Every year we look back at the previous year's traffic to our website to see what you searched for the most. There are some attractions which without fail garner attention at the same rate each year - China Mall and Gold Reef City Theme Park we’re looking at you, and then as happened last year some new stars such as The Playground Market which launched in January 2022 and Nirox Sculpture Park, that returned with a bang post-Covid.
Read on for the Joburg attractions that you kept coming back in 2022, and for our insights into why they might have grabbed so much attention.
China Mall
There are a plethora of cross-border traders in Joburg, with the city being one of the main hubs for trade in Southern Africa. Few places give an idea of the scale of this than our many China Malls where you can get almost anything at wholesale prices. Add to that Joburgers’ penchant for a good deal and it means China Mall is consistently one of our most visited pages.Gold Reef City
You would think that staying in Joburg can be enough of a thrill already with the city’s unpredictable undulations, but apparently this isn’t as Gold Reef City Theme Park makes it back onto the list for 2022’s most popular attractions. Noisy, fast and in your face, it reflects Joburg’s energetic nature and a high tolerance for unpredictability.Maboneng
Since its inception in 2009, Maboneng’s ever changing landscape keeps our audience coming back to check what's happening and new, and keeps it one of our top clicked on pages. With an initial focus on the arts, Maboneng has shifted more towards the nightlife scene. This doesn’t mean Maboneng no longer has exciting cultural attractions. David Krut Projects Gallery, the Centre for the Less Good Idea and many of Joburg’s best graffiti artists still call it home.
Kwa Mai Mai
Just a short walk away from Maboneng, Kwa Mai Mai, or Ezinyangeni (the place of healers), is the most established muthi market in Joburg. In 2022 it garnered much attention as visitors to our site wanted to know what to expect, and perhaps wanted to get a little extra help getting through the year from one of the sangomas who ply their trade there. We imagine many visitors just wanted to feast on great street food, and also shop the wide range of African plants and ingredients.Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge and Kings Kloof Trails
We certainly needed some time off in 2022 to make sense of what was a turbulent year and it seems that most of Joburg felt the same way. The evidence is in the two idyllic spots in nature that made the list. A short trip out the city Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge and Kings Kloof Trails make for a perfect weekend escape.
Diamond Walk
Joburg’s love of bling and money is no secret. The Diamond Walk in Sandton embodies this best, with some of the world's most luxury designer-brands. We think there are plenty of more exciting spaces in Joburg to visit, but if you’re looking to burn some cash, Diamond Walk is the place to go.Zoo Lake Swimming Pool
One thing we can count on as the summer heat slowly starts to build is that our pages on Joburg’s pools will see a steady increase in clicks. Most popular amongst these was the Zoo Lake Swimming Baths, a swimming pool attracting a mix of casual and serious swimmers, popular too its delightful grassy banks. For other pools to cool off in, see our guide to Joburg’s swimming pools here.Wild Waters
If Joburg had an ocean there would be just about no reason to need to leave this city. Thankfully, Wild Waters in Boksburg makes for a pretty decent substitute in this landlocked city. Now don’t forget your sunscreen and hats.Nirox Sculpture Park
We were rather glad that Nirox made the list as its one of our favourite spaces in Joburg for how it merges two things we can’t get enough of in Joburg: culture and nature. If you haven’t visited Nirox already, it makes a lovely day trip, and they host regular concerts and exhibitions.
The Playground Market
A newcomer in 2022, The Playground Market quickly surged in popularity for its Saturday market of food, music and clothes, as well as the pop-ups held in Braamfontein and its surrounds. We’re glad to see The Playground cement its spot, as the plans for this part of Braam, led by Play Braamfontein, sure look exciting.Now that you’ve caught up on 2022’s most popular attractions, find out which of our articles kept you reading in 2022 here.
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