Johannesburg flights and travel guide

What began as a modest gold-mining town in the late 19^th century grew to become South Africa’s thriving economic capital: Johannesburg (or Jo’burg for short). At first glance the city can seem unforgiving and its residents raucous, which is why most travellers who book flights to Johannesburg use it as a base on their way to game reserves and other cities and towns in South Africa. But those who stay a little longer discover a city rich in culture and history.

The best way to get to know the city is by exploring its city centre; the heart and soul of Jo’burg. The area has been revamped in recent years but still has some fine examples of colonial architecture. For an insight into the segregated black neighbourhoods built during the apartheid years take a tour of the township Soweto where Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both lived.

Post-apartheid Jo’burg has acquired a reputation for being a dangerous city filled with crime and poverty and while this sentiment often resonates in the minds of travellers coming off Johannesburg flights, it shouldn’t deter anyone from visiting this fascinating city.

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When to Fly to Johannesburg

Peak Season:
South Africa is a year-round destination. The best times book flights to Johannesburg depends on the activity you have in mind. Southern-hemisphere rules apply when it comes to seasons. South Africa’s summer lasts from November to February – warm with heavy rains in the afternoons.

Average winter temperatures range between 11 degrees Celsius in Johannesburg and 17 degrees in Durban; while summer temperatures hover between 19 (in Johannesburg) and 24 (in Durban).

The best time to watch game is spring (August to October). Whale watchers should visit between mid-June and the end of October for Southern Right Whales and between August and December for Humpback Whales.

For diving and surfing – April to September; hiking – spring and autumn as summer temperatures can be very high.

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Getting Around Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a sprawling city and the lack of convenient and safe public transport is often an obstacle to visitors. City transport consists of an unreliable bus network and a series of minibus taxi routes, neither of which operate much after dark. The main bus terminus is at Ghandi Square in the city centre where there are timetables and route maps, but times are rarely accurate; alternatively a City Slicker sightseeing bus provides hop-on hop-off tours around the city in open-topped buses. The quickest and cheapest way to get around is on a minibus 'taxi', an informal bus service that goes everywhere but has no schedule or formal stops and can be picked up at taxi ranks or hailed anywhere along its route. However, dangerous driving, overcrowding and high crime rates at taxi ranks have deterred many from using them as a means of transport. If necessary use them for short hops only and never with baggage. Safer but far more expensive are metered taxis, which need to be booked in advance. The best way to get around is by private car and there is an excellent network of highways and well-maintained roads. There are a number of car rental agencies that require drivers to be over 23 years old and hold a full driving license. A passport and credit card are also necessary. Drivers should keep their windows up and doors locked at all times, never leave anything visible in a parked car, and never stop for hitchhikers. Be aware that there is a risk of car hijacking so remain alert, especially when leaving or returning to the car, and seek out secure parking.

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Johannesburg Insider Information

• A visit to Johannesburg wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Apartheid Museum which offers a fascinating look into South Africa under apartheid between 1948 and 1994. Spend a few hours watching the unsettling video footage and listening to audio accounts of peoples’ experiences.
• One of the city’s most popular attractions – Constitution Hill is Jo’burg’s equivalent to Robben Island. Built on the site of Old Fort prison, the development houses South Africa’s new Constitutional Court which rules on constitutional issues including human rights. Visitors can attend court hearings and tour some areas of the Old Fort.
• Another important insight into apartheid can be found at the township of Soweto. Both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once lived here and today visitors (on guided tours) can visit Mandela’s home. Down the road from Soweto is the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum dedicated to the memory of Hector Pieterson – a young boy killed by police during a peaceful protest against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools. This was one of many casualties in the 1976 Soweto uprising.
• Situated in the central business district of Johannesburg, the JohannesburgArt Gallery is the city’s first gallery. The three story museum boasts an impressive collection of Flemish and Dutch art, as well as works by reputable South African artists including Helen Sebidi, Alfred Toba, and Gerard Sekoto.

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Johannesburg Airports

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