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    Cathay Pacific
    A guide to the fascinating tapestry of modern Johannesburg
    Got six or more days to explore Johannesburg and its surrounding region? Here’s how to spend them
    south africa
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    Johannesburg

    For a long time, Johannesburg was seen as simply a jumping off point for transiting to the surrounding National Parks or the winelands of the Cape – gone are those days. Beyond boasting the best access to these cultural and natural gems, South Africa’s most vibrant city has become a destination in its own right, and taking a few days to plug into the inimitably muscular energy and creative buzz of “city of gold” will deliver rewards. 

    Joburg’s appetite – especially for a good time – is as large as the 19th century gold mine dumps that dot the horizon. But as with any metropolis, there are a few simple rules of thumb to follow when veering off the paths more travelled: be street-smart (wary without being paranoid), and act like you belong.

    Those keen on history, politics, art, live music and fashion will strike gold within this concrete jungle, while day trips to places of natural beauty are just a few hours away. For a taste of everything, read on for our six-day Johannesburg itinerary below.

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    For museum buffs: Soweto

    The Apartheid Museum in Ormonde, to the south of Johannesburg, is an ideal introduction to the country’s past. Opened in 2002, it has both permanent and temporary exhibitions which examine apartheid’s genesis, rise and fall. From there, it is a short ride to Soweto and Vilakazi Street, where two of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize-winners once lived. Here, you can explore the homes of the Mandelas (former president Nelson and his wife Winnie Madikizela), and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Just a stone’s throw away from Vilakazi Street is the Hector Pieterson Memorial on Khumalo Road, another stop on your tour of Johannesburg’s storied history.

    For thrill seekers looking for a little adventure to finish off the day, take the plunge off the Soweto Towers – a 100m-high bungee jump at the decommissioned coal-fired Orlando Power Station.

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    Credit: Getty Images

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    For digging deeper into social history: Braamfontein 

    A visit to Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein is a good place to continue brushing up on South Africa’s past, while also grappling with its present and the promise of its future. Here, you can explore the country’s progressive Constitution, lauded by the likes of the late US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

    The former women’s jail at Constitutional Hill is where political prisoners like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Fatima Meer served out their sentences. And the country’s Constitutional Court is in the same complex: an architectural masterpiece that boasts a wonderful art collection curated by former judges, featuring a Henri Matisse painting and a Dumile Feni sculpture.

    As a student district, Braamfontein is home to some truly unique and diverse restaurants, such as Artivist which hosts cutting-edge jazz and world music performances in its Untitled Basement . Kitcheners Carvery and Bar is a great bar-slash-nightclub to finish off a day in “Braam” with a few beers and a late-night dance to amapiano music.  

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    For cultural city slickers: inner city 

    Johannesburg is a multinational “Afropolitan” city which draws its residents from across South Africa and the continent. And “Little Addis ”, a four-block enclave along Rahima Moosa Street in inner-city Johannesburg filled with Ethiopian stores and eateries, is a great place to start your journey of exploration.

    The old Medical Arts Building on Jeppe Street is crammed with several floors of Ethiopian restaurants (the injera and tibs at Be-Ersufekad is delicious) and shops selling textiles, coffee, Rasta-inspired clothes and more. It’s best to take a guided tour if possible; check out Dlala Nje or Past Experiences Walking Tours

    After exploring “Little Addis”, wind your way through Johannesburg’s neighbourhoods, with your final destination being the Kwa Mai Mai Market. Historically, the area was a great source for traditional medicines and herbs, or an opportunity to visit a sangoma (a diviner or traditional healer). More recently the market has attracted influencers and the ‘Gram gang looking to eat at the cheap shisa nyamas (barbecues) while drinking and dancing their way from daylight into nightfall in the open-air.

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    For gastronomes: Yeoville & Roseband 

    During apartheid, Yeoville was the suburb attracting bohemian and political types of all colours and creeds. Today, it’s like stepping into a part of Francophone Africa where immigrants from the Congo and Cameroon predominate. The African Food Market is a great place to stock up on Pan-African ingredients like dendê oil and cassava, and for dinner, check out the Yeoville Dinner Club , where chef Sanza Sandile combines Pan-African flavours and street edge at an intimate long table. Sandile was a favourite of chef and television travel host Anthony Bourdain. Reservations are essential.

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    For archaeology aficionados: day tripping 

    South Africa’s world-famous safaris are just a few hours away, but there’s a wealth of geological wonders and natural beauty to discover, too. Less than an hour’s drive away is the Cradle of Humankind where some of the earliest hominin fossils were discovered in caves. Some of the paleontological remains on display include the more than 3-million-year-old “Little Foot” who was discovered in 1995, and the considerably younger Miss Ples, said to be about 2.3-million years old. Nearby is the Nirox Sculpture Park , a contemporary outdoor arts park and another must-see attraction.

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

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    Credit: Getty Images

    Johannesburg

    Credit: Getty Images

    For safari lovers: the bush 

    It’s time to get your safari on. But instead of heading east to the Kruger National Park, we recommend you head north-west towards the Mapungubwe National Park . You may not find all of the Big Five here, but animal sightings can often include the rare white rhino and red hartebeest, elephants and giraffes. The birdwatching is also extraordinary around this Unesco World Heritage Site. 

    What you won’t find at Kruger is Mapungubwe’s sandstone formations, which hold million-year-old mysteries, creating space for contemplation. Explore the riverine forests, sandstone hills and woodlands on guided game drives and walks.

    More inspiration

    Johannesburg travel information

    Country / Region
    South Africa
    Language
    Zulu, Xhosa, English
    Airport code
    JNB
    Currency
    ZAR
    Time zone
    GMT +02:00
    Climate
    Subtropical
    Country / Region
    South Africa
    Time zone
    GMT +02:00
    Currency
    ZAR
    Airport code
    JNB
    Language
    Zulu, Xhosa, English
    Climate
    Subtropical
    Find the best fares to
    Johannesburg
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