Johannesburg Holidays
Johannesburg holidays provide an experience just as diverse as the city itself. Whether you are in search of culture, retail therapy, an adrenaline rush or a place to simply unwind for a few days, Johannesburg has it all.
Johannesburg is a melting pot of cultural influences, a place of high energy, creativity and fashion. This city’s thriving art scene, buzzing restaurants, bars and shops are all situated just a short drive from some of the best Safari holiday spots in South Africa such as Pilanesberg, the Waterberg or Madikwe.
The beating heart of South Africa
Johannesburg is a sprawling metropolis that is worth exploring. Take a drive over the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge and head to the busy district of Newtown, home to Africa’s jazz scene. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in art, fashion and photography at Museum Africa or book a guided tour at The South African Breweries, and sample the traditional African beer, Umqombothi.
A holiday in Johannesburg would not be complete without a tour of Soweto. Once a notorious shantytown, modern-day Soweto is a colourful district brimming with life. High five with the local school kids as you make your way through the streets and stop by Nelson Mandela’s house to learn the history of Soweto. For thrill-seekers, check out the bungee jump at Soweto towers.
For more of South Africa’s history, visit Pretoria, also known as ‘Jacaranda city’. Once you’ve seen all that Johannesburg holidays have to offer, connect with nature on an unforgettable safari experience in the Kruger National Park.
For a relaxing end to your holiday, consider travelling to Seychelles or Mauritius for a beach stay, completing the perfect multi-centre trip. Whatever your Johannesburg holiday aspirations, give us a call. Our Destination Specialists can create the perfect itinerary just for you.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
There is a wide variety of Johannesburg tours available to choose from. We’ve put together a selection of popular itineraries to give you some inspiration. Give us a call today to discuss even more options for a tailor made Johannesburg holiday package.
Cape Town and Botswana by Belmond
Our Cape Town and Botswana multi-centre holiday allows you to combine the sophisticated urban cool of Cape Town with the breath taking wildness of Botswana’s Chobe National Park. It’s a brilliant way to see two different sides to Africa. Your...
Adventure holidays
Discover Namibia
Guide Price £4,299 pp
Namibia is Southern Africa's most westerly nation and is home to endless seas of red sand, golden grass, rugged gorges and rubble plains. This abruptly ends where the desert meets the ocean and as the elements earth and water are...
Escorted tours
Discover Zambia
This unique, peanut-shaped country, once known as Northern Rhodesia, offers visitors an authentic African experience complete with adrenaline pumping adventures, a variety of fascinating cultural activities and an abundance of indigenous wildlife, which finds refuge in Zambia’s vast national parks...
Safari holidays
South Africa and Mauritius Multi Centre Holiday
Guide Price £3,399 pp
Our South Africa and Mauritius multi-centre holiday allows you to taste a slice of two diverse but uniquely compatible destinations. Explore the wild side with a safari trip and some relaxed wine tasting, before resting up on the paradise island...
Adventure holidays
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![a yellow bus driving down a dirt road]()
Soweto
Take an inspirational tour through vibrant Soweto, the district now synonymous with victory over oppression. Nelson Mandela lived here before he was sentenced to life imprisonment. You can also visit the former homes of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu, and the Walter Sisulu Square of Independence, where the ANC presented the Freedom Charter demanding equality for all. It is safer, and more interesting, to visit with a resident guide.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a year-round destination but the best time to go to Johannesburg is between May and August during the city’s winter as the chance of encountering rain or thunderstorms is low. This is a quieter time of year for tourists, making it easier to see more of this beautiful city.
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Anneka
Commercial Executive
“If travelling with children, a trip to Gold Reef City is not to be missed, with entertainment for all ages. For those looking for something a little more educational, check out the gold mine tour and learn all about how Johannesburg was given the name ‘City of Gold’.”
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Dave
Senior Commercial Manager
“44 Stanley is one of Johannesburg's best-kept shopping secrets as is Neighbourgoods market which takes place every Sunday in Braamfontein. Here, you can sample delicious African food and meander past a wide variety of stalls selling traditional African jewellery, pots, carvings and more.”
As the biggest city in South Africa, Johannesburg has a variety of events and festivals held throughout the year, offering something for people of all ages and interests. Here are our top picks.
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The Rand Show
South Africa's largest family event staged annually at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. This 10-day event in April has rides, shows, fashion, beauty, motor racing and more. A great family day out.
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Whiskey and Spirits Live
For whisky lovers, gin, vodka and rum connoisseurs this is the place to be. Sample South Africa’s finest at Sandton Convention Centre between October and November.
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Colour Run
A colourful charity event held in September where people of all ages can walk or run this 5k track whilst covering each other in bright neon paint.
Johannesburg provides an abundance of choice when it comes to cuisine, from local traditional dishes such as Pap and Bobotie to fine dining restaurants showcasing the best in modern delicacies.
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Pap
You’ll find Pap in many local style restaurants in Johannesburg. This is a traditional dish that is native to South Africans; made from softly grounded maize. Similar to porridge or polenta, this is usually served as a side dish and can be eaten savoury or sweet.
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Bobotie
A traditional meat-based oven bake made with a blend of dried fruits, spiced beef or lamb and an egg-based topping. Very similar to moussaka.
Types of Johannesburg holidays
It takes approximately 11 hours with a direct flight from London Heathrow to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, operated by British Airways. Indirect flights are available with South African Airways, Emirates, Qatar and KLM via their hubs.
