Johannesburg is the pulsating heart of South Africa's commercial life. Pretoria is the gracious capital of South Africa, famous for its flowering jacaranda trees.
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Johannesburg is the pulsating heart of South Africa's industrial and commercial life. Here, more than a mile below the city traffic, miners still dig for the world's most precious metal; gold. Many travellers arrive thinking they simply need somewhere to sleep between flights. But give Johannesburg a day and there is plenty to fill it. Start with the city’s remarkable recent history. The Apartheid Museum provides essential context for understanding modern South Africa, while Constitution Hill tells a particularly powerful story: a former prison complex, where both Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were once held, is now home to South Africa’s Constitutional Court. Then there is Soweto, best explored with a knowledgeable local guide rather than through a coach window.
Other attractions include botanical gardens, museums and art galleries. Johannesburg is also known for its world-class design in gold and diamond jewellery, ethnic fashion, and contemporary art galleries.
As the economic powerhouse of Africa, Jozi (as it is affectionately known) is a great multi-cultural melting pot of people from all over the continent. It is a cosmopolitan, colourful and bustling city. It's not known for its natural beauty. However the prosperous northern suburbs are full of beautiful oak and jacaranda trees. A surprising fact is that Johannesburg has the most trees per square hectare of any capital city in the world.
There is an excellent choice of Johannesburg accommodation, but location matters. Sandton works well if convenience, restaurants and shopping are priorities, while Rosebank has developed into an appealing base with good restaurants, galleries and easy Gautrain connections. For something more personal, we also favour smaller hotels and guesthouses tucked into the established northern suburbs, where gardens and a little more character replace the high-rise city feel.
Tell us your flight times and what you would like to see, and we’ll recommend the location that makes sense rather than simply the hotel with the prettiest photographs.
Quick Tip
If you are arriving in Joberg in the late afternoon and flying out the following morning, then we recommend one of the airport hotels. Jozi traffic is something to avoid if possible!
Often overshadowed by Johannesburg, few people know that Pretoria is actually South Africa’s administrative capital. Pretoria is justly famous for its Jacaranda trees and so the best time to visit is in the spring (October/November) when the whole city is purple with blossom. There's also a lot of history here. Some Pretoria highlights include the Botanical Gardens, Church Square, the Union buildings and the (infamous) Voortrekker monument. We can arrange a half day guided tour of the main historical tours sites.
From Pretoria, it’s easy to visit nearby pretty Magaliesberg country area or the Cradle of Humankind world heritage site. Take a tour to a working diamond mine or see some of the historical sights of the city. Pretoria is also useful logistically. Rovos Rail has its private station at Capital Park here, while the city is a natural starting or finishing point for exploring the surrounding countryside.
The beautiful rolling hills of Magaliesberg lie only an hour's drive from Johannesburg. Thus it makes a great rural alternative to Johannesburg. Especially if you want to relax for a couple of nights at the end of your South Africa safari.
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Top 10 things to do in Johannesburg
Is Johannesburg suitable for families?
Yes, particularly for families with older children and teenagers interested in South Africa’s history and culture. Johannesburg can also combine easily with the Cradle of Humankind, while the Magaliesberg offers more active outdoor experiences.
Should I stay in Sandton, Rosebank or near Johannesburg Airport?
It depends on your plans. Rosebank and Sandton are convenient for sightseeing, restaurants and longer stays, while an airport hotel makes far more sense after a late arrival or before an early departure. We’ll recommend a location according to your flights and itinerary rather than treating Johannesburg as one enormous hotel zone.
How long should I allow for the Cradle of Humankind?
Allow at least half a day from Johannesburg, though a full day gives you considerably more breathing room. Alternatively, spend a night or two in the Magaliesberg and combine the Cradle with hot-air ballooning or some quiet time in the countryside.
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