It’s hard to believe there’s anything else to do in Jozi besides shop. If you’re not native to Jozi, it’s difficult to avoid the jungle of malls. They’re just so easily accessible and anything else seems like too much effort. So here’s a quick and easy guide on what to do.

Go for a walk. Seriously, a walk in the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is a glorious thing to do when you’d like to escape the confines of two metre-high walls and electric fencinng. There are many walking paths in the gardens, taking you through 300-hectares of both landscaped and natural veld areas, all set against the awesome Witpoortjie waterfall. For the animal lover in you, there are the naturally occurring birds, reptiles and small mammals to check out.

But if you aren’t into nature, how about skiing? It might not snow in South Africa but that’s no issue when there’s fake snow to ski on, even if the mercury is in the 30s. The Ski Club of SA offers lessons for the beginner on a very realistic carpet of snow, where you can ski or snowboard anytime of the year.

Newtown is another place to enjoy no matter the season. It’s the hippest place to be and you don’t need to be one of those intimidating but laughably trendy mall people to enjoy it. Newtown is a hub of culture and has become the most interesting part of the city centre in recent years. Its revamp is continuous and exciting. If you’re looking to be jazzed up there’s the famous Kippies, for theatre lovers there’s the Market Theatre, for chilling Nikki’s Oasis and Couch & Coffee offer great brews and comfy chairs.
 
For something really different, how about a stroll down the ‘muti capital’ of Jozi?  The Mai Mai market buzzes with traditional herbs, healers and tourists eager to see the sangomas in action. Neglected for many years this place is finally getting its groove back, thanks to the recent constructions and dedication to turn the ‘muti capital’ into a prime tourist attraction.  Even if you’re not looking for your future to be divined, the Mai Mai market might cure your restlessness.

If you’re still unsettled with the above ground stuff, you can amuse yourself underground. The West Rand is rich with dolomite caves. From Muldersdrift to Sterkfontein to the Swartkrantz caves. Explore with the help of Wild Cave Adventures or Living on the Edge, as you abseil or wriggle your way down the caves. If you’re not into plunging then the nearby Wonder Cave comes with a lift for a lazy descent.

So, there is more to do than just shopping in Jozi after all.