We will miss our connecting flight to Maun by 20 minutes so we will be spending the day in Johannesburg (March 16). Any thoughts on what to do for the day? We're staying at an airport hotel (Intercontinental). I've heard about a rhino/lion reserve nearby. Are there tours there? Is it like a zoo? Any thoughts appreciated!

The lion park is not the greatest place to go to kill a day. I find it to be a disgusting experience. I wouldn't preceed the wilds of Botswana with the tame game experience at all.

With a day at your disposal I suggest a tour of the apartheid museum and if you are fascinated enough by archeology, then a trip out the cradle of mankind would be worth the drive and the hours.

Top that off with some fine dining and early to bed and you should be in top gear for Botswana.

Tours are available for those areas too. There is a character whose friend talks to lions and things, he might run a minivan up that way for you. Otherwise the concierge desk at the hotel should be able to assist. When I last stayed at the IC they shuttled me to and fro.

Hi loru

I agree wth mkhonzo 100%. That park is like a zoo, not a real game reserve. The Apartheid museum and Cradle of Humankind are fascinating!

You could try a tour of Soweto. I'm told it's worthwhile (by friends who have done it) so we are considering it for our next visit.

John

Thats true Afrigalah. Let me know if you need a guide, I know a great guy, but the hotel should also be able to assist.

I am in Johannesburg in June 2007 and would like to see soweto and the apartheid museum. Does the guy work for a tour company? I would love some more info on this guy.

Thanks very much for the replies. I had a feeling it was like a zoo (which is not at all what I want to see...not a big fan of zoos!) Could the apartheid museum and cradle of humankind be done in a day? Thanks again!

We had 1 day in Joburg, so I consulted Selwyn.The guide he recommended, Cathy Milton , was excellent.You might ask Selwyn for her e-mail.We mainly toured Soweto and it was an eye opener.Good luck on your tripl

Yup, Selwyn knows all the good people.
You can also try a guy called Muzi . He is a great guy. Not sure, is it ok to post his number here?

You could do both in a day, I would suggest an early start as the drive out to sterkfontein could be a traffic challenge.

do the museum in the afternoon.

There are probably a number of reputable Soweto tour people, but I started my enquiries at www.soweto.co.za

John

Soweto would be my choice.
Ask your agent or the hotel. I just booked the trip from the airport hotel.