Midrand is located in the Johannesburg metropolis in Gauteng and is part of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Midrand is a thriving business hub and is home to huge factories as well as offices. It is also one of the fastest growing...more
Midrand is located in the Johannesburg metropolis in Gauteng and is part of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Midrand is a thriving business hub and is home to huge factories as well as offices. It is also one of the fastest growing municipal areas in South Africa and is one of the eight tourism nodes in the Johannesburg area. Muslim visitors should be aware that they will be able to locate Muslim-friendly facilities like mosques and Halal food in Midrand.
There are several things that visitors can do and see in and around Midrand. In fact, Midrand shares numerous attractions with nearby Johannesburg. Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary in Midrand is a must-visit when with kids. The sanctuary is considered a boutique zoo and is home to a fabulous selection of birds and animals. Human and animal interaction is encouraged here, therefore giving visitors the unique opportunity to get up-close and personal with the animals. This child-friendly attraction will prove to be a fun day out with the whole family.
Another attraction ideal for those with kids is the Glen Austin Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to a diverse selection of vibrant birds like Crimson Breasted Shrikes, Black Cuckoo Shrike, Bru Bru Shrikes, Helmeted Guinea Fowl and many others. Here visitors will get the chance to observe the birds in their beautiful natural surroundings.
Those visiting Midrand must also visit the popular Gecko Jewellers World of Gemstones. There are guided tours offered here; of an underground gemstone mine. Visitors get to learn more about different gems and also get the chance to see beautiful African gemstones being sorted and polished. Visitors will also get to browse through a variety of magnificent loose gemstones as well as collectibles.
While in Midrand, the Nizamiye Turkish Masjid is definitely worthy of a visit. With a dome that is 32 metres high, the mosque is impossible to miss. There are guided tours that visitors can take of the beautiful mosque, which is known for its stunning classical Turkish architecture. The marble columns, gorgeous courtyards and fountains found here, along with its similarity to the popular Selimiye Camii mosque in Turkey, make it a landmark and an incredibly popular attraction.
The closest airport to Midrand is OR Tambo International Airport, which is located about 35 kilometres from the center of the city. This airport has international and domestic flights and is accessible by rail, car and bus.
There are quite a few Halal restaurants in Midrand. Visitors will be able to find a wide array of cuisines ranging from Mexican and Italian to Indian and Middle Eastern. Steers, Urban Turban, Mochachos & Bacinis and Zee'z Takeaway are just a few of the numerous Halal restaurants in Midrand. Many of these restaurants are Halal certified or Muslim owned; however it is best for Muslims to inquire about the Halal status of the food before dining.
There is one prominent mosque in Midrand, namely the Nizamiye Turkish Masjid. This mosque is the biggest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere, and is said to be quite similar to the Selimiye Camii mosque in Turkey. This beautiful mosque has become quite a popular tourist attraction and is visited by Muslims and non-Muslims from all around the world.. The mosque also has prayer facilities for women. On its premises is a clinic, a restaurant, shops and boarding facilities.