Johannesburg & Pretoria Travel Guide
Understand the present with a look at the past: the excellent Apartheid Museum offers a riveting exploration of this defining era of South African history, bolstered by the moving exhibits at Constitution Hill and Mandela House in Soweto.
Next, discover the colourful African energy of Soweto with a local guided tour; on foot or by bicycle. In the mood for adventure? The colourful Soweto Towers offer bungy-jumping, climbing walls and the world’s highest ‘SCAD’ freefall.
An hour from the city there’s history of an ancient kind to unearth in the remarkable ‘Cradle of Humankind. At the Sterkfontein Caves travel back to the discovery of the fossils dubbed ‘Mrs Ples’ and ‘Little Foot’, or take the youngsters on an immersive journey back in time at Maropeng.
In Johannesburg’s northern suburbs there’s no shortage of entertainment: browse the contemporary art galleries of the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, indulge in a little retail therapy in the malls of Sandton, or soak up the café culture of Parkhurst and Parktown North.
After years of decline Johannesburg’s downtown precinct is also seeing a slow revival, with developments like 1Fox and the Maboneng Precinct bringing design-driven retail and dining to the inner city.
Pretoria is the departure point for the iconic Blue Train and Rovos Rail, but it’s also a gracious city with grand architecture to admire at the Union Buildings, while Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument tell different sides of South African history.
For years Johannesburg lagged (far) behind Cape Town in the culinary stakes, but the city is fast catching up, with a host of upscale eateries and innovative chefs establishing the city as a gourmet hotspot.
Top of the list should be Marble, where celebrity chef David Higgs has created a menu where almost every dish is touched by fire and flame, an upmarket homage to the South African barbecue. The wine list and sommelier here are particularly good. Higgs is also behind the menu at Saint, where classic Italian cuisine is given a contemporary makeover.
For African-inspired fine dining, look no further than Epicure, and chef Coco Reinharz’s impressive reinvention of pan-African culinary traditions in a fine-dining setting. Also worth a visit is The Marabi Club in the buzzy Maboneng district, where chef Katlego Mlambo deftly blends French, Asian and African inspiration.
Pretoria isn’t known for its culinary scene, with the welcome exception of Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient Private Hotel. Though it’s a half-hour’s drive from the city, it’s worth the effort for a chance to experience this whimsical world of edible escapism, where multi-course tasting menus come paired with wines from the 75 000-bottle cellar.
In Johannesburg locals dress to impress, and with more time spent in the city’s chic bars and restaurants you’ll want to pack a few favourite outfits. Beat the summer heat with loose cotton clothing, while crisp winter days require layers for warmth. Left something behind? Johannesburg and Pretoria offer a wealth of shopping opportunities, with both local and international brands available.
Johannesburg and Pretoria enjoy a wonderful climate year-round. Summer (November-February) is the rainy season, with hot and humid days often punctuated by dramatic thunderstorms in the late-afternoon. Winter (June-September) days are crisp, often very cold in the morning, with crystal-clear blue skies.
<<Insert temperature table, in Fahrenheit>>
Johannesburg, Pretoria and the province of Gauteng are malaria-free.
Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) is the largest air hub in southern Africa, with frequent direct flights to Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. It is also the primary hub for regional connections, with direct flights to tourist destinations across southern Africa.
Extensive private aviation facilities exist at both ORTIA and Lanseria airports, offering convenient charter flights to both domestic and regional destinations.
South Africa Travel Destinations
Africa By Design
For more information on customised and incentive travelling to these and other exclusive Southern Africa destinations, please feel free to contact us weekdays during office hours 9am-5pm UCT+2
Contact Us
+27 (0)21 430 3930
[email protected]
Travel Information
Embark on a journey through Africa with our expert tips and guidelines!