Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

Despite its colourful reputation, Johannesburg, in the Gauteng Province (pronounced "How-Teng"), has a wealth of attractions from museums to amusement parks, and some of the best accommodation, restaurants and shops on the continent.

Whilst it is impossible to ignore the problems that the city has had with civil unrest during the struggle against apartheid and high crime rates since the elections in 1994, much has been done to improve the situation in recent years.

The vast majority of overseas visitors leave pleasantly surprised, especially if it is their first time to this city and they have had the time to explore it for a couple of days.  Click here to ask us to plan an itinerary for you including Johannesburg as part of your trip to South Africa.

Where to Stay

The majority of visitors to Johannesburg stay in one of the many wealthy and exclusive northern suburbs of Johannesburg. Some of the best accommodation options -  ranging from luxury hotels to comfortable guest houses and Cape Dutch country manors - are found here. 

Sandton is the main hub of this area, and easily accessible from the main route to and from Johannesburg International Airport. There are also excellent shopping malls and restaurants.

Soweto

Soweto is to the south-west of the city centre, and is best known for the part that it played in the anti-apartheid movement. Today, it is a growing city in its own right, with affluent middle-class areas as well as poorer districts, and is home to over 3 million people - 1 million of whom commute daily into Jo'burg city centre to work.

As with any township in South Africa, we strongly advise against going into Soweto without a local guide to show you around.

However, an organised trip to Soweto is one of the highlights of a trip to Jo'burg, and includes the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and a visit to Nelson Mandela's former home.

Enjoying Jo'burg for What It Is

Johannesburg will not be the overwhelming highlight of your trip to South Africa - that honour will go to the National Parks, the wildlife viewing, the  beautiful coastline, or the historical areas around KwaZulu-Natal or Cape Town.

Johannesburg is a logical start or end point for trips that include Kruger National Park and the Lowveld, Sun City and Pilanesberg, or the many attractions of KwaZulu-Natal.

If you find it makes sense to include Johannesburg on your itinerary - relax, take sensible precautions against crime, and enjoy the vibrant and cosmopolitan city that is at the forefront of the new South Africa.