are just some of the animals to be found at the Lion & Safari Park, which offers a number of different ways to interact with its wildlife. Visitors can go on a guided three-hour safari drive, an hour-long lion walk, or take the night-feeding tour, among many other options. It’s ideal for animal lovers who prefer to see untamed creatures in their natural habitat.

"There is so much to do in Johannesburg! As an American trying to describe it — it’s sprawling like Los Angeles with a pulse like New York City. What really struck me was how much of a foodie city it was. Seriously, some of the best food I’ve ever had. Between deciding where to eat and what history to explore, there is never a dull moment. I learned a lot about the country and human history, but what I highly recommend is taking a tour of Soweto with a local!"

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