Johannesburg South Africa 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle bus (approximately R250-R300) to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel and freshen up. Visit the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Evening:
    • Head to The City Lodge’s rooftop bar for a sundowner (happy hour drinks) while taking in the breathtaking views of the city.
    • Enjoy dinner at Moyo Melrose Arch, an upscale restaurant serving modern South African cuisine. Try their famous Malva Pudding!

Accommodation:

  • Recommended hotel: The City Lodge or similar

Transportation:

  • Taxi: available outside OR Tambo International Airport
  • Shuttle bus: pre-booked (approximately R200-R300) from airport to hotel
  • Public transport: buses and taxis, but not recommended for tourists

Things to know:

  • Johannesburg is a vast city, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas or public transportation.

Day 2: Soweto and Vilakazi Street

  • Morning: Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum (approximately R30 entrance fee) to learn about the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore Vilakazi Street, a famous street in Soweto, where Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela lived. Visit their former homes (approximately R20-R30 entrance fee).
    • Try some traditional South African cuisine at Sakhumzi Restaurant.
  • Evening:
    • Head to the trendy suburb of Braamfontein for dinner and drinks.
    • Visit the Neighbourgoods Market, a bustling marketplace with local food, drinks, and live music.

Transportation:

  • Bus: take bus 74 from Sandton (approximately R20-R30) to Soweto
  • Taxi: available in Soweto

Day 3: Gold Reef City

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Gold Reef City, a theme park built on top of an old gold mine.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the historic village, which showcases Johannesburg’s rich mining history (approximately R50-R70 entrance fee).
    • Take a thrilling ride on the Mine Shaft Coaster!
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants within Gold Reef City.

Transportation:

  • Bus: take bus 74 from Sandton to Gold Reef City (approximately R20-R30)

Day 4: Constitution Hill and Newtown

  • Morning: Visit Constitution Hill, a historic complex that houses the country’s highest court of law (approximately R30 entrance fee).
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the adjacent Old Fort Prison, which held Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists during the apartheid era.
    • Visit the nearby Neighbourgoods Market for lunch and shopping.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: available in Newtown

Day 5: Melrose Arch and Hyde Park

  • Morning: Spend some time browsing the upscale shops and restaurants at Melrose Arch (approximately R10-R20 entrance fee).
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the iconic Hyde Park Corner, a popular shopping and dining destination.
    • Enjoy lunch or coffee at one of the many cafes in the area.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: available from Melrose Arch to Hyde Park (approximately R30-R50)

Tips and essentials:

  • Be prepared for traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
  • Always use reputable taxi services or public transportation.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting cultural sites.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled water.
  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Johannesburg’s diverse neighborhoods!