Johannesburg South Africa 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Apartheid Museum: A museum that explores South Africa’s history from the 1940s to the 1990s, showcasing the country’s turbulent past.
    • Explore the Witwatersrand (Wits) University campus: This historic campus is a hub of academic and cultural activity in Johannesburg.
  • Evening:
    • Head to the Nelson Mandela Bridge: Take a stroll across this iconic bridge that spans the M1 highway, offering stunning city views.
    • Enjoy dinner at Moyo Restaurant, located within the Nelson Mandela Bridge precinct. This restaurant serves up delicious pan-African cuisine.

Day 2: Cultural Heritage and Craft Markets

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Constitution Hill: This historic complex is home to the Constitutional Court, as well as several museums and art galleries.
    • Explore the African Craft Market: Browse through stalls selling handmade crafts, souvenirs, and traditional clothing.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG): A contemporary art gallery featuring local and international artists.
    • Head to the Rosebank Mall, one of Johannesburg’s most popular shopping centers.
  • Evening:
    • Dine at Dolce: An upscale restaurant serving modern Italian cuisine.

Day 3: Nature Escapes

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Neighbourgoods Market: A bustling market featuring local produce, artisanal goods, and street food.
    • Take a stroll through the nearby 80 on Empire Gardens: A beautiful botanical garden with walking trails, water features, and scenic views.
  • Afternoon:
    • Head to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden: Explore over 85 hectares of lush gardens featuring indigenous plants and flowers.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at The Pantry, a cozy restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 4: Adventure and Thrills

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Gold Reef City Casino: A large casino complex with slot machines, table games, and live entertainment.
    • Experience the thrill of African Lion Park Safari: Take an open-top game drive to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife in a natural habitat.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Johannesburg Zoo: Home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.
    • Go on a Zipline Adventure at the Lion Park Safari: Fly through the air and enjoy stunning views of the African savannah.

Day 5: Foodie Heaven

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Neighbourgoods Market (again!): Try some delicious food stalls and artisanal goods.
    • Explore the nearby Foodhall: A bustling food market featuring a variety of cuisines, including Asian, African, and Western options.
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a food tour with Taste and Tour, exploring Johannesburg’s vibrant food scene.
    • Visit the Wine Lounge at the Maboneng Precinct: A cozy spot to taste some South African wines.

Day 6: Last Day in Joburg

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Market Theatre: A historic theater complex featuring live performances, including music, dance, and theater.
    • Explore the nearby Hillbrow Art Centre: A vibrant arts center featuring local artists and artisans.
  • Afternoon:
    • Head back to your accommodation to pack up and say goodbye to Johannesburg.
    • Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Butcher’s Block, a trendy restaurant serving modern South African cuisine.

Where to Stay

Johannesburg has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Here are some top picks:

  • Budget: The Backpackers, Joburg Inn
  • Mid-range: Maboneng Boutique Hotel, 54 on Bath Guest House
  • Luxury: The Saxon Hotel, The Grand Hotel at the Mall

Getting Around

Johannesburg is a big city, and it’s best to get around using:

  • Taxi: Uber or local taxi services like Zazilabs or Taxify
  • Public Transport: Rea Vaya buses or Gautrain trains
  • Walking: Explore the city on foot, especially in safe neighborhoods

Tips and Essentials

  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Language: English is widely spoken, but Afrikaans and Zulu are also common languages.
  • Currency: South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency.
  • Weather: Johannesburg has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Other Things to Know

  • Johannesburg is a city of contradictions, where poverty and wealth, crime and safety, and tradition and modernity coexist.
  • The city has a rich history, from the gold rush era to the apartheid regime and beyond.
  • Joburg is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of cuisines and restaurants.
  • Explore the city’s many markets and craft centers for unique shopping experiences.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good starting point for planning your trip to Johannesburg!