Johannesburg

Since the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand region in 1886, Johannesburg has evolved from a small mining town into Africa’s wealthiest metropolis. Today, it’s a city of contrasts where luxury malls and makeshift street markets share the same zip code, and sleepy residential suburbs lie a stone’s throw away from skyscrapers and rooftop bars.

The business districts of Sandton and Rosebank are well-traversed hotspots for nightlife and dining. Meanwhile, you’ll find a slice of new Johannesburg in downtown Maboneng Precinct, where art, food and music collide in a celebration of modern South African culture. In Johannesburg South, the Apartheid Museum is an unmissable glimpse into South Africa’s turbulent history. For wildlife enthusiasts, nearby game reserves like Dinokeng offer the chance to see African wildlife on a day trip or weekend safari.

When to go:
Johannesburg enjoys a warm climate and a packed events calendar almost all year round, even during the winter months. Visit from March to May or September to November, when the weather’s pleasant with low chances of rain – it’s perfect for al fresco meals, safari getaways and jaunts to the city’s beautiful parks, nature reserves and outdoor markets then.

How to get around:
Johannesburg’s public transport network is limited, so your best bet for short trips would be to use ride-sharing services like Uber. That said, the Gautrain (pronounced ‘how-train’) is a modern rail system connecting the city centre with OR Tambo International Airport as well as Pretoria, the capital city next door. 

Keep in mind that the city is fairly expansive, so renting a car is ideal if you’re seeking the freedom to explore Johannesburg and its surrounding attractions.