Johannesburg is South Africa’s biggest city and the country’s financial centre. This sprawling metropolis of three million people is the first sight that faces most visitors arriving in South Africa. With its combination of highly-sophisticated city living and third-world township life, it is probably an accurate reflection of a country that is in the throes of rapid development. Johannesburg is, without doubt, the most important city in the country and, based on its roots in the gold mining industry, is often referred to as the ‘City of Gold’.

Most tourists see Johannesburg as a launch pad for trips to the thrilling game reserves in the north and north-east of the country or to the coastal playgrounds of KwaZulu Natal or the Cape. While Cape Town is the country’s leading tourist destination, it would be a mistake not to spend some time in this city. Its charms may not be as apparent, but visitors who are prepared to spend time in the city will uncover the fascinating history and thumping heart of this exciting country.

There is a saying in the tourist industry that Cape Town is a European-style city with an African influence, while Johannesburg is an African city with a European influence. This is not far off the mark, as visitors to Johannesburg can never doubt that they are in Africa. The city moves at a breath-taking pace and the images of Africa are everywhere.

The city is located at the heart of Gauteng Province and, in reality, spans a bigger area than the city borders. Development means that Johannesburg and its northerly neighbour, Pretoria, now form one huge metropolis. As more and more people move to the city looking for work, it is spreading out in all directions. The jobseekers are not confined to South Africans, as many entrepreneurs from other African countries see the city as a business gold mine just waiting to be tapped.

The tourist infrastructure in Johannesburg is sophisticated and well-developed. The OR Tambo International Airport is the country’s biggest and international flights arrive here from all corners of the globe. Hotels are of an exceptionally high standard and visitors receive a warm welcome wherever they go. Although the crime rate in South Africa is high, the dangers facing tourists are often overstated, as very few visitors get involved in incidents of crime. While they should remain vigilant and stick to the main tourist areas unless they are accompanied by a guide or local resident, there is no need to be fearful. South Africans are justifiably proud of their country and are very friendly to visitors.

Most visitors will stay in hotels in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg and Sandton, which are upmarket areas dotted with shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment venues. Much of the entertainment revolves around sport. South Africa is a sports-mad nation and nowhere more so than in Johannesburg. As a result, the city has astoundingly good sports facilities and some of the best stadiums in the world. The city successfully hosted the finals of the Rugby World Cup and the Cricket World Cup before being selected for the biggest event in world sport, the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The retail industry is also alive and well in Johannesburg. Among the youth there is a very strong mall culture – and new ones seem to spring up every day to cater for this demand. Visitors are often surprised to discover that the vast shopping centres in Johannesburg and Sandton are home to most of the US chain restaurant brands, as well as the upmarket European brand name stores and designer outlets. For visitors, jewellery remains one of the most sought-after purchases. As a world leader in gold, platinum and diamond mining, it offers high quality jewellery at excellent prices.

Jo’burgers, as the locals are called, will often invite visitors to their homes for a traditional barbecue, known as a braai. Don’t hesitate. Even if you are not a meat lover, you are bound to be bowled over by the hospitality shown. You will also discover that many urban South Africans have an exceptionally high standard of living. In the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, it would be normal for many families to have two or three vehicles, a private swimming pool and household staff. And if they are in the higher income brackets, they are bound to have a holiday house at the coast or a lodge in one of the private game reserves.

At the other end of the scale are the township dwellers who struggle to maintain a living and often live in rundown shacks. With a high unemployment rate and a low standard of education, they are struggling to find their place in the booming economy. However, the democratically elected government has made great strides in attempting to right the ravages of an apartheid policy that set out to promote white people at the expense of the majority black population. As a tourist, you can visit these settlements by joining an organized tour and contribute to their economy by buying curios and dining at township restaurants.

It is the contrast between the rich and the poor, the historical remnants of a bleak past and the emergence of a golden future that makes Johannesburg such an interesting city to visit.

Johannesburg has a history which revolves around gold-mining and dates back to 1886. It was the third-biggest city in South Africa by 1890 and not long after, it was the largest city south of Cairo. By the 1900s, Johannesburg was producing one-third of the world's gold.

The original Boer settlers of the area were quickly outnumbered by the influx of miners. They were not happy and saw it as an invasion. The president denied these newly arrived foreigners a vote and refused to develop an infrastructure to support mining activities. The South African Republic (ZAR) and Britain went to war leading to Britain annexing the republic in 1902. The British were pushed out in 1910 when the Union of South Africa was proclaimed.

By the mid 1940s, almost half a million black immigrant mine workers were living in Johannesburg. In 1946, the 70,000-strong African Mineworkers Union went on strike over living and working conditions. Unfortunately for them, not much came of it besides a dozen deaths and thousands of injuries.

The early 1950s saw the emergence of apartheid as well as the growth of the African National Congress (ANC). In 1955, the ANC announced the Freedom Charter, which is the basis of the current constitution.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the black population mounted organized resistance. In 1976, a peaceful student demonstration in Soweto was fired upon by police and ignited a nationwide riot. Black youth declared war on apartheid which continued for two decades. The 1994 elections brought peace across the country, allowing Johannesburg to once again focus on its financial and economic pursuits.

Johannesburg experiences a subtropical climate, which sees average temperatures usually below 30°C. Winter (May through August) is opposite to the winters in Europe because South Africa is in the southern hemisphere. During this time, temperatures drop below freezing at night but are still relatively mild during the day. The coldest months of the year are July and August.

It rains frequently throughout the summer months (October to March) although temperatures are warm, usually around 20°C. The rain usually falls hard and fast and is complemented by lots of thunder and lightning, as well as occasional hail. You are usually guaranteed bright blue skies and sunshine after a heavy rain shower.