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Johannesburg

Africa's financial powerhouse, built on the rewards of years of mining the surrounding goldfields, marches to the beat of its own, uniquely Afro drum beat. Huge inner city regeneration is rapidly making "Jozi" a real city again, and increased security means the rising upper class, or "Black Diamonds" have found a new playground to show off their wealth.
 

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01
Essentials

01 This city is built for business - so don't mess about. Joburgers start running from the time their feet hit the floor in the morning.
02 Learn the handshake - it's not a secret society, and the African handshake is a sign of respect.
03 There are 11 official languages, of which three are used in the national anthem - but English is all you will need. Most people are fluent in Afrikaans.
04 At 1,753m above sea level, Johannesburg has a reputation for dehydrating unsuspecting visitors. Always carry a bottle of water and lip balm.
05 There are a wealth of game farms within two or three hours' drive. Spend weekends in the bush. We suggest Singita Private Lodges at The Kruger National Park.
06 Greet everyone. African custom means that a simple "Yebo" or "Sawubona" will break the ice and get you a smile in return.
07 Be careful - it has come along way, but this is still South Africa's biggest city. Keep your wits about you and don't go dangling that new Leica around your neck.
08 Stick to using your driver or limo service. If you are going to rent a car, insist on GPS. The townships are great to see, but only as part of a guided tour.
09 The country is going slightly football bonkers ahead of the 2010 World Cup. Take in one of the many scheduled exhibition matches at upgraded stadiums.
10 Whatever you do, make sure you try biltong - a local delicacy of spiced, dried and cured beef.

02
Hotels

One independent and easy
The Peech Hotel 
61 North Street, Melrose
+ 27 11 537 9797
thepeech.co.za

Dependable chain
The Rosebank
Protea Hotels, corner of Tyrwhitt & Sturdee Avenues, Rosebank
+ 27 11 448 36 00;
proteahotels.com

Premium
The Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa
36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst
+ 27 11 292 6000 saxon.co.za

03
Dining

Fast breakfast
The Service Station
Bamboo Centre (corner Rustenberg and Ninth Streets), Melville
+ 27 11 726 1701

Business breakfast
La Belle Terrasse and Loggia
The Westcliffe Hotel
67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff
+ 27 11 481 6000 westcliff.co.za

Mid-morning coffee
Vida e Caffe
Shop 9, 24 Central, Sandton
+ 27 11 884 5996 vidaecaffe.com

Working lunch with colleagues
Roots, Forum Homini Boutique Hotel
Letamo Game Reserve
Komdraii Road, Komdraii, Krugersdorp 
+ 27 11 668 7000
forumhomini.com

Need-to-impress-clients lunch
Auberge Michel
122 Pretoria Avenue, Sandton
+ 27 11 883 7013

Lunch on your own
Pomegranate
79 3rd Avenue, Melville
+ 27 11 482 2366

Afternoon tea/drink
The Conservatory
The Westcliffe Hotel
67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff
+ 27 11 481 6000 westcliff.co.za

Dinner with colleagues
Red Restaurant 
26 Gleneagles Road
Greenside
+ 27 11 486 1645
 redrestaurant.co.za

Private dinner
Linger Longer
58 Wierda Road West, Sandton
+ 27 11 884 0465

Big dinner with partner clients
Benkei
Shop 7, Illovo Square
3 Rivonia Road, Illovo
+ 27 11 268 6622

Drink after dinner
Katzy's Cigar Bar
Corner of Oxford & Biermann, Rosebank
+ 27 21 880 3945

Late drinks
The 88 Lounge
114 William Road, Norwood
88.co.za

On the tiles
Taboo
24 Central, Sandton
+ 27 11 783 2200 taboo.co.za

04
Reading

Books and CDs
Exclusive Books
Shop 111, Upper Level
Sandton Square, Sandton
+ 27 11 784 5416
exclusivebooks.com

05
Thank yous

Gifts from Swoon
Hyde Park Shopping Centre
Jan Smuts Avenue
+ 27 11 325 5370

06
Shopping

Lost luggage - where to buy dress shirts, socks and undies
Sandton City
Rivonia Road, Sandton
+ 27 11 217 6000 sandtoncity.co.za

Something for the kids
Toys from The African Toy Shop
44 Stanley Avenue East, Milpark
+ 27 11 482 6223

Something for someone you love
Art from Warren Siebrits gallery
140 Jan Smuts, Parkwood
+ 27 11 327 0000
warrensiebrits.co.za

Something for yourself
Design by Gregor Jenkins
Tonic Studio, Parktown Quater,
(corner 7th & 3rd Avenue), Parktown
+ 27 11 327 2028
tonicdesign.co.za

07
Two hour tour

01    Gallery tour:

Johannesburg Art Gallery
Klein Street, Joubert Park
+ 27 11 725 3130
www.joburg.org.za

Standard Bank Gallery
(corner Simmons and Frederick Streets)
+ 27 11 631 1889
www.standardbankgallery.co.za

02   
Apartheid Museum
(corner Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road), Ormonde
+ 27 11 309 4700
www.apartheidmuseum.org


08
Limousine/car

Rolls Royce SA
Service includes use of driver, latest model Rolls, airport pickup and bar.
+ 27 82 871 7552

09
Transport

Rail link
The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link will offer a clean, safe and efficient option to the city's hotspots. Until that materialises (scheduled for completion in 2011), stick to a limo or shuttle service.

10
Fitness

Good gym
Melrose Arch Virgin Active
35 Melrose Boulevard
Melrose Arch, Melrose North
+ 27 11 214 8600
www.virginactive.co.za

Running route
Zoo Lake
Lower Park Drive, Parkview

Alternative diversion
Logwood Bikehaven Broadacres
+ 27 84 895 0748
www.cultcycling.co.za

Credits

Writer: Rui Estevez
Writer: Brad Armitage

25/25

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