1 day in Johannesburg

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mitchlou84
mitchlou84

Hello, I'm looking to fly into Johannesburg from Melbourne, the main focus for me is to do a 4 day Kruger trip, which I have picked, and they'll collect me from my hotel.

Question is, do I want one full day in the city to explore or will the part day from my flight landing suffice. If the full day, what do you think I shouldn't miss?

I will be a solo traveller, female aged 32.

Also for 1 or 2 nights depending on the answer above, where do you suggest I might stay. I'm interested in easy access from the airport, walking distance (reasonably safe from some bars and restaurants), and udget is quite important, each nights accommodation I would rathe keep under $75 USD or $100AUD a night where possible.

Thoughts would be much appreciated.

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lidia_s77
lidia_s77

If you're interested in history, culture and experiencing the city and it's contrasting areas I would say that a full day would be best. I think in Johannesburg visiting the Soweto township and then also seeing really rich parts like Sandton gives a lot of insight into our country and some of its challenges. You can combine this with the Apartheid Museum and maybe a place like the Neighbourgoods Market if you're there on a Saturday. If you do want to see something of Joburg but don't want to stay the extra day, you can maybe consider a quick drive throught the CBD on the Hop On Hop Off bus just to get a bit of a feel for the city. I would say the part day might be enough for this if your flight doesn't land later than midday or so. In the end I think it depends on your interests and if you think you would enjoy that experience or if you would just like to rest and recover from the jet lag.

I would definitely recommend staying in Rosebank. It's a vibrant area with shops, craft markets, art galleries and many restaurants and bars to choose from. It is also safe to walk around in the surrounding area, it's one of my favourite parts of Johannesburg and I think perfect for a tourist to stay. There are lots of different types of accommodation in different price classes - fancy hotels, guesthouses, hostels and AirBnbs (there are a few within your price range). There are also places within your pice range on SafariNow.

The other nice thing about Rosebank is that it's on the Gautrain line. It's really easy and safe to travel with the Gautrain from the airport to Rosebank and then on to Park Station if you want to do the Hop On Hop Off bus tour with the Soweto extension if you have time.

I hope this helps and I hope you have a really nice trip! :-)

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nathalie2
nathalie2

Excellent advice given above.
I agree, doing a guided tour to SOWETO and visiting the excellent Apartheid museum is a "must" if you are interested in the history of the Apartheid time, and at getting a glimpse at the contrasts in South Africa. So if you have the time, I would stay for a full day.

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mitchlou84
mitchlou84

Full day it is, thankyou so so much ladies, I would love to go to the Apartheid museum. I'm guessing a tour that combines that and Soweto would be my best bet.
I had read about the Gautrain, and that would help with airport transfers too.
Will look into hotels in Rosebank now :)
Really appreciate your responses

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