This is the largest city of South Africa, located in the country’s northern highlands. Like the rest of this country, Jo’burg is a fusion of several cultures, ethnicities and languages.

I visited here in 2021 and also 2024 in different seasons. As the older “downtown” area is now mostly derelict, modern business and lifestyle hubs have sprawled out in gated suburbs to maintain their levels of safety and comfort. One of these areas called Sandton features some lavish shopping malls, business parks, and the famous Mandela Square with a tribute statue to the late leader by that name – let’s start the photo tour from here:

My hotel was in another such gated acommunity known as Melrose Arch, and the area is quite vibrant with nice outdoor restaurants and walkways. I took some pictures here by night and you’ll see lots of lighted Christmas decorations all around given the timing of my visit.