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Johannesburg is often treated as the place between an international flight and somewhere else. Give it a little more time and it becomes considerably more interesting. Johannesburg is the pulsating heart of South Africa's industrial and commercial life where gold mining still continues. A well-planned day might take you through Soweto, the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, before returning to the restaurants, galleries and leafy streets of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.
Depending on your itinerary, one or two nights here can fit naturally at the beginning or end of a South African holiday. We have an excellent selection of Johannesburg hotels, particularly around Sandton and Rosebank, as well as private tours that turn a stopover into a worthwhile part of the journey.
And the city is only the beginning. To the north and west lie Pretoria, the Magaliesberg and the remarkable Cradle of Humankind; travel further and city streets give way to the bushveld of Pilanesberg.
Pretoria lies roughly an hour north of Johannesburg and makes an interesting alternative base, particularly if you are joining or leaving one of South Africa’s celebrated rail journeys.
The city has a gentler pace than Johannesburg, with broad avenues, handsome historic buildings and important landmarks including the Union Buildings. In spring, thousands of jacaranda trees turn parts of the city purple, an extravagant annual performance for a city better known for government departments.
Pretoria is also the starting or finishing point for the luxury trains of Rovos Rail and the Blue Train. Nearby Cullinan is associated with one of the most famous discoveries in diamond-mining history.
The beautiful hills of Magaliesberg lie only an hour's drive from Johannesburg. Visit the Cradle of Humankind UNSECO World Heritage site of Sterkfontein caves and the exhibition at Maropeng. This site contains some of the world's most important fossil hominin sites. At Sterkfontein, discoveries have helped transform our understanding of early human evolution.
The Sterkfontein Caves reopened to visitors in 2025 following an extended closure, and guided underground visits can be combined with its museum and fossil exhibits. Elsewhere in the region, take to the skies on an early-morning hot-air balloon flight or simply escape the pace of Johannesburg at one of the area’s country retreats.
Finally, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and adjacent Sun City offers a taste of an African safari. Its great advantage is location. Pilanesberg offers malaria-free game viewing within relatively easy reach of Johannesburg, making it particularly appealing to families, first-time safari-goers and travellers who cannot fit a more remote reserve into their itinerary. Close by the Sun City Resort offers plenty of action for families, keen golfers and sports enthusiasts.
Is Johannesburg worth staying in for a night or two?
Yes. If your flights already take you through Johannesburg, an extra night can open up Soweto, the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, while two nights give you more scope to explore the city or make a trip to the Cradle of Humankind.
Can I combine Johannesburg with a malaria-free safari?
Yes. Pilanesberg is one of the most convenient malaria-free safari areas to combine with Johannesburg and works particularly well for families, shorter South African holidays and first-time safari visitors.
Where should I stay in Johannesburg before or after a safari?
For most leisure travellers, we favour well-located hotels in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, particularly Sandton and Rosebank. The best choice depends on your flight times, planned sightseeing and onward journey.
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