Head to a city that was once home to the revered Nelson Mandela and carries vivid stories of the country’s history, as well as being a gateway to its incredible wildlife. Johannesburg, or Jo’Burg, is South Africa's largest city and has established itself as a historic destination that’s attracting curious travellers the world over. Johannesburg holidays mix the past and present, and you’ll surely leave a bit of your heart in Africa.
The popularity of Johannesburg holiday packages is growing. We’re not “lion” when we say it’s a major hopping-off point for safaris to neighbouring parks, such as Kruger National Park and other wildlife sanctuaries. Plus, it has been adding more attractions within its own city limits. There are plenty of museums to tour, such as the Apartheid Museum and the Mandela Museum, allowing a great opportunity to learn more about South African history.
Johannesburg also offers a chance to learn about our historic origins with its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the "Cradle of Humankind," which is home to 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils. It’s located around 50 kilometres to the northwest of the city, so look into one of Wotif’s Johannesburg car hire options and get going!
Johannesburg has been called the "shopping capital of Africa," and with good reason. Not only are there modern shopping malls (most plentiful in the northern part of the city), but outdoor markets offering local goods, including handmade crafts, are plentiful. Look in Rosebank and Parkhurst for markets and more local selections, including traditional herbs and healing remedies.
All that shopping is bound to make you hungry—and food is another area where the Johannesburg options seem nearly endless. It's easy to find more traditional South African fare, such as biltong and droewors (spiced, cured meat), bobotie (similar to meatloaf but with raisins, cooked in spices and topped with baked egg), or boerewors (traditional South African sausage with spices) just to name a few. While restaurant options are available all around the city, start in Melrose Arch, Parkhurst, Sandton, Soweto or Greenside.
Once all that food has had time to digest, the nightlife in Johannesburg includes a lot of options to dance off those calories or to add a few more in the form of local beers and wines. From a cultural perspective, the formerly illegal (but now on the up-and-up) shebeens—which had a reputation for homemade brew, but now serve commercial beverages along with music and dancing—are growing in popularity again. At the other end of the spectrum you'll find everything from pubs to modern cocktail lounges. Check out the Melville and Rosebank areas to get started.
Jonesing for Jo’Burg? Wotif offers the best Johannesburg packages to suit any budget or itinerary. Whether you want to stay in the city centre or hop off to safari at Kruger National Park, we offer a world of choice. Wotif can save you the most money when you bundle your flight and hotel together, and don't forget to check out our holidays to Cape Town, too. This stunning city on the southwest coast is not to be missed!
Reviewed on 15 May 2024
Reviewed on 13 May 2024
Reviewed on 4 May 2024