Johannesburg
South Africa's economic engine and the travel hub almost everyone flies into — Apartheid Museum, Soweto, and the gateway to the north.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
The arrival city — give it a day for history, then move on.
The arrival city — give it a day for history, then move on.
- Trip Role
- Overnight
- Ideal Stay
- 1-2 days
- Best For
- History and the country's flight hub
- Go If
- You're flying into SA (almost everyone does) — give it a day.
Why go
Joburg is where almost every South Africa trip begins — the country's biggest city, its history centre (Apartheid Museum, Soweto, Constitution Hill), and the flight hub for everywhere else. Most travellers pass through; the right ones give it a day.
What we love
The Apartheid Museum and a Soweto cycling tour.
What to know
O.R. Tambo is the main airport; a car is not recommended for tourists in the city — use Uber and guided tours. High crime caution is real but manageable with sense.
What's here
Also in Johannesburg
Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg's essential museum — the clearest, most affecting introduction to South Africa's history.
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Johannesburg's largest nature reserve, on old koppies in the south of the city.
Sterkfontein Caves
The Cradle of Humankind's most famous cave — Mrs Ples, Little Foot, and the hominid fossil record of the Highveld.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
A highveld reserve south of Johannesburg with a 66km hiking trail network and game viewing.
Best things nearby
