I have always wanted to go on adventures. I love the idea of traveling and exploring different places—there’s so much to do and so many beautiful places to see. It’s my dream to travel the world, and I have a list of places I would love to visit, both local and international. The best way to live that dream is to start where I can, and one of the places I’ve always wanted to visit was Johannesburg. I’d heard so much about Johannesburg and had seen the stunning gems people post online. It immediately caught my attention, and I decided it was time to take a vacation there. And I did exactly that.
I planned everything out—from accommodation and transportation to activities and food—making sure it all fit within my budget. It wasn’t a lot, but it was enough for my five-day adventure in Johannesburg. Once everything was sorted, I packed my bags, headed to the bus station, boarded the bus, and off I went from Polokwane to my Johannesburg getaway, which turned out to be nothing short of amazing.
From the moment I arrived, I could feel a buzz in the air. Johannesburg is vibrant, full of energy, and overflowing with things to see and do. The reality of being there sunk in: “A village girl in the city!” I checked into my Airbnb, and to my surprise, I was staying on the 23rd floor—imagine that! It felt a bit too high for me because I had to use the elevator every time I went out, and elevators can be scary at times. But the stairs weren’t an option either, especially on the day when there was no electricity in the building, and I had to use the stairs—it wasn’t a fun experience. Nevertheless, the view from up there was beautiful and refreshing.
After settling in, I went out to buy food but didn’t have any activities planned for the first day. I just wanted to arrive, settle down, and rest.
Day 2: I Experienced a Day of Thrills and Fun at Gold Reef City
The next day, the plan was to go to Gold Reef City, the first activity of the trip. I went there with my little sister and my partner, and we had already bought our tickets online. It was my first time at Gold Reef City. As I walked in and saw all those rides in person, I was surrounded by the sounds of roller coasters, laughter, and the occasional scream from thrill-seekers.
I tried my first ride, the Anaconda. I didn’t know what to expect; I wasn’t terrified at first, and I was so excited. Once I got on and they strapped me in, the ride started, and I felt both exhilarated and terrified. Then came the first drop—oh my gosh, it was terrifying! It made me understand why people were screaming and crying. But by the end, I couldn’t stop laughing, and I swear there was a moment when I almost passed out. There was so much going on, and I loved every minute of it.
After that, I moved to the next ride. As I waited in line, the anticipation built up in my chest. The first ride had shaken me a bit, but I was ready for more. The next ride, the Runaway Train, was fun and less terrifying compared to the Anaconda. Then came the Raging River Rapids.
The last ride was the Log Ride, and after this one, I couldn’t take it anymore. Its final drop was scary; I screamed my lungs out until I got splashed with water to cool down. Trust me, they knew what they were doing by adding the splash—it’s necessary! It instantly wakes you up if you were about to pass out.
Whew! Gold Reef City really knew how to deliver an adrenaline rush! It was totally worth it. I had so much fun, and it was a much-needed visit. I will definitely go back again. This should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Johannesburg.
Day 3: I Took a Walk Through the Beautiful Mall of Africa
Day three was spent at the Mall of Africa—and wow, what an experience! While the size and variety of shops were impressive, my main focus that day was on the food. I headed straight to the food court section because I love good food. The place was bustling with people, and the aroma of different cuisines filled the air.
I decided to have lunch at RocoMamas, known for its delicious burgers and milkshakes. I couldn’t resist diving into one of their signature burgers, and it was every bit as satisfying as I had hoped.
But my food adventure didn’t end there. After lunch, I made my way to Elan Café for drinks and dessert. The ambiance was chic and inviting, providing the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day. I treated myself to a refreshing drink and a sweet dessert that felt like the ideal indulgence to complete my visit. The café’s calm, elegant vibe was a wonderful contrast to the lively food court area.
Though my trip to the Mall of Africa was brief and focused solely on the food court, I’ll definitely be back to explore more!
Day 4: Dinner at a Beautiful Bedfordview Restaurant—Fireroom
To wrap up my trip, I visited a stunning restaurant called Fireroom in Bedfordview. The ambiance was elegant, with a serene view that perfectly matched the peaceful atmosphere of my final activity in Johannesburg.
I started with Sushi on Fire, which I would easily rate 10/10—it was phenomenal. Alongside that, I enjoyed a glass of wine, crispy chicken bao buns, and dim sum gao (steamed dumplings), all of which were delicious. Every bite was a delight. The staff was incredibly friendly, adding to the warmth of the evening. This dinner was the perfect way to end an unforgettable experience.
Day 5: Savoring the Last Moments in Johannesburg
On my last day in Johannesburg, I decided to take things slow. After an action-packed trip, I welcomed a quiet, chilled morning. I spent some time simply enjoying the beautiful view from my Airbnb, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past few days.
Later in the day, I ventured out to Johannesburg’s CBD. The place was as busy and chaotic as I had imagined, with cars honking, people moving in every direction, and the constant hum of city life. It was overwhelming at first, trying to navigate the crowded streets, but there was something captivating about it all—the organized chaos, the energy, and the rhythm of the city.
Despite the commotion, I managed to do some mini shopping, picking up a few items to remind me of my trip. With my bags in hand, I eventually made my way back to the calm of my Airbnb, feeling a mix of exhaustion and fulfillment. It was the perfect way to wrap up my five-day adventure in Johannesburg—soaking in the last moments of this vibrant, bustling city before heading back home.
The Day of Departure—Final Reflections
This trip wasn’t just a vacation—it was my first real personal adventure. Johannesburg gave me a taste of excitement, a sense of discovery, and a deeper appreciation for stepping out of my daily routine. From the adrenaline rush at Gold Reef City to the peaceful moments at the Bedfordview Fireroom restaurant, this experience taught me that there’s so much more to life when we embrace new places and new moments.
As I took the bus back home, I couldn’t help but reflect on how important it is to take time out for yourself, to explore, and to push your boundaries. My vacation was everything I hoped it would be, and more. I’m super grateful for the experience.
