Doing business
You’ll need an ‘in’ somewhere – South Africans are wary about doing business with people they don’t know well. If you’ve worked with a South African company before get a letter of intro-duction and even references. And once you’ve got to know people, expect plenty of friendliness. Matey behaviour abounds in the workplace, so get ready to banter. Sports events – and participation – can be a great icebreaker.

Cool hotel
For a touch of luxury, head for The Saxon in the northern suburb of Sandhurst – it’s a temple to top-end boutique opulence and all the things that come with it. If you need a recommendation, it’s where Nelson Mandela spent six months writing his autobiography. Rooms aren’t cheap, with prices from £300 per night, but if the budget’s there, spend it at The Saxon. See: www.thesaxon.com

Hip restaurant
Melville is Jo’Burg’s trendiest eating strip and comes with a bohemian, youthful attitude. Soulsa at 16 Seventh Street is fun and funky with separate day and night menus featuring great modern South African cooking.

Happening bar
Stick in Melville for a few drinks after your meal and head to the Berlin Bar, just up the road at 6 Seventh Street. This is the fashionable hangout in town with ultra-cool designs, retro furniture and great cocktails.

No-go area
Johannesburg doesn’t deserve such a poor reputation for safety -– just apply the usual common sense required in all cities and take taxis around the city at night.

Must-see sights
In the city and its environs, Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City are among the top attractions. Located in Newtown, in the heart of Jo’burg, Museum Africa helps visitors get a better understanding of the country’s past and present. It’s housed in the impressive old Bree Street fruit market, next to Market Theatre where there’s some great bars and restaurants. Further afield, go Big Five spotting at Kruger National Park – a good weekend excursion.

Getting downtown
Taxis and shuttle buses into Johannesburg operate from outside the international arrivals doors. Car rental companies, buses and coaches are also available, over the road from Terminal B. There is a bus shuttle and metered taxi terminal next to this, and they can be booked at the baggage-reclaim area.

The details
British passport holders visiting for less than three months do not require visas in advance, but travellers must have at least one totally blank page in their passport. Johannesburg is two hours ahead of the UK. Currency is the Rand:
£1=R14 (Dec ‘06). Contact: British High Commission, 255 Hill Street, Pretoria, South Africa; tel: +27 (0) 12 483 1200; see www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/southafrica.

Getting there
Travellers are not short of direct services to Johannesburg, with British Airways and South African Airways both operating twice-daily overnight services from London Heathrow and Virgin Atlantic flying a daily service, also overnight from Heathrow.

INSIDER’S TIP
“Johannesburg is the economic engine of South Africa. If you are looking towards the top end of the hotel market then The Michelangelo is the pick.

“You should also be aware that it often takes over an hour and a half to make the journey from the airport to the city centre. For fine dining, the Melville neigh-bourhood has the best selection of eateries, while the Melrose Arch quarter is quickly gaining in popularity as a leisure and dining destination.”
Rupert Lawlor, HRG, South Africa

Compiled by Tom Hall on behalf of Lonely Planet. www.lonelyplanet.com

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