Visiting Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, known as Joburg, Jozi and the City of Gold, is one of the world's youngest major cities and home to the its largest man-made forest, with over 10-million planted trees sheltering Johannesburg's suburbs.

When to Visit

The city enjoys a sublime climate – neither humid nor too hot, the days are warm and wind free in summer (November to February) and crisp and clear in winter (June-August). O R Tambo International Airport is the regional hub for flights from around the globe, making it the biggest and busiest airport in Africa.

Where to Go in Johannesburg

Whether you are staying for a few days or treating the City of Gold as a quick stopover between flights, Johannesburg offers a range of sights and activities to its visitors. Choose the affluent Sandton neighbourhood for upscale retail therapy and its humming nightlife or perhaps somewhere peaceful like quaint Melrose, with its superb array of fine-dining restaurants. Other ‘Jozi’ highlights are guided walking tours through the Art Deco mining district, finding young African street culture in Maboneng or Newtown, visiting historical sites connected to Nelson Mandela or even going further afield to the Cradle of Humankind to see fossil remains and the origins of humanity.

Sandton

Johannesburg's fast-paced, big-money lifestyle is exemplified by Sandton, the premier financial, retail and business suburb of South Africa's biggest and wealthiest city. Meetings between Sandton's affluent, designer-clothed residents are often conducted in the restaurants and cafes of the massive Sandton City Mall, which also offers excellent options for those in need of some retail therapy.

Easy to access from O R Tambo International Airport, there's plenty of accommodation in the suburb, most of which is in the form of large luxury hotels. Many travellers who require a single night's accommodation in Johannesburg generally stay here.

Fast-paced Sandton also has a buzzing nightlife but in this flat, sprawling suburb you need to plan where you're going, arrange transport and have your wits about you.

Melrose

Located in northern Johannesburg, Melrose was until recently a quiet residential suburb but it has since developed into an upmarket destination with an expanding commercial sector.

Its peaceful, tree-lined streets are home to several excellent coffee shops and restaurants and its central location makes it easy to access nearby attractions: the Wanders Cricket Ground is just a few blocks away while virtually next door are Rosebank's shopping centres and vibrant markets.

Is it Worth Stopping in Joburg on Your Way to a South African Safari

There is so much to see and do it's worth spending 48-hours here. We recommend privately guided excursions to cultural attractions like the art and design district, as well as walking and cycling tours that allow you to acclimatize in the city's pleasant year-round sunshine. Expect superb restaurants, ultra-lux shopping malls, award-winning spas and a wide range of hotels, all set against the backdrop of a truly African city.

Johannesburg is an ideal stopover to catch your breath before starting a safari. There are also several Big 5 reserves nearby, including Madikwe Private Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park, which is right next door to Africa's top family resort, Sun City.

Browse our recommended tours or contact one of our Africa Safari Experts to tailor-make a South African safari starting in Johannesburg – a great introduction to this African country.