Otherwise the dry climate of the African interior high-plateau, the Highveld, is dominant. Johannesburg gets an annual average of between eight and ten hours of sunshine per day. The weather only gets nasty in Johannesburg when the strong winds of August blow over the Highveld and the loose sands of the mine-dumps whirl through the air and cover the city in a yellow haze of dust. In Pretoria, about 60 km north of Johannesburg, it is always two or three degrees warmer due to the lower altitude of only 1365 metres above sea-level. (Usually a difference of 100 m in elevation corresponds to 1 degree Celsius difference in temperature.)

Hector Pieterson Memorial
Using old photographs and video, this museum tells the chilling story of the 1976 student uprisings against Afrikaans. The exhibit is stark, haunting and sure to leave you with chills down your spine. It's relatively safe to drive here on your own though directions are handy for the unmarked streets.

Market Theatre
A visit to the Market Theatre complex is a worthwhile way to immerse yourself in some South African culture. It's Johannesburg's most important venue for live theatre, and has been at the forefront of non-racial theatre since 1974. Some of the productions are outstanding. The complex has three theatres, a restaurant and bar and an art gallery.

Museum Africa
Founded in the 1930s, Museum Africa is now housed in the impressive old Bree St fruit market. The superb exhibition on the Treason Trials (1956-61), which featured most of the important figures in the 'new' South Africa, is a must-see for anyone seeking a better understanding of the country's recent history.

The 'Transformations' exhibition details the evolution of Jo'burg and includes a simulated descent into one of the gold mines. The Sophiatown display is outstanding. There's also a large collection of rock art, a geological museum, a display on Gandhi's time in Jo'burg and the Bensusan Museum of Photography, which charts the history of photography and has regular exhibitions by famous South African snappers.

Planetarium
A Jo'burg favorite, this planetarium has various cosmological programs that have been recommended by locals and travellers alike. If you're seeking more earthbound displays, arrange to tour 12 museum collections in the university, including collections of African art, anthropology, geology, palaeontology, music and zoology.

Johannesburg Dining
Johannesburg has some of the finest first-class restaurants in sub-Saharan Africa, equal to any major European or American city. International cuisine abounds but local South African food is becoming famous for its fresh, spicy and yet subtle flavours. Some old classics such as snoek, a pickled fish dish, is still popular, along with such delicacies as rock lobster served with either lemon butter or in a French souffle South African wine, now world renowned, will compliment any meal, not only for its fresh taste but also its variety, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Burgundy.

Johannesburg Tipping Advice
Tipping is expected for many services in South Africa, things that perhaps you would take for granted at home. Almost all petrol stations in the country use attendants who expect around two or three ZAR. In restaurants, waiters usually receive about 10 percent according to the quality of the service, unless a gratuity is included in your bill. Barmen should be tipped around 10 percent, this applies also to hairdressers, taxi drivers and tour guides. Hotel porters expect about three ZAR, and maids about 20 ZAR or so per week.