Stepping out off the plane at O.R. International near Johannesburg for an african city adventure...

Cosmopolitan. Culturally diverse. Interesting. Different. Pulsating. Johannesburg is all that. It is a city filled with people from every culture and race. It is a city of riches, rags, pulsating energy and lazy Sundays.

To find accommodation in and around Johannesburg is easy with all the online accommodation directories and travel agencies. Depending on what your budget is you can stay at a backpackers, B&B guesthouse, self catering accommodation or a hotel.Central areas in Johannesburg to stay in include:

Sandton (Hilton, Balalaika and Michaelangelo hotels), Rivonia, Melrose (Melrose Arch Hotel), Rosebank (The Don).

The inner city district, New Town, has a few boutique hotels - and is right on the doorstep of the cultural and tourist attractions of Johannesburg.

If you are planning to explore on your own and not with a tour group you can get around in a few different ways:

Hire a car from a car rental company - this will cost you from R220 for an entry level car and up to R500 for a luxury sedan per day. If you do opt to hire a car - remember to drive on the left side of the road and obeying the speed limit!

Taxi / cab - you have to pre book taxis and this will cost you R10 per kilometer! This is only advisable if you are not planning to travel extensively.

Traditional kombi / mini bus taxi - this is one of the most cost effective ways to get around, but only advisable if you are an adrenaline junkie! Taxi drivers are notorious for taking risks and not completely driving safely. However, if you are a bunch of friends you can book a mini bus taxi for a day and give strict instructions! · Bus - regular routes and time tables are kept to and bus fares are cheap. Bus routes to almost every part of Johannesburg are available - if you are patient enough.

Finding the hottest nightclubs in Johannesburg is a daunting task. The nightlife in Johannesburg constantly changes and re-invents itself. The hottest spot today, is yesterday's old news. Don't go out too early expecting to find a dancing crowd. The young (and young at heart) only start filtering into nightclubs after 10pm. You will however find them at restaurants and coctail lounge.

If however you would rather like to experience South African culture - you may rather want to see a play or African dancing group. Cultural experiences are best done in Soweto or inner city Johannesburg, New Town.

Whetever you are looking for - a gift, curio or something special, Johannesburg offers great shopping experiences to those that are willing to spend time looking around. Sandton offers you the usual range of stores while Rosebank has a African curio market where you can find handcrafted items.

When visiting Johannesburg and you don't know what to do, just call the local tourism information desk for brochures and recommendations.

PS. There are no wild animals in the streets!