Many of the attractions of Johannesburg can easily be visited  independently, however, most visitors feel happier doing this once they have been on one of the organised tours to orientate themselves to the city.

The Top of Africa and Mai Mai Market are included in most City Tour itineraries, and the World of Beer is also often included in the Full Day City Tour.  The World of Beer is a great place to stop for lunch either before or after your tour. 

Johannesburg Zoo

Situated right next door to the Military History Museum, Johannesburg Zoo may be something of a disappointment, especially if you have visited some of the other leading international zoos such as London or Singapore.

Whilst you are guaranteed to see the animals (unlike in the wild), the zoo is not particularly well laid out or sign-posted, and the conditions for the animals range from excellent to depressing. 

The lion enclosure is the one exception, and the highlight is the 'lion cub' section, where cubs hone their hunting skills by chasing passing tourists up and down the mesh fence.

Top of Africa

The Carlton Centre, or Top of Africa as it is more commonly known, is the tallest building not only in South Africa, but in the entire Southern Hemisphere.  

Standing 220m above street level, and 50 floors high, it is also the highest concrete structure in the world. Although not the most attractive of  buildings, the view from the 50th floor is amazing. 

A lift takes you up there in 40 seconds (hold onto your stomach on the way down), and an enclosed viewing area at the top affords 360 degree views around the city. 

Mai Mai Medicine Market

The Mai Mai Centre is Johannesburg's traditional medicine market, and is situated under, of all places, a flyover. 

Upon first approaching the market,  you may wonder where on earth your guide is taking you.

Vendors line each side of the road, with their traditional remedies set out on the floor.  Medicines include tree barks, roots, seeds, herbs, animal skeletons and bones, and whole heads (snake and monkey seem very popular). 

Whether the medicines work is up to the individual - if you believe in them, then they may work for you.

World of Beer

The World of Beer is an interesting place to spend a couple of hours, especially over the lunch-time period. 

The extremely good value entrance fee includes 2 vouchers for any drink of your choice, and the bar offers a good selection of inexpensive lunches.  

A 90 minute tour in a small group of up to 15 includes the history of beer, how hops are grown, walk-through models of a turn of the century Jo'burg pub and a Soweto shabeen, and a full-scale brew-house showing the different brewing processes.