Why hello Gautrain (Kaoo/Gao Train) - the long awaited train system in Johannesburg no doubt comes with a huge applause in a city where traffic is a growing problem. The Gautrain project (an 80-kilometre mass rapid transit railway system) is not complete however ahead of the World cup, the link between the Airport and Sandton (Johannesburg's commercial hub based in the northern suburbs) has been set up.
3 cheers for Gautrain!~!~!
Today, is its first official day in operations and here's hoping to a wonderful and successful story in its name. The trip between the airport and Sandton will set you back approximately 12 minutes ($12 US fare one way) compared to a drudging drive in a rental car of up to 45 minutes in peak traffic.
For more information go to: http://www.gautrain.co.za/
So what about Sandton - is it a safe city? Hell yeah! Sandton has to be one of the most beautiful commercial cities in South Africa and the Gautrain station has been situated ideally on the famous 5th street playing neighbour to the famous Nelson Mandel Square, The Sandton City Shopping Mall, The Sandton Inter-continental Hotels, The Sandton Convention Centre, The Raphael hotel suites and The Michaelangelo Hotel suites.
A picture of Fifth Street and Sandton City
A bit advice for our tourists: When anywhere in Johannesburg, do be street smart, dont talk on the cellphone while walking on the street, try your best to trade in the local currency or by visa cards, dont ask people on the road for directions and use the official transport systems allocated (Johannesburg boasts a great bus system and more recently, an equally good private cab service that will cost you though).
On the upside, you will love Jo'burgers, the cuisine, the hotels, the sunsets, or a drive to the Lost city and its few other gem amneties.