Johannesburg Gauteng, South Africa Travel Guide
Several places of interest are close to Johannesburg. The Cradle of Humankind (Maropeng & Sterkfontein Caves) is about 50 km northwest, offering profound insights into human origins. The Lion & Safari Park, 45 km northwest, has animal interactions and game viewing. Dinokeng Game Reserve, roughly an hour north, features a genuine Big Five safari. Pretoria, the administrative capital, sits about ABOUT 37 miles north with its historical sites. Hartbeespoort Dam, an hour west, boasts watersports and a cableway. The Magaliesberg Mountains, 1.5 hours west, draws attendees for hiking and scenic views.
For getting around, a car rental grants the most freedom. Guided day trips include transportation and expert commentary, making for effortless travel. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt suit closer destinations. The Gautrain connects directly to Pretoria for an effortless independent journey.
Leave the city behind with day excursions to nature reserves and scenic areas around Johannesburg.
Johannesburg is bordered by various nature reserves. The Cradle of Humankind region has private reserves like the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve for wildlife viewing. Dinokeng Game Reserve is Gauteng's only Big Five reserve, granting an authentic safari experience within easy access. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve has extensive hiking and a chance to observe various antelope and bird species. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, within the the greater city area, constitutes a beautiful natural break with its waterfall and trails.
Mountains: The Magaliesberg Mountains present hiking and spectacular scenery. Beaches: Johannesburg is landlocked. For beach experiences, a flight to coastal cities like Cape Town or Durban is needed.
Broaden your cultural perspective with historical sites and traditional experiences outside Johannesburg's immediate area.
Explore the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, a huge structure devoted to the Voortrekkers. Visit Freedom Park, a monument and museum complex in Pretoria, sharing South Africa's liberation history.
Visits to traditional villages or cultural centers are arranged through specialized operators. Agritours focusing on culture, like cheese or fruit farms, are available in Gauteng and North West provinces.
No major international pilgrimage sites directly link to Johannesburg. Local communities have spiritual sites, accessible through specialized cultural tours.
For travelers with more time, Johannesburg serves as a starting point for longer regional explorations. A 1-3 day extension can include Kruger National Park for an iconic safari, the Drakensberg Mountains for scenic beauty and hiking, or the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga for stunning drives.
Popular routes for extended travel include Johannesburg to the Panorama Route then Kruger National Park, combining scenic beauty with safari. Another option: Johannesburg with a flight to South Africa, then a drive along the Garden Route. One can also combine Johannesburg with a flight to Victoria Falls and then Botswana safaris.
For travelers with more time, Johannesburg serves as a starting point for longer regional explorations.
Add 1-3 days to your Johannesburg visit for a richer regional experience. Kruger National Park, while a long day trip, truly gains from a minimum of 2-3 days for a deep safari experience. The Drakensberg Mountains, a 3-4 hour drive away, present breathtaking scenery, extensive hiking, and ancient San rock art sites, deserving at least a 2-day visit. The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, famous for Blyde River Canyon and waterfalls, combines well with a Kruger safari.
After Johannesburg, several renowned destinations in Southern Africa beckon. Cape Town, a coastal city, stands out for Table Mountain, beautiful beaches, and world-clas's vineyards, reachable via a ~2-hour flight from JNB. Victoria Falls, one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls, is a ~1.5-2 hour flight from JNB, straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia.
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) serves as a major hub. Domestic flights connect to Cape Town, Durban, and other From South africa cities. Regional flights extend to neighboring countries. For independent travel to nearby provinces like Mpumalanga or KwaZulu-Natal, car rental offers freedom. The Blue Train or Rovos Rail present luxurious train journeys from Pretoria to Cape Town, an unique way to witness the landscape.
Several established routes combine different aspects of South Africa. The Johannesburg -> Panorama Route -> Kruger National Park circuit is popular for combining scenic beauty with a landmark safari. Alternatively, fly from Johannesburg to Cape Town, then embark on a scenic drive along the famous Garden Route. For an unique adventure, combine a flight from Johannesburg to The Smoke that thunders with a game drive thrill in Botswana's Okavango Delta.
JNB, as a major international airport, hosts several services that enhance travel convenience and comfort.
Consider Priority Pass for independent airport lounge access globally (10% commission, 30 days cookie).
For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with compensation claims (€5-12 fixed commission).
You CAN buy local sim cards at the airport for immediate mobile network access.
Maximize your day trip experience with these practical considerations.
Book in advance, especially during high season.
For hassle-free travel, especially to multi-stop or distant locations, organized tours simplify logistics and navigation. Check GetYourGuide.
The Gautrain serves Pretoria directly, making for an effortless city-to-city day trip. For different zones, public transport options are less tourist-friendly.
Dedicate a full day to sites like the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, allowing ample time for reflection.
Half-day trips to game parks or botanical gardens are possible, but full-day outings yield richer experiences.
Guided township tours or visits to cultural villages often span a half-day, combining transport with storytelling.
