Friday, December 17, 2010

Johannesburg – a great place for those seeking LGBT pursuits

‘Queer Johannesburg’ tours

These run by Gay and Lesbian Archives (Gala) are the guided tours of Johannesburg which are efforts of such associations to reveal the vast and diverse homosexual heritage of the city to its visitors. The city offers all the necessary trappings if you are seeking Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) pursuits. So if you are planning a trip to the city then you must know that although flights to Johannesburg operate from all major UK airports, one should book them much in advance to grab cheaper fares.

LGBT – Places of Interest in Johannesburg

Begin your tour of Johannesburg by exploring the life of gay & lesbians in Soweto Township that has a sizeable population of homosexuals who are open about their sexual preferences. The next stop in your Johannesburg tour should be Hillbrow that serves as the hub for the homosexual community in Johannesburg. One can find small flats in this township where gay & lesbians lead independent, worry-free lives away from the stifling conditions at home. Continue your guided tour of South Africa and visit gay bars & churches dedicated exclusively to the homosexual community. Do include a trip to the Constitution Hill in your itinerary, an infamous prison which housed famous personalities like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Those suspected of practicing homosexuality found themselves behind the bars of this dark prison, a century ago. Thankfully gays & lesbians have equal rights under the present Constitution instituted in 1994 after the end of the Apartheid era.

General Places of Interest in Johannesburg

While in Soweto, you can also visit the Hector Pietersen Memorial that was built in the memory of a teenager, Hector who died along with several other youngsters in the famous Soweto uprising in 1976. Take a peek into history by visiting the ‘Cradle of Humankind’, a collection of stalactite caves consisting of pre-historic human fossils, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buy interesting items like African masks, baskets, wooden carvings & collectibles from Johannesburg Art & Craft markets that can serve as the perfect souvenirs for your loved ones back home. To explore more shopping and entertainment options visit the glitzy malls and multiplexes of Johannesburg that offer some interesting options. If it is some fun and adventure you are looking for, then a trip to the Gold Reef City is a must.

Have a fantastic trip to South Africa & if you do not mind a bit of cold weather then you can easily find some really cheap flights to Johannesburg during winters that will help you make the most of your travel budget. Wishing you a very happy journey!!

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