Johannesburg, South Africa's very own concrete jungle, is a busy blend of colour and commotion. Nicknamed the ‘City of Gold’ (because of its past as a mining mecca), Johannesburg is both the economic hub of the country and an exemplary model of the ‘modern African city’ with a great variety of hotels. In fact: Joburg’s city limits has swelled so much that it is now virtually connected to neighbouring Pretoria!

Nowhere is Johannesburg’s work-hard-play-hard attitude more evident than in affluent Sandton. Not only is Africa’s richest square mile (as Sandton’s commonly known) home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange but it also boasts one of Africa’s largest shopping centres: Sandton City. Here you can shop yourself fabulous at high-end boutiques and big-brand stores, or dine in top-notch dishes to match your exacting taste. In the mood for something more low-key? Sip on craft beers or shop for street-style fashion in Maboneng, the city’s oh-so-edgy hipster hotspot.

For all its flash and cash, Johannesburg hasn’t forgotten its roots. The moving Apartheid Museum is an absolute must for anyone passing through the city. If you want to discover more about South Africa’s tumultuous past, head to the booming township of Soweto and pay a visit to the Hector Pietersen Museum or Nelson Mandela’s former home on Vilakazi Street.

Johannesburg Highlights

  • South Africa’s business capital and home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
  • Sandton City will delight any shopper with its wide range of high-end stores
  • O.R. Tambo International Airport is the largest airport on the continent
  • Delve into South Africa’s tumultuous past at the Apartheid Museum, the Hector Pietersen Museum, or Nelson Mandela’s old home on Vilakazi Street in Soweto

Frequently Asked Questions

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Johannesburg

  • Yes, South Africa is excellent for a first safari. It offers strong Big 5 wildlife, high-quality lodges, good access, private reserves and malaria-free safari areas. It also combines easily with Cape Town, the Winelands and the coast, which makes it ideal for a varied first trip to Africa.

  • The best safari destination depends on your priorities. Greater Kruger is best for classic Big 5 and private reserve safaris, with Sabi Sand especially strong for leopard. Madikwe and the Eastern Cape are excellent malaria-free options, while Tswalu is best for a luxury Kalahari safari with strong conservation value.

  • Where you stay shapes your safari, so we match accommodation to your travel style – from honeymoons and family trips to conservation-led escapes. Choose Greater Kruger for a classic Big 5 safari, Madikwe or the Eastern Cape for malaria-free family ease, and Tswalu for a more remote Kalahari safari with strong conservation purpose. 

    If safari is only one part of the journey, Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal can add just as much to the experience as the bush. A Cape Town city stay fits perfectly at the beginning or end or a trip. The Winelands deserve a night or two if food and wine matter. The Garden Route suits families and self-drivers, and KwaZulu-Natal comes into its own when you want a warm coast, mountains, culture and history in the same route.

  • Yes, South Africa is one of Africa’s strongest family destinations. It has malaria-free safari reserves, excellent guides, family-friendly lodges, easy domestic flights and plenty to do beyond safari, from beaches and penguins to forest walks and food markets.

  • Parts of South Africa are malaria-free, but not all. Kruger and some northeastern safari areas are malaria-risk regions, while Madikwe, Pilanesberg, the Eastern Cape and parts of the Waterberg are malaria-free. Speak to your doctor or travel clinic before travelling and follow their medical advice.

  • We recommend eight to 14 days for a South Africa journey. Eight to 10 days can combine safari with Cape Town or the Winelands. Twelve to 14 days gives you more room to add the Garden Route, Whale Route, KwaZulu-Natal or a second safari region.

  • A luxury South Africa safari varies depending on the reserve, lodge, season, room category and inclusions. Private reserve lodges usually sit at a higher price point because you are paying for more than a beautiful suite. The value is in the guiding, access, conservation fees, lower guest numbers, included meals and drinks in many cases, and the ability to spend more time in quieter safari areas.

    We recommend at least three nights in any safari location so the experience has time to settle beyond individual sightings. The best-value choice is not always the most expensive lodge, but the one that fits your route, season and safari style properly.

  • Major international gateways include Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport near Durban. From Johannesburg, charter flights can reach private lodge airstrips in around 90 minutes, avoiding long road transfers. Light aircraft usually require soft-sided bags and limited luggage, a small trade-off for time and comfort.

    Self-driving is possible on well-maintained roads, especially in the Western Cape and along the Garden Route, but many prefer private transfers or flights after long-haul journeys.

  • Yes, self-driving is possible in selected regions, especially the Garden Route, Cape Winelands and parts of the Western Cape. For safari transfers, longer distances or complex routes, many of our guests prefer guided transfers or flights for comfort and efficiency.

  • A South Africa journey can be a safe and well-managed experience when it is planned with the right logistics, trusted transfers and local guidance. Private lodges have strong safety standards in place, both on property and during guided safari activities.

    As a locally based team, we also help with the practical details that matter: which routes to use, when to choose a private transfer, where to be more aware and how to avoid areas that do not suit your itinerary. The aim is not to pretend risk does not exist, but to plan carefully so your trip feels smooth, supported and sensible from start to finish.

  • Yes. South Africa combines well with Victoria Falls, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Rwanda, depending on your time and interests. Cape Town and Kruger Park also make an excellent standalone journey if you want to keep logistics simple.