Best Tourist Places to Visit in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Africa
Midrand is one of the major localities of the largest city of South Africa, Johannesburg. It falls under the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, located between the towns of Sandton and Centurion, in the Gauteng province. Midrand headquarters the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Pan-African Parliament and also houses Gallagher Estate, South Africa’s largest conference centre and Nizamiye Mosque, one of the largest mosques in South Africa.
Midrand is geographically positioned between 25°59′57″ S latitude and 28°7′35″ E longitude and spans over an area of 152.87 sq. km. Like the rest of Johannesburg, Midrand experiences a subtropical highland climate.
History of Midrand:
Midrand was founded as a municipality in the year 1981, but it no longer held municipality title as it became a part of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in 2000. The Midrand Graduate Institute is a new addition to Midrand’s education sector, joined in 2012.
How to get Midrand?
Midrand is catered by the OR Tambo International Airport, situated around 35 km away from Midrand. The airport operates flights to many global cities, including Mumbai, New York, London, Frankfurt and Singapore.
There are buses frequently plying between all the suburbs of Johannesburg, including Midrand. To move within the city, airport travel and sightseeing proposes, visitors can hire taxi or rental cars at the local travel agency. Advance booking can be done to hire cars and bikes.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Midrand:
The Gallagher Estate is the focal point of Midrand’s culture, used for regular cultural activities, for both local and international concerts.
Shops are dozens in number in Midrand and some tourist favor hotels in Midrand include:
- Thava Indian Restaurant
- La Fiorentina
- Midrand Adega
Things to do in Midrand:
- Soweto Tours
- Mashaba Tours & Transfers
- Skiing
What to see in Midrand?
Gallagher Convention Centre:
Being the largest conference centre of South Africa, the Gallagher Convention Centre is one of the identities of Midrand. It was constructed on the location of former Laerskool/Primary School Halfway House and is home to the Pan-African Parliament. It witnessed the Miss World 2009 Grand Coronation Night.
Nizamiye Mosque:
The Nizamiye Mosque is one of the largest mosques of South Africa, featuring the classical Turkish style of architecture. The mosque was built with a substantial contribution of the Turkish-born construction magnate, Ali Katircioglu.
Lory Park:
The Lory Park is situated at 181, Kruger Road in Midrand and is a perfect spot for those who are fond of birds. The park houses a wide range of animals, including white lions, jaguars, tigers and big cats. It will be an amazing experience for visitors.
StokeCity Wake Park:
Located at Cnr R562 & Olifantsfontein Road in Glen Austin, Midrand, the StokeCity Wake Park is a cable tow wakeboard park, offering different thrilling activities, including skiing. Entrance fee is R30 and game price starts from R150/one hour.
Grand Central Airport:
The Grand Central Airport is a small airport, receiving flights occasionally but it is allowed for visitors 24 hours of the day. It is situated few kilometers away from the heart of Midrand, can be reached by bus or rental car.
Other places of interest in and around Midrand include:
- The Apartheid Museum
- Chérie De Villiers Gallery
- James Hall Museum of Transport
- Ferreira’s Mine
- Gold Reef City
- Montecasino Bird Gardens
- Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
- Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
- Lesedi Cultural Village
- Lion Park
- Constitution Hill
- Absa Money Museum
When to visit Midrand?
Midrand is a year round destination, though the tour of Midrand can be experienced between May and August when the weather remains in condition.
Where to stay in Midrand?
As a part of the global city Johannesburg, Midrand owns opulence hospitality industry with a plenty of high-class hotels with world class amenities. Some well known and tourist friendly hotels in Midrand include:
- Premier Hotel Midrand
- Protea Hotel Samrand
- Protea Hotel Midrand
- SUN1 Midrand
- Pfamoni Executive Accommodation
- Ever Fare Lodge
- African Footprints Lodge
- Blue Hills Lodge
- Ipe Tombe Guest Lodge
- The Celtis Manor GuestHouse
- By Bush Telegraph Lodge
- Bag End Guest House B&B
- Tuareg Guest House
- Midrand Wild Goose B&B
- Constantia Hotel Midrand