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What used to be a humble farm land in South Africa is now its largest city, Johannesburg. Johannesburg was founded in an area called the Witwatersrand, which takes its name from the white water springs found there. Beneath all that was gold and it was only in 1886 that George Harrison discovered it. He sold his gold claim for just GBP10, not knowing that someday, it would be a place of gold. Today, the city of Johannesburg has become New York's sister city. Since the year 1886, it has been one of the best and one of the worst cities in the world. In 1996, the city of Johannesburg celebrated its centenary, marking the 20th year after an uprising by the students of Soweto. This is a defining moment in the history of the country. It has changed the socio and political status of South Africa since then. The gold discovered in Johannesburg's mud made way for a thorough economic, political, and social reform for the country. When the first democratic elections were held in 1994, it was the dawn of Johannesburg and South Africa as well.
Johannesburg has a lot of attractions in store for any type of traveler. There are museums, galleries, parks, and gardens among many other places of interest. Know more about some of the top attractions to visit while you're in Johannesburg, South Africa. Johannesburg features numerous museums and galleries that tourists will find very interesting. For one, there is the Museum Afrika which is a Newtown Cultural Precinct that lets you explore South Africa's history in terms of its social, political, economic, and geological aspects. On the other hand, there is the Workers Museum in Newtown that tells us the story of how the workers of this land built this city to what it is today. Just near the Gold Reef City is where you'll find the Apartheid Museum. Here you can explore the apartheid era of South Africa. The Bensusuan Museum of Photography is along Bree Street in Newtown as well. There's also the Adler Museum of Medicine along York Road in the town of Parktown. Here you'll discover the different stories of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and optometry among other related sciences. Last but not least is the SA Museum of Military History. It features a rich collection of military archives and artifacts, as well as research resources. This museum is located near the Johannesburg Zoo. Apart from the numerous museums available, Johannesburg is blooming with natural resources that you can enjoy. If you want a free activity to do in the city, a simple stroll along the lush gardens and beautiful parks will definitely satisfy you. The city of Johannesburg is known to be planted in the largest man-made forest around the globe. There you'll find over 6 million trees and numerous birds chirping as you explore the forest. Try going to the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve which is just a mere five minutes away from the city. There's also the Johannesburg Botanic Gardens at Emmerentia. Of course, don't forget to visit the Johannesburg Zoo. The place will make you think and feel like you were in a jungle. The zoo also has the only two polar bears in the whole continent of Africa.
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