Johannesburg, South Africa-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Friday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day at the Apartheid Museum, a thought-provoking museum that tells the story of South Africa’s turbulent past. Spend about 2 hours here.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to Nelson Mandela Bridge for stunning views of the city.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Mugg & Bean, a popular café with great food and atmosphere.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery, which features an impressive collection of South African art.
  • 3:00 PM: Take a stroll through the nearby Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Grill House, a restaurant serving delicious grilled meats and seafood.
  • 8:00 PM: Explore the lively nightlife of Johannesburg, perhaps starting with some drinks at Rooftop 5 or live music at The Village Green.

Where to Stay

For accommodation in Johannesburg, consider:

  • Hotel: The Saxon Hotel, a luxurious hotel with excellent service and amenities.
  • Budget: Maboneng Apartments, self-catering apartments that offer great value for the price.

Transportation

Johannesburg has an efficient public transportation system. Use the Rea Vaya bus rapid transit (BRT) system to get around, or take a taxi. If you prefer to drive, be aware of Johannesburg’s notorious traffic congestion!

Tips & Essentials

  • Safety: As with any major city, be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
  • Weather: Johannesburg has a subtropical climate; pack accordingly for sunny days and occasional rain showers.
  • Language: English is widely spoken in South Africa, but consider learning some basic Afrikaans phrases to show respect for local culture.

Day 2: Saturday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Lion Park, a wildlife sanctuary with lions, giraffes, and other animals roaming freely. Take a guided tour or self-drive through the park.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the Cresta Shopping Centre for some retail therapy.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at The Butcher Shop, a popular eatery serving burgers and sandwiches.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Montecasino, an upscale entertainment complex with gaming, dining, and live shows.
  • 3:00 PM: Explore the nearby Morningside Shopping Centre.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Grill House, another restaurant serving delicious grilled meats and seafood.
  • 8:00 PM: Catch a movie or enjoy some live music at The Montecasino Theatre.

Transportation (continued)

For day trips from Johannesburg, consider renting a car or taking an organized tour. Some popular destinations include:

  • Pilanesberg Game Reserve, about 2 hours north of Johannesburg.
  • Sun City Resort, about 1.5 hours northwest of Johannesburg.

Day 3: Sunday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Johannesburg Zoo, a beautiful zoo with a wide variety of animals.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the Rosebank Shopping Centre for some last-minute shopping or dining.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Coffee Shoppe, a cozy café serving great food and coffee.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden again, perhaps to explore more of its beautiful gardens.

Evening

  • 5:00 PM: Depart for the airport or your next destination.

Tips & Essentials (continued)

  • Currency: South African Rand is the local currency; credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Power Adapters: Bring a universal power adapter for charging electronic devices in South Africa.