Johannesburg Gauteng, South Africa Travel Guide
Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Shorts, t-shirts, and dresses provide comfort for daytime. A Light jacket or sweater is useful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned indoor spaces. Bring a Rain jacket or Umbrella for afternoon showers.
Opt for light layers. Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, jeans, or comfortable trousers are appropriate. A medium-weight jacket works well for evenings when temperatures fall. Spring dress is similar to autumn, but prepare for increasing warmth as the season progresses.
Comfortable walking shoes are necessary for extended sightseeing. Sandals or flip-flops work for casual summer wear.
Pack Hiking boots or sturdy trainers for outdoor activities or nature reserves.
Johannesburg has no strict tourist dress code. For religious sites, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Smart relaxed to formal wear for fine dining or special events.
Keep originals secure and accessible, with backups stored separately.
South Africa operates on 230V, 50Hz, with Type M outlets (three large, round pins). A Type M adapter or Universal travel adapter is ideal. Smartphones need to be accessible for local SIM cards. Main providers include Vodacom, MTN, Cell C. Airalo is an eSIM option for data.
Pack your standard camera gear. For wildlife day trips, a Telephoto lens is helpful. Back up important data to cloud storage, an External hard drive, or a second memory card. Recommended apps include Google Maps, Waze for navigation, Uber/Bolt for ride-sharing, and Google Translate.
Consider a VPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi. NordVPN or ExpressVPN are popular choices.
For camera and electronics needs, B&H Photo is a reliable retailer.
Download EskomSePush to monitor loadshedding schedules for electricity cuts.
A well-stocked personal health kit addresses minor ailments and specific local concerns, enabling enjoyment of the trip without interruption.
Johannesburg sits at about 1,750 meters (5,751 feet). Some visitors experience mild altitude sickness. Pack Motion sickness medication for long drives.
For day hikes or nature walks, essential gear includes a daypack, water, snacks, extra layers, and sturdy shoes.
If planning a safari day trip, Binoculars greatly enhance wildlife viewing. A camera with a good zoom lens helps capture distant animals. Neutral clothing is advisable.
Quality Binoculars improve a game drive. Many tour operators offer rentals. For specialized Camping gear, consider renting locally rather than transporting internationally.
For long flights or bus journeys, a Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs improve rest. Use TSA-approved luggage locks. A Money belt or neck wallet keeps valuables secure. An RFID-blocking wallet protects credit cards.
A Reusable water bottle, Shopping bag, and Utensil set reduce waste. A power bank for loadshedding is practical. A small backpack for daily essentials. Specific outdoor gear brands or dietary items may be difficult to find locally, so bring adequate supplies.
Reduce plastic waste, refill from safe sources.
For purchases, avoid single-use plastic bags.
Eco-friendly option for picnics and street food.
Maintain device power during loadshedding.
Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize your luggage efficiently.
Consider a capsule wardrobe to mix and match outfits, reducing the total number of items you need to pack.
