Overview
Take a trip to Johannesburg on your South Africa Vacation
Johannesburg, or Jo'burg as it is known to locals, is located on the eastern plateau of South Africa known as the Highveld. Despite not being one of the country’s three capital cities, Johannesburg remains one of the most modern and prosperous cities in the country and is the seat of the Constitutional Court. As a transporation hub Johannesburg is a natural starting point for a South Africa vacation.
After the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand in 1886, a settlement was established. When the public heard about the discovery, thousands of people headed to Johannesburg looking for fortunes. Within a century the city has been rebuilt four times, from humble beginnings as a tented camp to tin shanties, from Edwardian style buildings to its current, modern state. Johannesburg was not exempt from apartheid and the city council was instrumental in the creation of separate townships for black Africans who had been evicted from the city’s freehold areas.
Today Johannesburg is the economic hub of South Africa and is an excellent example of what Archbishop Desmond Tutu called the ‘Rainbow Nation’. It is a mixture of cultures, of black and white as well as an influx of immigrants. Visitors on a South African vacation are encouraged to experience all of the city on Johannesburg tours from the bustling city centre to outer lying regions like Soweto where they can visit the Apartheid Museum and the Mandela Family Museum.
Johannesburg was the principal host of the 2010 World Cup and just as the sound of Vuvuzelas humming will not soon be forgotten, the success of the tournament and the hospitality of Jo'burg and South Africa as a whole will be remembered for many years to come.
Johannesburg was the principal host of the 2010 World Cup and just as the sound of Vuvuzelas humming will not soon be forgotten, the success of the tournament and the hospitality of Jo'burg and South Africa as a whole will be remembered for many years to come.
At a Glance
Languages
Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, EnglishCurrency
South African Rand (ZAR)What do the experts say?
Skip the more commercial wineries and visit artisanal producers—you’ll find sparkling wines and small-batch reds that are absolutely world-class.
Djembe drumming at GOLD in Cape Town is an immersive African experience through their 14-dish food safari and unique live entertainment.
The game viewing in Kruger and Eastern Cape always draws me back—it’s truly superb.
South Africans are famously warm—when you’re new in town, you're often invited to a braai, our way of welcoming people through food.
South Africa is a wonderful starting point for Africa. It's got some of the top cities in the world, stunning food and wine, and exceptional value for money.
The skyline of Johannesburg is always a great p...
Supporters cheering on their teams
The soccer stadium is a popular inclusion on Jo...
Sandton is one of Johannesburg's affluent north...
Most Popular Time to Travel
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
JohannesburgMostly Sunny
23°C / 74°F
4mm / 0.1"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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ExcellentBased on 5,211 ReviewsWe enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow.
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