Africa's financial powerhouse, built on the rewards of years of mining the surrounding goldfields, marches to the beat of its own, uniquely Afro drum beat. Huge inner city regeneration is rapidly making "Jozi" a real city again, and increased security means the rising upper class, or "Black Diamonds" have found a new playground to show off their wealth.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
This city is built for business - so don't mess about. Joburgers start running from the time their feet hit the floor in the morning. |
| 02 |
Learn the handshake - it's not a secret society, and the African handshake is a sign of respect. |
| 03 |
There are 11 official languages, of which three are used in the national anthem - but English is all you will need. Most people are fluent in Afrikaans. |
| 04 |
At 1,753m above sea level, Johannesburg has a reputation for dehydrating unsuspecting visitors. Always carry a bottle of water and lip balm. |
| 05 |
There are a wealth of game farms within two or three hours' drive. Spend weekends in the bush. We suggest Singita Private Lodges at The Kruger National Park. |
| 06 |
Greet everyone. African custom means that a simple "Yebo" or "Sawubona" will break the ice and get you a smile in return. |
| 07 |
Be careful - it has come along way, but this is still South Africa's biggest city. Keep your wits about you and don't go dangling that new Leica around your neck. |
| 08 |
Stick to using your driver or limo service. If you are going to rent a car, insist on GPS. The townships are great to see, but only as part of a guided tour. |
| 09 |
The country is going slightly football bonkers ahead of the 2010 World Cup. Take in one of the many scheduled exhibition matches at upgraded stadiums. |
| 10 |
Whatever you do, make sure you try biltong - a local delicacy of spiced, dried and cured beef. |
02
Hotels
One independent and easy
10 Bompas
10 Bompas Road, Dunkeld West
+ 27 11 341 0282
tenbompas.com
Dependable chain
Park Hyatt Johannesburg
191 Oxford Road, Rosebank
+ 27 11 280 1234
johannesburg.park
hyatt.com
Premium
The Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa
36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst
+ 27 11 292 6000 saxon.co.za
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
The Service Station
Bamboo Centre (corner Rustenberg and Ninth Streets), Melville
+ 27 11 726 1701
Business breakfast
La Belle Terrasse and Loggia
The Westcliffe Hotel
67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff
+ 27 11 481 6000 westcliff.co.za
Mid-morning coffee
Vida e Caffe
Shop 9, 24 Central, Sandton
+ 27 11 884 5996 vidaecaffe.com
Working lunch with colleagues
Browns of Rivonia
21 Wessels Road, Rivonia
+ 27 11 803 7533 browns.co.za
Need-to-impress-clients lunch
Auberge Michel
122 Pretoria Avenue, Sandton
+ 27 11 883 7013
Lunch on your own
Pomegranate
79 3rd Avenue, Melville
+ 27 11 482 2366
pomegranatesa.com
Afternoon tea/drink
The Conservatory
The Westcliffe Hotel
67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff
+ 27 11 481 6000 westcliff.co.za
Dinner with colleagues
La Cucina Di Ciro
17 4th Avenue, Parktown North
+ 27 11 442 5346 lacucinadiciro.co.za
Private dinner
Linger Longer
58 Wierda Road West, Sandton
+ 27 11 884 0465
restaurants.co.za/lingerlonger
Big dinner with partner clients
Benkei
Shop 7, Illovo Square
3 Rivonia Road, Illovo
+ 27 11 268 6622
Drink after dinner
Katzy's Cigar Bar
The Firs, Oxford Road, Rosebank
+ 27 21 880 3945
Late drinks
The 88 Lounge
114 William Road, Norwood
88.co.za
On the tiles
Taboo
24 Central, Sandton
+ 27 11 783 2200 taboo.co.za
04
Reading
Books and CDs
Exclusive Books
Shop 111, Upper Level
Sandton Square, Sandton
+ 27 11 784 5416
exclusivebooks.com
05
Thank yous
Gifts from Swoon
Hyde Park Shopping Centre
Jan Smuts Avenue
+ 27 11 325 5370
06
Shopping
Lost luggage - where to buy dress shirts, socks and undies
Sandton City
Rivonia Road, Sandton
+ 27 11 217 6000 sandtoncity.co.za
Something for the kids
Toys from The African Toy Shop
44 Stanley Avenue East, Milpark
+ 27 11 482 6223
Something for someone you love
Art from Warren Siebrits gallery
140 Jan Smuts, Parkwood
+ 27 11 327 0000
warrensiebrits.co.za
Something for yourself
Design by Gregor Jenkins
Tonic Studio, Parktown Quater,
(corner 7th & 3rd Avenue), Parktown
+ 27 11 327 2028
tonicdesign.co.za
07
Two hour tour
08
Limousine/car
Rolls Royce SA
Service includes use of driver, latest model Rolls, airport pickup and bar.
+ 27 82 871 7552
09
Transport
Rail link
The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link will offer a clean, safe and efficient option to the city's hotspots in early 2008. Until then stick to a limo or shuttle service.
10
Fitness
Good gym
Melrose Arch Virgin Active
35 Melrose Boulevard
Melrose Arch, Melrose North
+ 27 11 214 8600
www.virginactive.co.za
Running route
Zoo Lake
Lower Park Drive, Parkview
Alternative diversion
Logwood Bikehaven Broadacres
+ 27 84 895 0748
www.cultcycling.co.za