Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a vibrant modern city very much in touch with its African roots. A capital of commerce and a major international gateway, it is also a place where visitors can seek out colourful sights, superb food and authentic local music.

It is tempting to confine yourself to the opulent northern suburbs, where you’ll find superb restaurants and stylish shops, but it is also well worth taking an escorted tour of Soweto, which many people find to be an enlightening and uplifting experience.

Jo’burg’s stadium, Coca Cola Park, has been staging Test matches since 1928 and in 1955 saw the largest-ever attendance at a rugby match when 100,000 fans crammed in to watch the Lions beat the Springboks 23-22. Rebuilt for the Rugby World Cup Final in 1995, it is now among the most modern stadiums in the world and will be the centrepiece of the football World Cup in 2010.

Johannesburg International Airport 20km east of the city centre is well served by direct overnight flights from the UK.