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Johannesburg Travel Resources

Johannesburg Travel Resources

Johannesburg Gauteng, South Africa Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Uber & Bolt:

    Required ride-sharing apps for convenient and safe transportation.

  • Google Maps & Waze:

    Navigation apps offering directions, traffic updates, and public transport routing.

  • EskomSePush:

    Required app for monitoring loadshedding schedules to plan around power outages.

  • WhatsApp:

    A common messaging app for communicating with tour operators and accommodations.

  • Local Food Delivery Apps:

    Mr D Food and Uber Eats are popular if you order food directly to your accommodation.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • South African Tourism:

    Provides comprehensive information on travel to South Africa.

  • Johannesburg Tourism:

    Offers specific details about attractions, events, and services in Johannesburg.

  • Gautrain:

    Access schedules, routes, and fare information for the rapid rail system.

  • Apartheid Museum:

    Find opening hours, ticket prices, and exhibit information.

  • NordVPN:

    Consider a VPN for secure internet access during your travels.

Print Resources

While digital is dominant, print resources still offer valuable context and offline access.

Lonely Planet

South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini: A comprehensive guide covering the region.

Rough Guides

South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini: A detailed option for in-depth information.

Bradt Guide

Bradt Guide to Johannesburg: Provides a more specific focus on the city itself.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • National Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 10111
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Cell Phone Emergency: 112 (works on any mobile network, even without airtime)
  • ER24 (Private Ambulance Service): 084 124

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Private Hospitals: Netcare Sunninghill, Milpark, Mediclinic Morningside, Life Fourways.
  • Various private clinics and walk-in medical centers are available.
  • Johannesburg has excellent private healthcare facilities in affluent suburbs.
  • Access quality medical attention quickly if needed.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films About the Destination

  • Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Film)
  • District 9 (Film)
  • Tsotsi (Film)
  • Sarafina! (Film)

Music and Art to Experience Before or During the Trip

  • Local Music Genres: Kwaito, Amapiano, Gqom for contemporary sounds.
  • South African Jazz: Listen to Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba.
  • Contemporary African Art: Familiarize with prominent artists and movements.
  • Discover traditional and modern art exhibitions across the city.

Online Communities and Forums for Travelers

  • Tripadvisor's Discussion boards for specific questions and traveler experiences.
  • Expat Communities in Johannesburg for valuable local insights.
  • Reddit's r/SouthAfrica for conversations about South Africa.
  • Connect with fellow tourists for shared tips and recommendations.

Emergency Information

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services

  • National Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 10111
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Cell Phone Emergency: 112
  • Private Ambulance (ER24): 084 124

Hospitals & Clinics

  • Netcare Sunninghill Hospital (Private)
  • Netcare Milpark Hospital (Private)
  • Mediclinic Morningside (Private)
  • Life Fourways Hospital (Private)

Lost Documents

  • Report loss/theft to police immediately (get case number).
  • Contact your embassy/consulate for emergency travel documents.
  • Notify banks/credit card companies if cards are lost.
  • Keep digital copies of documents separately.

Navigating Health & Safety

Medical Preparedness

  • Ensure all required vaccinations are up to date.
  • Pack any prescription medications with their doctor's note.
  • Know the location of nearby private hospitals or clinics.

Safety Protocols

  • Be watchful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Avoid walking alone at night; use ride-sharing services.
  • Keep valuable items out of view and secure your belongings.

Embassies & Consulates

Finding Your Mission

  • Most foreign embassies are in Pretoria (60 km north).
  • Some countries maintain consulates in Johannesburg (e.g., USA, UK).
  • Carry contact details for your country's diplomatic mission.

Assistance Available

  • Assistance with emergency travel documents.
  • Support in case of legal or medical emergencies.
  • Advice on local laws and regulations.

Essential Readings

Must-Read Books

  1. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
  2. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
  3. Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee
  4. Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
  5. Johannesburg: The Elusive Metropolis

Essential Viewing

  1. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Film)
  2. District 9 (Film)
  3. Tsotsi (Film)
  4. Sarafina! (Film)
  5. Video Blogs about travel about Johannesburg

Language Learning

Basic Phrases

Learn 'Sawubona' (Zulu hello) or 'Ngiyabonga' (thank you) to show respect.

Language Apps

Use apps like Duolingo or Memrise for isiZulu, Sesotho, or Afrikaans basics.

Immersive Study

Consider local language schools for longer stays and learning.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Monitor local news and weather updates. Take shelter indoors during severe thunderstorms or flash floods.

Beyond the Guidebook

Planning Insights

Preparation Timeline

  • 3 Months Before:

    Check passport, research visas, book international flights, start research, check vaccinations.

  • 1 Month Before:

    Book accommodation and tours, purchase travel insurance, get IDP, notify bank, compile packing list.

  • 1 Week Before:

    Confirm bookings, print documents, pack, download apps, arrange home security.

Must-Book in Advance

  • Flights:

    International and domestic.

  • Accommodation:

    Hotels, guesthouses, hostels.

  • Popular Tours:

    Soweto, Cradle of Humankind, Kruger safaris.

Required Advance Bookings

Flights

International and domestic flights for your journey.

Accommodation

All hotels, guesthouses, or hostels for your stay.

Popular Tours

Soweto, Cradle of Mankindkind excursions, or Kruger safaris.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Essential Knowledge

  • Safety Information: Research for specific neighborhoods you plan to visit.
  • Loadshedding: Familiarize yourself with how it works and schedules.
  • Cultural Norms: Learn some simple phrases and cultural etiquette.
  • Dietary Needs: Research food and dining options if you have specific requirements.

Home Preparation Before Departure

  • Secure your home by locking all doors and windows.
  • Unplug non-essential electronics.
  • Stop mail delivery or arrange for a trusted person to collect them.
  • Inform a trusted friend or family member of your detailed itinerary.

Important Reminder

Remember to check your passport validity and visa requirements for To the south Africa well in advance of your trip.

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