Located in the north east of South Africa, Johannesburg is the home of two World Cup stadiums: Soccer City and Ellis Park. The city will host a total of fifteen matches, including the final on July 11th.
With no less than 2,328 tranquil parks within its borders, the acknowledged business capital of South Africa combines the bustle of a large urban centre with vast areas of greenery.
The city is also a culture lover’s dream, home to an array of fascinating museums and monuments, many of which serve as a reminder of the dark days of apartheid in South Africa. The Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and a large number of Townships in the region – including the world famous Soweto – all provide a glimpse into the city’s past.
For souvenir hunters, the Mai Mai Market is the oldest in Johannesburg and is a superb place to pick up some authentic African goods, including ancient remedies for ailments.
Travelling to Johannesburg
The closest international airport to Johannesburg is OR Tambo International Airport, which connects to major cities across the world.
The airport is approximately 20km from the city centre, with shuttle bus services operating between the two.
Weather in Johannesburg
Johannesburg enjoys a mild all-year-round climate, with daytime temperatures during the winter months – when the World Cup will be held – hovering around the 20C mark.
Temperatures will fall in the evenings because of the city’s high altitude. Visitors are advised to bring warm clothing to combat the effects of cooling winds.
Johannesburg Fan Fest
Johannesburg will operate two FIFA fan parks during the tournament, both of which will have free entrance to the public.
InnesFree Park has capacity for up to 10,000 supporters in a scenic location with rolling hills and water features to the north of the city.
The other fan park is situated south of the city at the Elkah Stadium, a stretch of cricket and soccer pitches in the Soweto suburb of Rockville. This fan zone will host up to 20,000 fans.
Both venues will provide live screenings of all World Cup matches, food and beverage stalls, an official FIFA merchandise shop, an African craft market and live entertainment.
Information provided by matchhotels.com and edited by World Cup Bafana Bafana 2010.
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