Sandton, Gauteng

Sandton, in the Province of Gauteng, South Africa is situated 15 km outside of Johannesburg City Centre. This unique town reigns as the most important business and financial district in South Africa and possibly the Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sandton has a Manhattan-style skyline with spectacular skyscrapers that act as landmarks throughout Johannesburg. The most famous being the Sandton City Pyramid Rooftop which draws many a wealthy tourist to shop. Nelson Mandela Square is situated in this shopping centre and is a cascade of restaurants alongside each other. It is here the wealthy locals and tourists alike are found on a daily basis, visiting art galleries, movies, theatres, coffee shops, restaurants, expos, conventions, pubs and clubs.

Places to Visit

Things to do and see:

• Sandton City & Sandown Village Mall Shopping Centres
• Hyundai Sky Park (Mushroom Park)
• Nelson Mandela Square & Statue
• Sci-Bono Discovery Centre – Educational
• Newtown Cultural Precinct
• Apartheid Museum
• South Western Soweto Township Tours
• Gold Reef City Casino & Entertainment
• Monte Casino Bird Park
• SAB World of Beer
• Lion Park
• Johannesburg Zoo

Tourists can find every type of accommodation, from luxury internationally renowned hotels on Sandton City’s doorstep such as the Michealangelo to an array of Guest Houses and B&B’s in Sandton and surrounding suburbs.

Climate

Johannesburg, said to offer one of the worlds’ best climates, has warm, wind free summer days and crisp clear winter afternoons.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 12˚C and 26˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 3˚C and 19˚C.

Transport

There are Domestic and International flights into Johannesburg’s O R Tambo Airport and Lanseria Airport on a daily basis. The Gautrain travels directly into Sandton and is the quickest way to commute. Taxis, Hotel transfers and car rental companies are available for easy access around the area.

Festivals

May – The Wine Show: Offerring wine makers and consumers an extraordinary experience.

September – Joburg Art Fair: The best in contemporary African Art and design.

September – Taste of Joburg: Joburg’s top restaurants join together to serve their signature dishes.

October/November – Photo & Film Expo: Africa’s leading photographic show.

More festivals can be attended in the surrounding areas of Johannesburg, including Pretoria.

History

The Sandton municipality was originally established as an extension of Johannesburg City in 1969, after Johannesburg was expanding northwards. Sandton was a rural development consisting mainly of small holdings and was known as the “Mink and Manure” belt of Johannesburg because it was seen as the area where the wealthier, “horsey” families lived.

In the 1990’s, Sandton became the new financial district of South Africa after corporate offices had or were moving out of Johannesburg City Centre at a rapid speed due to high crime and disrepair of the city centre.

Most of the “new money” has moved to Sandton including financial consultants, investment banks and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.