Johannesburg

Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is also known as the City of Gold, as it was built upon one of the world’s wealthiest gold deposits. While it’s often treated as a stopover on the way to Kruger National Park, this modern city is well worth a few days during your South African safari.

Must-Visit Areas in Johannesburg

Find out where humanity is thought to have begun, take a safari and surf break at one of the most famous casino resorts in Africa, and gain an insight into South Africa’s past. There are a lot of things to do in Johannesburg:

Cradle of Humankind: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Cradle of Humankind is an important part of the story of our humanity. This site is home to the largest known concentration of human ancestral remains in the world – fossils of Australopithecus africanus (Mrs Ples) and Homo naledi were found here. It’s this site that supports the theory that modern humans originated in Africa before spreading out to the rest of the earth.

Sun City: Surf and Safari

This holiday resort is loved by locals for its variety of entertainment options, perfect for family holidays. Head to one of the two golf courses to play a round, relax beachside at the Valley of the Waves, or get your adrenaline pumping by shooting down one of the longest, highest ziplines in the world. There are five-star hotels to stay at as well as a range of restaurants to enjoy. Sun City is just 40 minutes from Pilanesberg National Park, home to the Big Five.

Apartheid Museum: Insight into the Past

For a deeper look into South Africa’s history, the Apartheid Museum is a must-visit. The exhibitions here tell the story of the rise and fall of apartheid through films, photographs, artefacts, and text panels. Discover the roots of segregation in the country, the protests that erupted and helped mould the country, how Nelson Mandela became president, and the truth and reconciliation process that took place to move towards healing the nation.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Johannesburg?

From May to August, the winter season in Johannesburg is characterised by cooler temperatures and clear skies – this time of the year coincides with the best time to go on safari. October to March sees an increased amount of rain and warmer weather.

Wildlife Found in Johannesburg

The nearby Pilanesberg National Park is a Big Five safari destination, so it hosts elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, and leopards. While elephants and white rhinos are frequent sightings, big cats tend to be more illusive. During nighttime game drives, you could spot hyenas and servals stalking in the bushveld. Your game drives will take you past vast herds of impalas and zebras; also look out for the super-fast tsessebe.

The diverse habitats of Pilanesberg attract a variety of bird species. With more than 300 species to spot, this reserve is a fantastic place for birding. Enthusiasts can get their binoculars ready to spot the lappet-faced vulture, European bee-eater, spotted eagle owl, rufous-crowned roller, and much more.

How to Get to Johannesburg

The city is accessed by OR Tambo International Airport, which is only a 30-minute transfer away.