In the south of Johannesburg is Gold Reef City, one of Johannesburg’s premier tourist attractions.
So Much to Do
There is so much to experience at Gold Reef City. For adults there is theatre entertainment, a casino, fantastic restaurants and chi chi bars; for the kids there is a thrilling theme park; and for international visitors there is a fascinating period recreation that gives an excellent introduction to the gold-inspired history of Johannesburg.
For those who seek enlightenment on South Africa’s struggle history, the Apartheid Museum is nearby.
Gold Reef City
It is for good reason that they call it Africa’s greatest entertainment theme park. Created around an authentic 19th century gold mine (Shaft 14), it harks back to the gold rush of the late 1800s.
Visitors can take an underground tour to experience a real gold mine, and witness pourings of this precious metal. Other historical attractions transport tourists back to an exciting time in South Africa’s history. There are shanty dwellings, re-creations of shops, turn-of-the-century homesteads and a luxury Victorian-style hotel.
Rollicking Rides
Kids simply love to get lost at the theme park, which has over 30 adventure rides. Included among these are the Anaconda, Tower of Terror, Raging River Rapids, The Jozi Express, Miner’s Revenge and the Golden Loop. And for smaller children there are tamer rides of the merry-go-round variety.
Fine Dining and Adult Entertainment
The Gold Reef City Casino, which continues the gold rush theme, boasts slots, tables and a Salon Prive for big spenders. Those who strike it lucky can spend their winnings at a number of choice restaurants.
Some of South Africa’s best jazz musicians strut their stuff at Back O’ The Moon; while the Boston Barbeque boasts an incredible buffet table that groans with salads, breads, fish dishes, meat specialities, pastas and, of course, decadent deserts of every kind.
Nazzarros restaurant offers Italian and Mediterranean fare, and Gasoline Alley specialises in Continental dishes. For everyday, easy-eating the Fishmonger serves the best fish and chips around. And don’t forget the fast food outlets and fantastic coffee shops.
Accommodation
There are two hotels to choose from at Gold Reef City.
The Gold Reef City Casino Hotel
This 4-star, 38 room establishment transports patrons back to the grandeur of days gone by, but with all the mod-cons.
Protea Hotel Gold Reef City
This 4-star, Victorian style hotel offers 74 rooms. It is all about old world elegance with wood finishings, black and white checked floor tiles, metal filigree, and all the pomp and ceremony imaginable from a bygone age. It is also a popular conference venue.
So a trip to Gold Reef City really does mean fun for everyone, whether on business, staying over or just enjoying a day-trip. And it’s only 8 kilometres from the Johannesburg city centre.
Links: