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CCuriocity Backpackers offers accommodation for those travellers seeking an authentic downtown Johannesburg experience. Central to this are volunteer projects and inner-city walking tours.
Johannesburg’s CBD is home to many young entrepreneurs who have become part of the inner city’s regeneration, looking to make it one of the country’s most sought-after tourism destinations. One of these is Bheki Dube, founder and managing director of Curiocity Backpackers.
Situated in the Maboneng Precinct – a centre of creativity and commerce in the heart of Johannesburg – Curiocity is the choice of backpackers who want to experience Jo’burg by mingling with the locals and going on fascinating walking tours, among other attractions.
The popular Maboneng Precinct itself is a tourist’s dream, filled with art galleries, studios, restaurants, coffee bars and creative workspaces.
The seed for Curiocity Backpackers was planted during a trip to Durban in 2011, when Dube put to the test his photography qualification by taking portraits of backpackers in that city as a personal project. A year later, a chance meeting with Jonathan Liebmann, founder of development company Propertuity, led to what now is Curiocity Backpackers.
‘Curiocity Backpackers is different from other businesses because we strive to offer an authentic Johannesburg experience – as it is, and not from a distance,’ says Dube. ‘We do this by introducing tourists to the community, through volunteer projects people can take part in while on their stay, and through walks around every part of Jo’burg.’
And there is so much for tourists to do in this part of the city – the surrounding area buzzes with entertainment in the form of restaurants, bars, cinemas, pop-up theatres, art galleries and nightclubs.
Dube sings Maboneng’s praises: ‘It’s situated in a vital part of Jo’burg’s history and heritage, a place once classified as dangerous. We have changed that entire perspective; the area now is an urban space where entrepreneurs are given a platform to become whatsoever they dream.’
His other business venture, Mainstreetwalks, takes tourist around the city, starting from Maboneng Precinct, navigating within and around the city of Johannesburg.
‘Walking around and mixing with locals is the best way of discovering Johannesburg,’ he says.
And Curiocity Backpackers gives you the chance to do just that.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Curiocity Backpackers
Tel: +27 (0)11 614 0163
Email: info@curiocitybackpackers.com
How to get here
Curiocity Backpackers is situated at 302 Fox Street, Johannesburg. Check the listed website for detailed directions.
Around the area
Galleries and retail shops at nearby Arts on Main. Restaurants at Maboneng. The Carlton Centre and the Newtown Cultural Precinct, which houses the world-famous Market Theatre, are also nearby.
Get around
Walking tours or cycling tours.
What will it cost
Dorms cost R180 per person per night (female-only dormitories are available). Private rooms (sleep 2) cost R575 per night with a shared bathroom; R750 per night with an en-suite bathroom. Prices as at May 2019; subject to change.
What to pack
Don’t forget your camera so that you can document your trip. Sunscreen or a hat is advised outdoors on the Highveld all year round.
What to eat
There are several restaurants, offering a wide range of cuisines, in the Maboneng precinct.
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