Johannesburg, South Africa-7-day-itinerary
7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Johannesburg, South Africa
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Sandton
- Accommodation: Stay at the Sandton Sun Hotel or similar
- Morning: Arrive in Johannesburg and take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in Sandton, a bustling business district
- Afternoon: Visit the iconic Nelson Mandela Square and take a stroll around the surrounding shops and restaurants
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Bull Run, a popular steakhouse restaurant
Day 2: History and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Apartheid Museum to learn about South Africa’s complex history
- Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Neighborhoods Market in Braamfontein, featuring local art, food, and fashion
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional South African dinner at Sakhumzi Restaurant
Day 3: Soweto Township Tour
- Morning: Take a guided tour of Soweto Township, including a visit to Nelson Mandela’s former home
- Afternoon: Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial and learn about the student uprising of 1976
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Vuyo’s Restaurant, serving traditional township cuisine
Day 4: Nature and Wildlife
- Morning: Visit the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens for a peaceful stroll
- Afternoon: Take a safari tour at the Lion Park, home to lions, elephants, and other wildlife
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The River Café, located in the picturesque Emmarentia Dam
Day 5: Gold Reef City and Theme Park
- Morning: Visit Gold Reef City, a theme park built on an old gold mine
- Afternoon: Take a thrilling ride on the Tower of Terror or explore the Gold Reef City Museum
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Gold Rush Spur Steak Ranch
Day 6: Maboneng Precinct and Market on Main
- Morning: Explore the trendy Maboneng Precinct in the east of Johannesburg
- Afternoon: Visit the Market on Main, featuring local art, fashion, and food
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Living Room, a popular restaurant in Maboneng
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring your local surroundings
- Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head back home
Things to Know
- Johannesburg is known as the “City of Gold” due to its rich mining history
- Be mindful of your personal safety, especially in crowded areas and at night
- Try to avoid traveling during peak hour (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to avoid traffic congestion
- South Africa has a vibrant culture, with 11 official languages spoken
Transportation
- Use reputable taxi services or Uber for transportation between destinations
- Consider renting a car for the duration of your stay, but be aware that driving in Johannesburg can be challenging
- The Gautrain is a convenient and efficient way to travel between Sandton and other areas of Johannesburg
Tips
- Be prepared for variable weather, with sunscreen and umbrella at hand
- Try to learn some basic Zulu phrases, such as “Sawubona” (hello) and “Ngiyabonga” (thank you)
- Don’t forget to try some of the local cuisine, including bobotie, boerewors, and malva pudding
Other Things of Interest
- Take a stroll through the beautiful Braamfontein Spruit walking trail
- Visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery, featuring a diverse collection of South African art
- Explore the vibrant street art scene in Newtown, a hub for creativity and culture