Cheap flights to Johannesburg depart from London Heathrow Airport. Some flights to Johannesburg may be available from other regional airports around the UK. British citizens do not require a visa to enter South Africa. International flights to Johannesburg will arrive at OR Tambo International Airport just outside Johannesburg. Buses operated by Putco and Metrobus provide services during the morning and evening, which tend to be the airport’s peak times. Magic Bus also offers door-to-door services from the airport. Gautrain provides rail services from the airport to Sandton. More Gautrain services are available from Sandton. Metered taxis and shuttle services are available from outside the terminal buildings.
Gautrain operates rail services and some bus routes to nearby districts and travels as far afield as Pretoria and Hatfield. Gold Cards are similar to the Oyster cards used by London Underground, and can be used to pay for trips on the Gautrain. Single trip fares as well as a number of passes are available on Gold Cards. Tickets can be purchased at Gautrain stations and some shops. Metrobus and Rea Vaya operate a number of bus routes around Johannesburg. Check their respective websites for routes and other information. Taxis are available in Johannesburg but it is best to book them in advance.
Johannesburg is an up-and-coming city break and increasingly popular with many visitors. Travel back in time to the Cradle of Humanity at Maropeng. The complex of caves contains a wealth of hominid fossils and ancient tools. Learn more about recent history at the Apartheid Museum, where visitors must enter through designated ‘White’ or ‘Non-white’ entrances. The Mandela House in Soweto was Nelson Mandela’s former residence. It has been turned into a museum dedicated to Mandela’s life, as well as a centre to campaign for human rights. Discover the region’s natural beauty with a visit to the breathtaking Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens.
Sandton City is a large shopping mall with a variety of South African and international chains, as well as a number of independent shops. Oriental Plaza offers a taste of the East with haggling acceptable, even encouraged, in many shops. The Rooftop Market at Rosebank is packed with stalls selling locally made arts and crafts, jewellery and other handmade items. Moyo is a large restaurant serving up a mix of Pan-African cuisine and live music. Roxy’s is one of the city’s best known clubs, and often fills up with music fans looking for a nightly does of pop or dance music.
The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is great fun for the entire family without even getting out of the car; see lions and rhinos up close and personal. Take lots of water as it can get very hot.
Touting the best restaurants on the African Continent, Johannesburg delights its visitors with choices of sea food, steak houses, and fine-dining restaurants. Pigalle offers lavish dŽcor and a succulent menu, while Wandie serves up typical African delicacies such as meat stews, imifino and baie lekker.
Take advantage of your airfare to Johannesburg and enjoy a night on the town gambling or clubbing. Taboo, is a local institution where you can dance the night away, or you can enjoy jazz and blues by international artists at the Bassline Club. You can also dance to rave, rock, techo, hip hop or R&B at one of the many other nightclubs in Johannesburg.