If you find yourself in “Joburg,” as the locals call Johannesburg, you will not want for a fantastic, high-energy nightlife. All the amenities of home and more await you.
Outdoors
If you like the great outdoors, you don’t have to come in just because the sun set.
Melville Koppies: Start your evening rambles with a walk at Melville Koppies, a nature reserve/national monument open until dusk. You can see over 200 species of birds, a slew of small mammals, and several snakes – including deadly puff adders. You can see one of the oldest rocks on earth, Greenstone, as well as a Stone Age camp. Flora abounds, with over 50 varieties of grasses and shrubs. Melville Koppies is just five kilometers from Johannesburg, right next to one of the city’s trendy suburbs.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden: While usually only open during the day, three or four times a year this botanical garden provides night-time walks. If you’re lucky enough to catch one of these rare walks, you will have the chance to spot nocturnal birds, moths and spiders. The walk is followed by a snack and a talk by an expert. Be sure to book your tour in advance.
Johannesburg Zoo: If you have kids, the night-time Fireside Tales will be just the ticket. Check with the zoo for the next storytelling event.
Ghost Bus Tour: Do cemeteries send thrills down your spine? Sign on for a bus tour of the local ghostly spots, including cemeteries, hospitals, homes, and other spots. You can learn more at: www.mysteryghostbus.co.za/ghost.htm
Culture
Jazz aficionados will revel in Kippies in Newtown. Named after a famous jazz saxophonist from the 1920s, the venue was actually designed around the concept of an Edwardian toilet. In 1998, President Clinton almost played his saxophone at Kippies but just missed the chance. Many of South Africa’s greatest musicians can be heard here. The venue seats 180 or holds 300 standing.
Are you interested in poetry and literature readings? Spend some time at the Horror Café.
In addition to the weekly poetry readings, you can hear African sounds, acid house, and hip-hop. Visit on Fridays for the weekly poetry session. The café is located at 15 Becker Street, Newtown; phone: 767-6785 or 850-9887.
Clubs
Are you ready for some clubbing? “Joburg” has a number of well-known clubbing spots. You can find every conceivable type of music, from acid rock and African beats to Zydeco. Check local listings once you are in town, but here is a sampling:
DJ's Bar Lounge: See Soweto, eat great African dishes, and listen to live music!
1198 Ngculu St, Orlando East, Soweto; phone: 935-7460
Wandie's Joint: Listen to live music-jazz, blues and soul-and eat South African food.
618 Makhalamele St, Dube, Soweto
Cool Runnings: Partake of the Rastafarian culture: Listen to reggae music, and eat Jamaican food. 27 4th Ave, Melville; phone: 482-4786
The Radium Beer Hall: Food, music and a great area for restaurants and other bars.
Phone: 728-3866
Casinos
If games like poker, roulette, and craps are your cup of tea, Joburg has plenty of action:
Caesar’s Palace
1,500 slots and fifty table games, nine restaurants and two hotels.
Caesars Gauteng Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort
64 Jones Road, Kempton Park; phone: 928-1000
Gold Reef City Casino
1,600 slots and fifty table games, six restaurants and hotel.
Phone: 248-6800
Monte Casino
1,700 slots and fifty table games.
William Nicol and Montecasino Boulevard
Fourways; phone: 510-7000
Miscellaneous
Fancy a movie? You will find a number of cinema houses throughout the city. Many of them are inside malls, so focus your search there.
Theaters: You will find over 10 theaters throughout the city. You can find a schedule of what’s playing and book your ticket at the theaters or through Computicket, accessible through its physical outlets or online.
Art Galleries: At least one art gallery is open late regularly, and others may be open late on specified days. Watch for show openings, which will often serve wine and other munchies. Learn more about The Premise, an art gallery open late every week online.
