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Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, will strike you with its urban dimension and natural gems – a city you must visit to believe.
Established in 1886, it is named the city of gold due to the discovery of the valuable metal and has blossomed into a dynamic city filled with arts, culture, and history.
At night, Johannesburg truly comes to life with its many coffee shops and high-end diners. Johannesburg Tours will be nothing short of a dream for the shopaholics with its dozens of shopping centres and markets that will suit every taste and offer souvenirs for all price ranges.
All in all, this city captures the attention of travel enthusiasts with its dynamic mix of modernity and tradition when set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
The Best Times to Visit Johannesburg are March to May and September to November when you'll enjoy mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. With Johannesburg in the Southern Hemisphere, winter spans from June to August and summer from December to February. These shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance for Johannesburg Travel, combining pleasant weather with affordable travel options, making it an ideal period for exploring the city's vibrant life and natural beauty.Top of Form
Johannesburg is your gateway to incredible wildlife experiences. Just outside the city, Lion Park offers close encounters with lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Nearby, the Cradle of Humankind combines natural beauty with a peek into ancient history. The city’s green spaces are a haven for bird watchers, offering a variety of species. Adventure seekers will find the nearby reserves like Pilanesberg and Mabula ideal for spotting elephants, lions, and leopards in the wild. This city represents an amazing mix of urban living with nature's wonders, inviting everyone to discover its rich Johannesburg Wildlife.
Johannesburg is South Africa's big city in the Gauteng province, playing a key role in the country's economy.
For a closer look, you can find detailed Johannesburg Map sources online, which show more about the city's layout and important spots.
Getting to Johannesburg, a bustling hub in South Africa, is easy, no matter where you're coming from.
Flying into Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport is around 13 miles from downtown. It connects globally, offering a gateway to this vibrant city. From there, the Gautrain can whisk you to Sandton for about R165, with easy transfers to the city. For those preferring a ride, licensed taxis with meters are ready outside.
Lanseria Airport, about 25 miles away, caters to domestic and some international flights, serving budget travellers.
Taking the Train
Shosholoza Meyl trains connect Johannesburg with other major South African cities. For faster travel, Gautrain offers a quick link to Pretoria at R46, while Metrorail is more budget-friendly for local commutes.
Driving
Johannesburg is well-connected by highways to major South African cities and neighbouring countries. Key routes include the N1, N3, N4, and N14, making road trips a viable option.
By Bus
Buses like Greyhound and Magic Bus operate from Park Station, the city's main bus hub. It's a bustling area, so plan some extra time to navigate.
For those planning Johannesburg Travel, these modes of transport simplify the transportation options. With a range of options to suit any traveller, beginning your Johannesburg adventure has never been easier.
In Johannesburg, getting around is a breeze with several options at your disposal. The quickest route from the airport to downtown is the Gautrain, dodging the city's notorious traffic. If you're staying at a hotel, ask about their shuttle service. Taxis and rental cars are also readily available for more personal travel plans.
For trips outside the city, especially to remote parks or hidden gems, having a car is important. Johannesburg's roads connect you to every adventure, making travel flexible and accessible for everyone.Top of Form
Johannesburg's weather is a mix of mild winters and warm, rain-speckled summers. Elevated on a plateau, the city enjoys a subtropical climate that's softened by its altitude, making for pleasant conditions year-round.
Overall, Johannesburg’s climate is comfortably balanced, with average temperatures swinging from a cool 10°C in winter to a warm 21°C in the summer months.
Irrespective of whether you’re here to catch the city’s sunny winters or to enjoy the summer rains, Johannesburg’s weather complements its vibrant street life and lush outdoors, making it a year-round destination for travellers.
Johannesburg is a city of mixed cultures. Here visitors find themselves in a vibrant world where many traditions are present. Below are some tips that you can adapt to enjoy the city respectfully.
As you explore Johannesburg, you'll see it's a place constantly evolving, moving beyond its past towards a brighter future. Community efforts revive old areas with fresh energy and street art, especially in places like Maboneng and Braamfontein
Johannesburg is South Africa’s biggest city and it is full of life and stories. For anyone looking to see the city’s true colours, here are some Top Things to Do in Johannesburg.
Start with a visit to the Apartheid Museum to understand the country’s past. Don’t miss the South African National Museum of Military History for a peek into the nation’s defence history.
Johannesburg is a city filled with diverse attractions and experiences, catering to history enthusiasts, art lovers, families, and adventurers alike. Explore at your own pace and discover the rich experiences that Johannesburg has to offer.
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Experience the warmth of Johannesburg in January with average temperatures of 20.4°C. This is the peak of summer when the city basks in 8 hours of daily sunshine and enjoys high temperatures up to 26.3°C. While it's generally warm, afternoons can bring about thunderstorms, marking the month with the highest rainfall of 125mm over 14 days. It's a vibrant time for Johannesburg Tours, perfect for exploring the outdoors when the sun is out.
February in Johannesburg means warm days with an average temperature of 20.3°C and up to 8 hours of sunshine. The city experiences about 90mm of rainfall over 10 days, typically as short, refreshing thunderstorms. This pleasant weather is perfect for exploring the vibrant streets or venturing into the natural beauty surrounding the city, making Johannesburg Travel delightful.
In March, Johannesburg transitions into autumn with an average temperature of around 19.1°C. With approximately 90mm of rainfall across 11 days, the city experiences occasional afternoon thunderstorms. This month is great for Johannesburg Travel, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors and the city’s cultural offerings in milder weather.
April in Johannesburg sees a further dip in temperatures to an average of 16.4°C, with rainfall reducing to about 50mm over 8 days. The cooler, drier days are ideal for exploring Johannesburg's rich history and vibrant street life, making it a perfect time for Johannesburg Tours.
May marks the onset of winter in Johannesburg with average temperatures dropping to 13.7°C. Rainfall is minimal, making it an excellent time for Johannesburg Safari Tours as the weather is conducive to outdoor adventures and wildlife viewing without the summer crowds.
June brings colder days with average temperatures around 11°C and very little rainfall. Clear, sunny days make it an opportune time for Johannesburg Day Tours, especially for those looking to explore the outdoors and the city’s winter beauty.
Johannesburg in July experiences its coldest weather with an average temperature of 10.7°C and scarce rainfall. This month offers perfect conditions for Johannesburg South Africa Tours, allowing visitors to enjoy winter activities and sunny afternoons.
In August, temperatures in Johannesburg start to climb, averaging 13.4°C. The weather remains dry, making it a great month for exploring Johannesburg's natural landscapes and wildlife, enhancing the Johannesburg Travel experience.
Spring arrives in Johannesburg in September with average temperatures rising to 17°C and a slight increase in rainfall. This period is ideal for Johannesburg Tours, with the city coming alive with blooming flowers and vibrant green spaces.
October sees warmer temperatures averaging 18.7°C and the return of the rains, totalling 75mm over 9 days. It's a fantastic time for Day Tours from Johannesburg, offering a mix of sunny days and refreshing showers, perfect for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions.
With average temperatures of 19.2°C and notable rainfall, November in Johannesburg is lively and green. It’s a prime time for Johannesburg Safari Tours, offering rich wildlife experiences and lush landscapes before the peak summer season.
December in Johannesburg is warm and festive, with temperatures averaging 20.1°C. Despite up to 105mm of rainfall, the summer brings vibrant energy to the city, making it a wonderful time for Johannesburg South Africa Tours and holiday celebrations.
Yes, exploring Johannesburg is a great idea. It’s a city where history meets modern life, offering a mix of engaging museums, lively markets, and green spaces. It's also a starting point for safaris and Johannesburg Wildlife adventures, making it an exciting destination.
Johannesburg is known as the heart of South Africa's gold mining industry, giving it the nickname "City of Gold." It's also famous for its role in the country's apartheid history and is a hub for arts, culture, and Johannesburg Tours, showcasing its vibrant life.
Johannesburg's popularity comes from its lively mix of cultural history, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're interested in its apartheid past or its modern Johannesburg Day Tours, there's always something to discover.
Five interesting facts about Johannesburg include its status as the world’s biggest city not built by a water source, its rich gold mining history, its large urban forest, its deep gold mines, and its importance in ending apartheid, all of which you can explore on Johannesburg Safari Tours.
Before heading to Johannesburg, remember it's a city of contrast and diversity. Safety is key, so stay informed and cautious. Enjoy the local food, culture, and history, and don’t miss out on the natural beauty just outside the city on Johannesburg South Africa Tours.
To spend a day in Johannesburg, start with the historical sites like the Apartheid Museum, meet the lions up close at a wildlife park, and explore artsy neighbourhoods like Maboneng. It’s a chance to see the city's historical and modern sides in one day, perfect for a Day Tour from Johannesburg.
Visit Johannesburg to dive into its mix of history, arts, and lively streets. It’s a gateway to South Africa's natural wonders and a place where you can witness the country's journey through South Africa Tours that begin here.
Johannesburg got its nickname, the Golden City, from its gold mining roots. It quickly grew from a small settlement to a major city after gold was discovered, an exciting tale often covered in Johannesburg Tour packages.
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We travelled with Falcon Safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana for 16 days. Falcon designed a wonderful trip with private guide to the most interesting sites in both countries. The organization of the whole trip was excellent, flights within the country, accommodation and activites. The guides were very knowledgable and told us a lot about the countries, their history, people, economy and much more. We visited the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Victoria Falls Tour and a number of national parks in both countries.
Rhino tracking was a real adventure! We had tremendous further game drives and saw very many animals - we did the Big Five. We had much more Victoria Falls Activities than planned and enjoyed very much.We strongly recommend Falcon Safaris to everyone planning a trip to Southern Africa and East Africa.
Our Consultant Vimbai was very helpful and accommodating. We stayed at the Elephant hills hotel which was nothing short of amazing.Our activities included a helicopter flight, dinner cruise as well as a morning game drive. All the activities were absolutely amazing.
We worked with Gertrude to schedule and organize everything and she did an excellent job. I asked a lot of questions via e-mail and she answered everyone in a timely helpful manner. Our guide at Victoria Falls was also great. He met us at the airport, provided a thoughtful tour of the Falls and got us to our next guide in Botswana. Our lodgings at River View Lodge were just as described- very comfortable and excellent food. All the staff were so pleasant and helpful. If I had to do it again I would arrange a morning boat ride as well. We only did the sunset boat rides and they were the high point of our entire trip- we saw so many animals and our guide was very knowledgeable. Just a great experience. Our lodgings at Oddball's Enclave was rustic and we loved it. So great to disconnect from the world for a bit. Leo, our guide, was the best - got us out and about, saw fantastic wildlife and got back to camp safely each time. Doc manages the camp so well. This whole trip was planned and organized by Falcon Safaris and we could not have been happier.
Falcon safaris have given my the correct advice with excellent service. The only suggestion will be to work closer with the lodges to confirm bookings as soon as possible. We have booked and pay our deposit a year in advance. We have only receive our final convermation from Chobe Safari lodge a week before departure. I do realize its not within your controle but with limit alternatives and a group of 14 people it becomes an issue to find alternative accomodation if the booking was cancelled.
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