Johannesburg

Johannesburg Overview

The city of Johannesburg is often referred to as Egoli – the city of gold. The city’s long history as a mining town has played a large role in its success, and as a result, much of Johannesburg has managed to thrive – despite its many challenges.

As Johannesburg continues its quest for urban renewal, the city is becoming a popular tourist-friendly destination with a lot to offer.

Shop the endless range of markets or designer stores while you are doing one of the day tours in Johannesburg, head to Sun City for a spot of glamour and fun, take an organised tour of Soweto, sample a range of local and international cuisine, experience a Jo’burg thunder storm in summer and visit the Cradle of Mankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showing man’s early origins in Africa.  

Highlights & Places in Johannesburg

As the country’s financial and commercial powerhouse, Johannesburg is a continuous hum of energy. Day tours in Johannesburg offers the perfect opportunity to be part of this energy. Many attractions can be found within the city, such as the infamous township of Soweto. This is one of the world’s most developed townships, housing almost half the country’s population.

By stark contrast, the northern suburbs of Sandton comprise of a range of world-class hotels and shopping centres, drawing the city’s elite to its centre. By large, the suburbs of Johannesburg are peaceful, with Jacaranda lined roads and plenty of summer thunderstorms reminding you that you are in fact, in Africa.

Other highlights to be found within Jozi include the Sun City casino and resort, a Lion Park, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Lesedi Cultural Village and Constitution Hill. 

Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

Johannesburg Weather

Johannesburg climate is generally even, with moderate summers and mild winters. This makes any time of year good to visit Johannesburg.

When to Go

Summer months from December to February are pleasant, with warm days and mild evenings. Rain is common in summer, with thunderstorms a common occurrence.

Winter runs from June to August, with cool days and very cold nights. Rain is very rare during winter. 

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Johannesburg

OR Tambo International Airport is Johannesburg’s main airport. The airport is large and relatively well-organised, with many local and international airlines represented.

It is possible to drive into Johannesburg from neighbouring cities or even Zimbabwe or other neighbouring countries. This should only be done if you are with a tour group or overlanding group however, or if you know the area well.

Bus services are also found for domestic trips within South Africa, offering an affordable way to get into the city. 

Getting Around Johannesburg

Generally speaking, the easiest and safest way of getting around Johannesburg is by car. Public transport has slowly been undergoing an improvement, with the Gautrain offering a fast and effective rail service between the airport and Sandton.

Private cabs are also readily available, with a various rates. As Johannesburg is a large city, it can get pricey to travel long distances by private cab however.

Mini-bus taxis are in abundance, but can be extremely confusing. Locals use a range of hand signals to indicate where they need to go, and routes can be very complicated.  

Johannesburg Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
ATMs are widely available. Major banks include Absa, FNB and Standard Bank. Be careful when withdrawing money however, and do not use ATMs in remote, unsafe areas.

Forex/Money:
Foreign exchange facilities can be found at the airport, and many banks offer this service too.

Credit/Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, stores and other outlets.

Internet availability:
Internet is readily available, with reliable, fast WiFi and broadband available at the airport, internet cafes, libraries and some coffee shops.

Drinking water:
Water is mostly safe to drink from the tap, except in rural parts outside of the city.

Hospitals & Medical:
Healthcare is variable, with a number of government hospitals, private hospitals, clinics and facilities found throughout the city. 

Johannesburg Map