Johannesburg, South Africa-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Orientation

  • Morning: Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport
  • Transportation: Take a shuttle or taxi to your hotel ( approx. R300 / $20 USD)
  • Place to Stay: Check-in at the Maboneng Boutique Hotel (approx. R2,500 / $175 USD per night) in the heart of Johannesburg’s city center
  • Activity: Visit the nearby Johannesburg City Hall and take a stroll through the adjacent Mary Fitzgerald Square
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Shop, a trendy cafe serving delicious sandwiches and salads (approx. R100 / $7 USD per meal)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Wits Art Museum, located on the campus of the University of Witwatersrand
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Moyo Restaurant, a popular spot for traditional South African cuisine (approx. R250 / $18 USD per meal)

Day 2: Soweto and Mandela House

  • Morning: Visit Nelson Mandela’s Hometown, Soweto, to see the iconic Hector Pieterson Memorial
  • Transportation: Take a guided tour of Soweto using a reputable company like Soweto Tour (approx. R800 / $55 USD per person)
  • Place to Visit: Stop by the Mandela House Museum, where Nelson Mandela lived with his family
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Khaya Bar & Grill, a cozy spot serving up delicious burgers and salads (approx. R150 / $10 USD per meal)
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Market Place in Soweto, featuring local vendors selling handmade crafts and souvenirs
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Dining-OUT, a popular restaurant chain with a location in Johannesburg’s city center

Day 3: Gold Reef City

  • Morning: Visit Gold Reef City, an amusement park located on the site of a former gold mine
  • Transportation: Take the complimentary shuttle from your hotel to the theme park (approx. R300 / $20 USD)
  • Activity: Spend the day exploring the park’s various rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water slides, and a 4D theater
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Mine Shaft, a restaurant located within the theme park serving burgers and salads (approx. R100 / $7 USD per meal)
  • Afternoon: Continue exploring the park or take some time to relax in the designated areas for picnics and sunbathing
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Spur Steak Ranches, a popular chain restaurant with multiple locations throughout Johannesburg

Day 4: Apartheid Museum and Constitutional Hill

  • Morning: Visit the Apartheid Museum, which tells the story of South Africa’s complex history through interactive exhibits
  • Transportation: Take the complimentary shuttle from your hotel to the museum (approx. R300 / $20 USD)
  • Activity: Spend a few hours exploring the museum, learning about the country’s turbulent past and present-day reconciliation efforts
  • Lunch: Have lunch at The Craft, a restaurant located within the Apartheid Museum serving up delicious South African cuisine (approx. R150 / $10 USD per meal)
  • Afternoon: Visit Constitution Hill, a historic location that served as a prison during apartheid, now housing the Constitutional Court and other institutions
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Grill Room, located within the hotel, offering steakhouse-style dining with stunning views of the city

Day 5: Montecasino

  • Morning: Visit Montecasino, an entertainment complex featuring a casino, theater, restaurants, and shopping areas
  • Transportation: Take the complimentary shuttle from your hotel to Montecasino (approx. R300 / $20 USD)
  • Activity: Spend the day exploring the various attractions within the complex, including a movie theater, restaurants, and live performances at the Teatro theater
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Bella Italia, a restaurant located within Montecasino serving up delicious Italian cuisine (approx. R150 / $10 USD per meal)
  • Afternoon: Continue exploring the complex or take some time to relax in the designated areas for picnics and sunbathing
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Spur Steak Ranches, a popular chain restaurant with multiple locations throughout Johannesburg

Day 6: Nature Reserves

  • Morning: Visit the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, featuring over 5,000 plant species from across Africa
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle to the botanical gardens (approx. R300 / $20 USD)
  • Activity: Spend a few hours exploring the beautiful gardens and learning about African flora and fauna
  • Lunch: Have lunch at The Tea Garden Cafe, located within the botanical gardens, serving up delicious sandwiches and salads (approx. R150 / $10 USD per meal)
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a 60-hectare wildlife reserve featuring game drives and walking trails
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Dining-OUT, a popular restaurant chain with a location in Johannesburg’s city center

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions before departing the hotel
  • Transportation: Take the complimentary shuttle from your hotel to OR Tambo International Airport (approx. R300 / $20 USD)