Gold Reef City is an amusement park located south of Johannesburg's Central Business District, right off the M1 in South Africa. Built on an old gold mine that closed in 1971, this historic destination is themed around the famous 1886 Witwatersrand gold rush, featuring period-style architecture designed to mimic that era. When you visit, you will find a wide variety of attractions suited for all kinds of travelers.
Thrill-seekers can brave famous roller coasters, including the Anaconda—the world's only Giovanola inverted coaster—and the intense Tower of Terror, which features a vertical drop into an old mineshaft and reaches a massive 6.3 g-force. Additional rides include the Jozi Express, Golden Loop, Raging River Rapids, and the Giant Wheel. Beyond the rides, you can explore the Gold Reef City Casino or spend time at the Apartheid Museum located on the same site.
You can also visit a dedicated gold mining museum to see a real gold-containing ore vein and watch gold being poured into barrels. Note that due to rising acidic mine water reported in 2013, underground mine tours were temporarily halted, moving museum displays 80m aboveground. Gold Reef City offers a unique mix of history and excitement.
What to see at Gold Reef City
- Ride the Anaconda, the world's only Giovanola inverted coaster
- Plunge into an old mineshaft on the Tower of Terror roller coaster
- Watch gold poured into barrels at the on-site gold mining museum
- Explore the historic Apartheid Museum located on the grounds
- Enjoy classic attractions like the Giant Wheel and Gold Reef City Casino
Visiting tips
Visit the aboveground gold mining museum on the grounds to view a genuine gold-containing ore vein and see gold being poured into barrels.
How long: Half to full day · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Gold Reef City is easy to reach on Johannesburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Johannesburg Art Gallery. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Johannesburg travel guide.
See the full Johannesburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.