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A small city within a city, Gold Reef City on the southern end of Johannesburg CBD is an accurate snapshot of Johannesburg’s pioneering days during the gold rush era in the 1880s. Aside from its period mining town appearance, Gold Reef City is a non-stop entertainment hub with large theme park, two fine hotels, a casino & entertainment centre and the apartheid museum complex alongside.
Gold Reef City is both a fun and educational experience rolled into one; experience South African culture, gold mining and political history, architecture, superior accommodation and never-ending excitement in this corner of the big city.
Top 6 reasons to visit Gold Reef City
1. A day at the Gold Reef City theme park is to be enjoyed by all ages: the young ones will love Kiddies Corner while teenagers (and adrenalin junkies) head for the Dizzy Heights area to attempt the frightening Tower of Terror. The folks can watch a traditional Zulu dance or travel down the mine shaft while the grandparents call back the past at Oldies Diner.
2. Gold Reef Casino has 1700 slot machines and 50 gaming tables for those willing to chance their luck. The casino includes 6 cinemas, a large theatre venue and over 20 restaurants situated either in the casino or at the theme park alongside, from fine dining establishments to fast food kiosks.
3. The Apartheid Museum explores the oppression experienced during the country’s race classification period from 1948, the struggle that ensued and the liberation that followed in 1994.
4. Visit the Oriental Plaza Shopping Mall in Fordsburg, an eastern-style bazaar where practically anything can be purchased and at a negotiated price! Bartering is expected and contributes to a fun outing for bargain hunters.
5. Find a Portuguese eatery in the La Rochelle suburb where classic Portuguese cuisine is still served up and paired with a good red wine. The Lusito Land Festival is held nearby every April to celebrate Portuguese tradition and culture with food stalls, music and family entertainment.
6. The nearby Turffontein Race Course is where the SA Triple Crown series of horse races are held. In addition to the large prize money per race, horses that win all 3 legs win a R2 million bonus for their owners. Only 2 horses in the Triple Crown history have ever achieved this. Races are held here every Saturday.
Transport
Gold Reef City is 32km from OR Tambo International Airport. Take the Gautrain (express rail service to the OR Tambo airport) to Park Station, then take the hop-on, hop-off bus to Gold Reef City. A vehicle can be hired from the airport or in Johannesburg CBD, otherwise order a rental online. There are a number of metered taxi and shuttle service companies operating around Gold Reef City. If you have the Uber app, order a ride via your mobile phone.
Did you know?
All thoroughbred racehorses are descendants of a mere 3 stallions, sent to England from the east over 300 years ago. The most famous stallion, Eclipse, was born in the UK in 1764 and won all his races in which he competed. Over 90% of thoroughbreds in the male line today can be traced back to Eclipse.
The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is known as ‘The city of Gold’ but more commonly referred to by locals as Egoli, a Zulu term meaning ‘Place of Gold’. Egoli is at the heart of South Africa’s wealth, with 50% of the country’s millionaires located here.
