Experience Johannesburg, South Africa with a Local.

Meet Clive

To bring you the best experience when traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa we decided to interview Clive Matthews.

Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?

My name is Clive Matthews and I am the owner/manager of - JOZI EXPERIENCE - a local city tour operator offering personalised/alternative tours/experiences of Johannesburg, South Africa. I also own an African textile/tradional cloth import/export operation - SANKOFAFRIKA. I am a 56 year old South African.

When do you recommend travelers visit your location?

I would recommend tourism to Johannesburg, South Africa all year round. Our “winter” season is from May - September, however this is our “dry” season, cold, but with beautiful sunny days. “Summer” is from approx. October/November - April, hot summer days, with occassional thunder storms in the afternoon. It will be a “must” for all football fans to visit Johannesburg from 11 June 2010 - the “kickoff” of the 2010 FIFA World Cup (Football/Soccer), with Johannesburg as the host city.

How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?

JOZI EXPERIENCE was born from the idea of offering travellers to Johannesburg, South Africa the opportunity of experiencing the city - Jozi, (as it is affectionately known to Johannesburgers) as a resident/citizen of Johannesburg would. No big city tour buses, no tour groups of 20-30 persons stepping all over you. We offer a guide/driver and private vehicles. We are therefore able to offer our travellers the “most” personalised African City tours ever.

What are several very special places or things to do which locals love but most travelers don’t know about?

One of the tours that a tourist should experience is to Soweto on the border of Johannesburg. Soweto (short for South Western Township) and her people, was pivotal in the stuggle during the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s for a truly Democratic South Africa. We can offer a personalised day tour to - Hector Pietersen Memorial Museum, Nelson Mandela’s “old” house in Vilikazi Street, the Regina Mundi Cathedral, lunch at one of the many truly vibrant Sowetan eating places - Wandies and of course after lunch a visit to the Walter Sisulu Square (Freedom Square). For those travellers who are into the “arts” we will arrange a visit to Sowetan Art Galleries, for those interested in music we will arrange a visit to a “live music event”, and for those travellers who want to stay over in Soweto for a truly awesome Soweto by night experience, we use “Phaphama Initiatives” a non profit organisation, who assist the community of Soweto.

What local foods or drinks should travelers be sure to try?

When in Johannesburg, South Africa, a visit to a local eating house is a must. “For the more daring diner, South Africa offers culinary challenges ranging from crocodile sirloins to fried caterpillars to sheep heads. All three are reputed to be delicious.For the not-quite so brave, there are myriad indigenous delicacies such as biltong (dried, salted meat), bobotie (a much-improved version of Shepherd’s pie) and boerewors (hand-made farm sausages, grilled on an open flame).Those who prefer to play it altogether safe will find that most eateries offer a familiar global menu - anything from hamburgers to sushi to pad thai to spaghetti bolognaise. And you can drink the tap water.”

Is there anything else we forgot to ask that you’d like add?

In summing up, Johannesburg is a modern cosmopolitan global city oozing with African charm, culture, cuisine and hospitality. Do not be deterred from visiting Johannesburg because of “security” reasons. JOZI EXPERIENCE was conceived taking into account the security of its’ clientele that is why we also maket ourselves as not only tour operators, and tour guides but also as “travel companions”.

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