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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 becomesΒ considerably moreΒ interesting.Β Johannesburg is the pulsating heart of South Africa's industrial and commercial life where gold miningΒ still continues.Β A well-planned day might take you through Soweto, the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, before returning to the restaurants,Β galleriesΒ and leafy streets of Johannesburgβs northern suburbs.Β
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.Β
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.Β
Pretoria liesΒ roughlyΒ anΒ hourΒ northΒ of JohannesburgΒ and makes an interesting alternative base, particularly if you are joining or leaving one of South Africaβs celebrated rail journeys.Β Β
The city has a gentler pace than Johannesburg, with broad avenues, handsome historic buildings and important landmarks including the Union Buildings.Β In spring, thousands of jacaranda trees turn parts of the city purple, an extravagant annual performance for a city better known for government departments.Β Β
Pretoria isΒ also the starting or finishing point for the luxury trains ofΒ RovosΒ Rail and the Blue Train.Β Nearby Cullinan is associated with one of the most famous discoveries in diamond-mining history.Β
The beautiful hills of Magaliesberg lie only an hour's drive from Johannesburg. Visit the Cradle of HumankindΒ UNSECOΒ World Heritage site of Sterkfontein cavesΒ and theΒ exhibition atΒ Maropeng.Β ThisΒ siteΒ containsΒ some of the world's most important fossil hominin sites. At Sterkfontein, discoveries have helped transform our understanding of early human evolution.Β Β
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 areaβs country retreats.Β
Finally,Β the Pilanesberg Game ReserveΒ andΒ adjacent Sun City offers a taste of an African safari.Β Its great advantage is location. Pilanesberg offers malaria-free game viewing withinΒ relatively easyΒ reach of Johannesburg, makingΒ it particularly appealing to families, first-time safari-goers and travellers who cannot fit a more remote reserve into their itinerary.Β Close by the Sun City Resort offers plenty of action for families, keenΒ golfersΒ and sports enthusiasts.Β Β
Is Johannesburg worth staying in for a night or two?Β
Yes. If your flights already take you through Johannesburg, an extra night canΒ open upΒ 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 ofΒ Humankind.Β
Can I combine Johannesburg with a malaria-free safari?Β
Yes. Pilanesberg is one of the most convenient malaria-free safari areas to combine with Johannesburg and works particularly well for families, shorter South AfricanΒ holidaysΒ and first-time safari visitors.Β
Where should I stay in Johannesburg before or after a safari?Β
For most leisure travellers, we favour well-located hotels in Johannesburgβs northern suburbs, particularly Sandton and Rosebank. The best choice depends on your flight times, planned sightseeing and onward journey.Β
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