ZA · Gauteng · 26.20°S 28.05°E

johannesburg

Apartheid history, Soweto neighbourhoods and a lively mix of food and contemporary art.

Best time
April–May and September–October are mild. June–August is dry and sunny but cold at night; summer brings green gardens and short, loud afternoon thunderstorms.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly with one stop, usually via Singapore, Dubai or Doha, about 14–18 hours all in. The Gautrain runs from OR Tambo airport to Sandton in about 15 minutes. South Africa is 6 hours behind KL.
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ZA · Gautengjohannesburg26.20°S 28.05°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Apartheid history, Soweto neighbourhoods and a lively mix of food and contemporary art.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingJohannesburgZA, Gauteng
KLjohannesburg
≈ 8,541 km from KL, as the crow flies
Johannesburg Skyline

Photo: Chris7cn (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Joburg is a big, spread-out city of leafy suburbs and some of South Africa's most important history. Give it a couple of days for Soweto, the museums and the food, rather than treating it as just a connection.

Makan

  1. Shisa nyamaMeat grilled to order at a butcher-braai, with pap and salads, a weekend social meal.Map ↗
  2. SamoosasCrisp triangles of spiced mince or vegetables, from the city's Indian kitchens.Map ↗
  3. ChakalakaA spicy relish of beans and vegetables, served with pap and grilled meat.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Apartheid MuseumYour ticket randomly classifies you by race at the entrance, and the museum goes on from there through the system and the struggle against it.Map ↗
  2. Constitution HillAn old prison where Gandhi and Mandela were both held, now home to the Constitutional Court.Map ↗
  3. SowetoVilakazi Street, Mandela's old house and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, best with a local guide.Map ↗
  4. RosebankGalleries, cafés and craft shopping in the northern suburbs.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Fordsburg and Mayfair are the city's Muslim neighbourhoods, with halal butchers, curry houses and the Oriental Plaza.
  • Joburg isn't a walking city. Use Uber or the Gautrain, especially after dark.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.