It’s been nearly 10 months for me in South Africa and I have experienced many things here. I think I will be able to explain something about South Africa now.
I am staying in Johannesburg, one of the largest cities of South Africa situated in Gauteng. Johannesburg is a very beautiful city, people are very friendly here and most important thing “It is very safe to stay in Johannesburg (yeah few areas are dangerous but that are everywhere isn't it??)”
Food: You can find too many Indian restaurants in Johannesburg. Renowned ones are Taste of Punjab, Vintage India, Delhi Darbar etc. You can also find KFC, Mcdonalds and many burger joints which are really good (esp. if you are non-vegetarians).
Grocery: There are 2 big Indian/Pakistani market in Johannesburg Fords burg and Laudium. You can find all type of spices and other grocery items here which you can’t find it in stores. Other things you can find it in PicknPay, Makro and FruitnVeg.
Transportation: This is the biggest problem in Johannesburg rather in South Africa, you should have your own vehicle otherwise it’s very difficult to travel around. There are many agencies who give car on rent. Your Indian license is valid here and the driving style is also same as India.
Living Style: People in South Africa start their work early and they close it early also. All the big malls close @ 5 PM very few @ 6 PM. You will feel difficult in starting up early. However, it gives you more time for yourself and your family. People are very fashionable here. You can see very different and pretty dresses, hair styles and stylish boots :)
Shopping Malls: There are too many malls in Johannesburg Monte Casino, Sandton, Rosebank, Hyde Park, Cresta, Bright Water commerce. You can enjoy Hindi movies also in Numetro @ Monte Casino & Hyde Park Mall. You can also find some renowned African craft markets like Bruma and Rosebank.
Tourist Attractions: Johannesburg has many tourist attractions; I will try to list down few here:
Carlton Panorama - At the Carlton Panorama you will have some very wonderful views of the city from the 50th floor tallest building in South Africa.
Sun City - Sun City Tour with its casinos and roulette tables and beaches this proves to be a very fun outing.
Lesedi Cultural Village - You can see how the people live there with their cultural dance and much more.
Gold Reef City - Spend some time at the Gold Reef City is a reproduction of the city of Johannesburg in the early 1900’s.
Johannesburg Zoo - A day at the Johannesburg Zoo is a joy. You will see so many animals and enjoy all the exhibits.
Johannesburg Planetarium - There is a tour of the planetarium that takes two hours to shows and explains about the planets.
Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve – A very good place for one day picnic. You can also visit wonder caves inside this park.
Nelson Mandela Bridge - The largest the 284 meter long cable-stayed bridge in South Africa.
Mandela Family Museum - Nelson Mandela's house in Orlando West, Soweto, now called the Mandela Family Museum.
Montecasino – One of the best complexes in Johannesburg with an array of restaurants that include Japanese, Portuguese, Mediterranean, Eastern fusion and, of course, Italian. There is one huge casino and Numetro multiplex.
Museum Africa - Museum Africa’s focuses on indigenous African cultures, history and archaeology, and linguistics, and the collection of rock art.
National Museum of Military History – You can see collection of weapons, military aircraft, medals, uniforms and other war memorabilia.
SAB World of Beer - A tour that explains art of beer-making and brewing; and a cool treat of beer after that :)
Sandton City - One of the main attraction in Sandton is Sandton City. This shopping center is ranked among the largest shopping centers in Africa
Apart from this there are many good places which you must visit when you are in South Africa.
Sabie
Kruger National Park
Peitermaritzburg
Durban
St. Lucia
Port Elizabeth
George & Knysna
Capetown
Kimberley
Drakensburg
