“A million trees a city of gold” That’s what they say about Johannesburg. From this viewpoint you can almost count them.
Welcome to the Top of Africa. This isn’t just any viewpoint. It’s located on the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre. Africa’s tallest building for a time. It offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. Imagine the view. It’s simply spectacular.
The Carlton Centre opened in 1973. Back then it was a symbol of modern Africa. A five-star hotel once stood here. It hosted famous celebrities. Now it’s a vibrant hub of shops and offices. Still the views remain unsurpassed.
On a clear day you can see Pretoria the capital city. Believe it or not Johannesburg has more than a million trees. This makes it the world’s largest urban forest.
Look down. See the old mine dumps? They look like golden nuggets. This is Egoli the City of Gold. The gold rush in the late 1880s made Johannesburg what it is. It’s remarkable how this city grew from a gold rush. Now a global financial centre.
Notice something else? No river. No sea. Johannesburg is unique. It’s the only major city not built near a water source. The gold deposits were just too rich to ignore.
There’s an interesting exhibition here. Pictures tell the story of Mahatma Gandhi. His time in South Africa is part of the city’s history. A turbulent and complex past.
Take a moment to truly absorb this view. The urban sprawl. The lush greenery. A modern metropolis. A city rich in history and natural beauty. This is Johannesburg from above. A truly unforgettable experience.