The most populous city in South Africa, Johannesburg is also home to Africa’s largest theme park, boasting water rides, rollercoasters and the famous Gold Reef City Casino. Located south of Johannesburg CBD on an old gold mine which closed in 1971, Gold Reef City, which spans 45 acres, is themed around the gold rush that started in 1886 which earned Johannesburg the name the “City of Gold” and made it Africa’s richest city.

There is an impressive Ferris Wheel, named Giant Wheel, the Jump City Trampoline Park and 21 kids rides, meaning it is the perfect day out for all the family. Some of park’s most popular rides include the Anaconda, the world’s only Giovanola (a Swiss steel manufacturing company) inverted coaster, Golden Loop, a Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop coaster, Tower of Terror, a high-speed roller coaster with a vertical drop into an old mineshaft and the highest g-force of any active rollercoaster at 6.3 g and UFO, a giant wheel that spins at high speed while being lifted from a horizontal position to a near-60-degree position.

There is a museum dedicated to gold mining on the grounds, where it is possible to see a gold-containing ore vein and see how gold is poured into barrels. It is also the site of the Apartheid Museum, which opened in 2001.

There is even a Chapel, which dates back to 1879, offering a unique and romantic wedding with a Victorian flair, for those wishing to make their visit that much more memorable.

There are also 12 dining options and multiple retail stores for those who wish to purchase memorabilia from their day of excitement.

Recent visitors to Gold Reef City have been left equally impressed by what is on offer. One wrote on TripAdvisor: “There is an awesome ride at the park called Tower of Terror. It is a very short ride but one you shouldn’t miss if you love scary, fast, drop type rides. There is only one car running so the wait is a little bit longer for this ride.

“The gold mine tour was pretty neat. It takes you down underground but only to the first level. It is the richest gold mine in the world and goes below sea level at the very bottom.”

Another wrote: “This is unlike any theme park that I have ever been to. The Tower of Terror is the best ride I have been to thus far and the Anaconda, Miner’s Revenge and Loop were great fun to.

“It is a little smaller than other theme parks that I have been to like Disney Land Paris but certainly has more to offer. The mine tour was also amzazing and there is so much to do for the kids. “

Some even go back for more: “World class. Read all the reviews and was doubting whether to visit or not. Last visited the park over 25 years ago.

“The day we visited it was raining in the morning. As the rain lifted, the park staff went out of their way to ensure that rides were activated, tested for safety and the visitors were provided value for money. The variety of rides, and meal options makes this a perfect place to visit.”

Parking at Gold Reef City is free and General Admission tickets are on sale for R265 (£11.15).