Introduction
Johannesburg is not the capital of South-Africa, as many people think (that is the more northerly city of Pretoria). It is, however, the country's biggest city, and it is considered the richest city on the African continent. The wealth is distributed unevenly, which is why Johannesburg has the highest crime rate in South-Africa. The city is very big and cherishes its green image, especially the suburbs on the north side are full of trees.
Population
Johannesburg has about 7 million inhabitants, not including the 'unofficial residents'.
Location
Johannesburg is located in the north-east of South-Africa, on the so-called Witwatersrand, a mountain ridge. The city is situated at an altitude of 1,753 meters, which makes its climate relatively cool. The northern and western suburbs are hilly, the eastern part of the city is flat.
Economy
The city has become big because of the gold and diamond industry. That also explains its location: the region is rich in precious metals. The 'gold rush' has provided the foundation for what the city is today: the economic and financial center of South-Africa. The mining industry is still important, but there are also other flourishing sectors (like steel and cement).
Johannesburg is not known as a tourist attraction as such, but more as a transport hub, for instance to Kruger National Park. The city tries to attract more tourists, for example with museums about the history of South-Africa, like the Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Museum. The former black 'townships' of Alexandra and Soweto also attract visitors. Soweto houses the Nelson Mandela Museum.
Airports
Johannesburg International Airport is the busiest airport on the African continent, and it is located at 25 kilometers to the east of the city center. There are connections to all major cities in the world. In 2010, there will be a rail connection between the airport and the city center.
Lanseria Airport is used for flights to Cape Town, Botswanand Sun City. Tow smaller airports - Rand Airport and Grand Central Airport - are used by private aircraft.
Public transport
The city has a network of metro and railway lines, although that network has not been able to match the city's expansion. In the next few years, the network will be expanded, and it should be ready for the World Football Championships in 2010.
Metrobus operates 84 bus lines in Johannesburg. There is also a special tourist bus with an open roof, the so-called 'City Slicker'. In addition to these official bus lines, there are also many private persons cruising the city with mini vans, which are sometimes overcrowded.
Traffic and Parking
Johannesburg has a big circular road, which consists of three motorways: the easterly N3 leads to Durban (on the coast), the westerly N1 connects to Pretoria and Cape Town, and the N2 is located south of the city. In some places, this circular road has 12 lanes, but sometimes that still cannot prevent gridlock from occurring during morning and evening rush hour.
Although Johannesburg's crime rate is steadily declining, 'car jacking' does still occur. To avoid this, you should always drive with your windows closed and your doors locked. Never leave your car unattended. There are various ways to park your car in a secure place, for instance supervised by a 'car guard'. The official ones can be recognized by their red or yellow reflecting jackets. They are registered and are supervised by the council.
Hotels
Being the business center of South-Africa, Johannesburg offers plenty of hotels. But because the city is the economic, cultural and social center, hotels are often fully booked, so it is best to book in advance if you want to be certain you have a room.
External Sources
For more information about Johannesburg, we recommend Google, and the following sources:
Frequently asked questions
Is EasyTerra Car Rental the cheapest?
Yes, we offer a guarantee of the lowest price - because we compare various retailers, we can always offer you the best price in town.
What do I need to do when picking up a car?
To pick up your car, you will need your voucher, passport, driver's license and a credit card. It is very important that your driver's license and credit card are in the same name as the main driver. Keep in mind that the local rental company will reserve a certain amount on your credit card as a deposit. This requires the PIN code for your credit card. If your driver's license is foreign (for example, in Chinese), you must bring a translation with you. Only your original passport and driver's license will be accepted - a copy is not sufficient.
Are there any additional costs?
Our rates are all-inclusive. Our reservation department will inform you in advance should additional costs apply. You can always cancel your booking free of charge if you do not agree (this must be done at least 48 hours prior to the start of the car hire period).
What kind of insurance is applicable to my car rental?
In general, Liability Insurance, Fire Insurance, All-Risks Insurance and Theft Insurance are included in the cost of your rental car.
What is a worry-free label?
This label indicates that a rental car satisfies the following requirements: Unlimited kilometers, no excess liability (and no excess cover available), sustainable energy policy, and that the car rental company has a good reputation. Availability of cars satisfying these four requirements will speed up the selection of a suitable vehicle for you.
How can I change or cancel my reservation?
You can cancel your reservation through "My Account". We recommend contacting us by phone if your changes to your booking or cancellation takes place at short notice (48 hours or less).
When will I get a confirmation of my booking?
Most reservations will receive confirmation within minutes after payment takes place. We recommend contacting our Booking Department for last minute reservations (pick-up within 48 hours).
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