10 great things to do for under R200 in Joburg
It's almost the end of the year, christmas is just around the corner, and with it, school holidays. Unfortunately, what this also often means is that your bank balance is not nearly as excited as the kids are, who are already driving you nuts as they count down the days until the last school bell for the year.
The same goes for couples without kids. Come on - be honest, how long has it been since you last look at the clock on the wall, 10 minutes? 5 minutes? We all just want to get out there and do cool stuff already! So MBD decided to help!
Here is a list of 10 great things to do in and around Joburg for less than R200 per person.
It's a pleasure.
1. Take a hop-on hop-off bus and see the sights around Jozi!
Johannesburg’s Red City Sightseeing Busses are a great way to see Joburg, whether you are new to the province or showing around an out-of-towner or even just feel the need to get re-aquiainted with the city you call home! For R150 (adults) or R80 (children aged 5 – 15 and kids under 5 go free), you can come and go as you please with a number of destinations and stops situated around cultural landmarks around the city and surrounds. A tour guide gives you running commentary, ensuring you dont miss a thing!
For more info call 0861 733 287.
2 Get lost in the Honeydew "A-Maize-ing" Mazes!
The Honeydew "A-Maizing" (yes, it is made out of a mielie field!) Mazes has already been on the map for 10 years and caters for everything from children's parties to corporate events, so it might even be a really nice way of telling your boss to get lost!
The idea is to get lost in the giant maze, and then by answering a few questions on a short quiz similar to a riddle, you have to find your way out. The best thing is, they are even open on public holidays. All of this will only set you back R150 per adult and R80 per child under 16 years of age. If you are a large family, they might even give you a family discount.
For more info call 073 795 2174.
3. Hike the Melville Koppies
The Melville Koppies are a nature reserve and they provide an unusual and incredibly beautiful vantage point from where you can look out over the northern suburbs all the way to the Magaliesberg mountain range, and the best thing is it's free!
So If you’re looking for free fun things to do in Johannesburg, a visit to the Melville Koppies is a must.
Disclaimer: There have been sporadic reports of people being accosted in the Koppies, so don’t go alone, and avoid quiet times (weekends are your best option).
For more, contact: 011 482 4797.
4. Norwood Rooftop Market
Are you starting to feel the panic of having to buy christmas presents, but have NO idea what you want to get anyone? How does brosing more than 300 craft stores for free sound? If that sounds great to you, then check out the Norwood Rooftop Market,
So if the kids are driving you nuts this weekend then the Norwood Rooftop Market is the ideal Sunday outing! It's open from 9am to 4pm on the rooftop parking lot at Norwood Mall, but please note - Sundays only!.
For more information contact: 011 442 4488
5. Wits Origins Centre
It’s widely known that Gauteng and North West plays host to the birthplace of humans - the Cradle of Humankind lies just some 40 kms from Johannesburg. Naturally, the foremost studies and leading experts on the topic of who we are and where did we come from are all based at our very own Wits University.
Only so, located on the campus of the University of the Witwatersrand in Braamfontein, The Wits Origins Centre, takes you on a journey from human past to present spanning 80 000 years in search of ancient art and culture. This is the world’s only museum dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history of modern humankind. The Museum provides visitors with a unique experience of Africa’s rich, complex heritage and boasts an extensive collection of rock art from the Wits Rock Art Research Institute. You can even have your genetic heritage traced by purchasing a DNA kit!
All of this will only set you back R75 for adults, seniors and staff of Wits get a R15 discount, whilst children under 12 along with Wits students enjoy a R35 entrance fee.
For more information call 011 717 4700
6. Oriental Plaza
Who said you have to fly to the east to bargain for the best prices? The Oriental Plaza has been rooted in the very heart of Johannesburg since the 1970s. In the 360 individually-owned stores you’ll find a unique shopping bazaar where the spotlight is steadfastly shone on mountains of bargains.
Don’t be shy to bargain with traders for the best price. The centre has developed a reputation for being the jewelry pricing Mecca of South Africa and continues to offer customers the opportunity to experience high quality, low prices and great variety on fashion, appliance, spices, toys, linen and more. Entrance into the plaza is free, and you can browse all you like.
For more information contact: 011 838 6760
7. Orlando Towers
Soon to be extended to 100m, the 25m outdoor climbing wall at Orlando Towers is the perfect place to challenge your abilities from different angles. The setting is what makes it so great – the Orlando Towers are one of the most distinctive landmarks in Soweto; they’re also the site of the world’s first bungee jump between two cooling towers.
Costs for the climbing wall is R30 per person whilst Paintball is R150 per person for 100 balls. If you do have a higher budget (and no fear of heights) there’s also bungee jumping for R480, the power swing for R360 and abseiling at R260.
There is also a great vibe at the restaurant beneath the towers called Chaf Pozi, which is a great Chesa Nyama style diner (purchase meat and they cook it for you, whilst next door you buy your drinks.) If you are entertaining people who want to experience true African culture, this is a must on your to do list!
For more information contact: 071 674 4343
8. Multi Flora Flower Market
A world of colour and scents collide at the Multiflora Flower Market south of Johannesburg where you will find the freshest flowers in the country, it’s a beautiful sensory assault, and it’s free to visit!
The 50 000 square metre specialised flower warehouse sees some 300 million flower stems pass through its doors annually.
This translates into an astounding 1 million flower stems a day in just three to four hours! Private shoppers are welcome to browse through the largest flower market in the Southern Hemisphere.
For more information contact: 011 613 4011
9. Northgate Ice Rink
If you are dreading the thought of having to cart the kids around with you while you are doing the weekly shopping, why not drop them off somewhere fun while you get some time to breathe? The Northgate Ice Rink, conveniently situated inside Northgate Mall is the perfect solution.
The Northgate Ice Rink often have awesome events such as foam parties and celebrity bands/DJs so make sure you’re in the loop to find out when the next cool event is happening. It's a great place to get out of the heat this summer!
It will cost you R25 to hire a pair of ice skates, and R55 to get on the ice.
For more information contact: 011 794 8706
10. Johannesburg National Botanical Gardens
If you are feeling the need to get out of the house this weekend, why not pack a lekker picnic basket and load up the car and head for the Botanical Gardens? The Johannesburg Botanical Garden is popular with joggers and picnickers, and photo-opp seeking newlyweds.
Adjacent to Emmarentia Dam, it’s the ideal spot to chill in summer when rowing, fishing and concerts at the dam are just some of the activities that are part of the program, and it’s all free!
For more information contact: 011 712 6600
Source: Travelstart