Johannesburg

CityGauteng, South Africa

Johannesburg is a CITY in Gauteng, South Africa.

Johannesburg, affectionately known as Joburg or Jozi, is the vibrant economic heart of South Africa. This bustling metropolis offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity. Visitors can explore the Apartheid Museum for a deep dive into South Africa's past, or visit Soweto, the iconic township that played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid. The city is also a gateway to wildlife adventures, with the Lion Park and Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve nearby. For art lovers, the Maboneng Precinct is a hub of creativity, featuring galleries, street art, and trendy cafes. Johannesburg's diverse culinary scene ranges from traditional braai (barbecue) to gourmet dining. The city's energy is infectious, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic South African experience.

Best time to visit Johannesburg

The best time to visit is during the dry winter months (May to September) when temperatures are mild, and wildlife viewing is optimal. Spring (September to November) offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Clear
Temperature
15°
Feels like
13°
Humidity
50%
Wind
5 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Warm 18-28°C, some rain

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Moderate

Spring, occasional thunderstorms

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

JNB

O.R. Tambo International Airport

International

22 km away

HLA

Lanseria International Airport

Domestic/Charter

35 km away

Getting around

"The Gautrain provides efficient rail service between key areas. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are reliable. Car rentals are available but driving can be challenging due to heavy traffic. The Rea Vaya bus system offers affordable public transport."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, malls, and cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5 (Vodacom, MTN)

Calling code

27

Stay safe

Overall

6/10

Crime exists but tourist areas are relatively safe with vigilance.

Night safety

4/10

Crime exists but tourist areas are relatively safe with vigilance.

Transport

7/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Exercise caution, especially at night and in less touristy areas. Avoid displaying valuables and use reputable taxi services. Stay informed about areas to avoid and consider guided tours for safer exploration."

Entry and health

Health information

"Travelers should ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccines. Malaria is not a concern in Johannesburg, but yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from a risk area. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available. Private healthcare is excellent, but travel insurance is recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Greetings are important; a handshake with eye contact is customary. Tipping is expected (10-15% in restaurants). Respect local traditions and ask permission before photographing people. Braais (barbecues) are a social staple; accepting an invitation is a great way to experience local culture."
EnglishZuluAfrikaansSothoTswana

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-10 | a cheap local meal costs ~$5-10

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1-2 | local bus ride ~$1-2

Cost notes

Uber rides within city ~$5-10. Mid-range hotel $80-150.

Timezone

Africa/Johannesburg +02:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

5.8 million

Area

1,645 km²

Government

Metropolitan Municipality

ISO code

JNB

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Јоханесбург, Jóhannesarborg, Јоханезбург, יאהאנעסבורג, J·ohanesbôrg, Johanesburgas, იოჰანესბურგი, Hoanipāka, जोहान्सबर्ग, 约翰内斯堡/約翰内斯堡, جۆھانسبێرگ, ಜೊಹಣೆಸ್ಬೆರ್ಗ್, Johannesburga, Yohannésburg, ጆሃንስበርግ, ヨハネスブルグ, Յոհաննեսբուրգ, Johannesburg, جوهانسبرغ, Johannesbuerg, ஜோகானஸ்பேர்க், EGoli, जोहन्नेस्बर्ग, Йоганнесбурґ, Йоханнесбург, Óola Haagééd, Johannesbourg, ജൊഹാനസ്‌ബർഗ്, جوهانسبيرج, Yowanɛsɩbuuri, Xohanesburgo, โจฮันเนสเบิร์ก, Johanesburgo, Joni, iGoli, Yohannesburg, ᱡᱚᱦᱟᱱᱥᱵᱟᱨᱜᱽ, یوہانس برگ, Йогьаннесбург, Іаганесбург, ဂျိုဟန္နက်စဗတ်မြို့, 요하네스버그, ژوهانسبورگ, Joburg;Jozi;JHB, ਜੋਹਾਨਿਸਬਰਗ, Ճոհանեսպուրկ, 約翰内斯堡, Ioannesburgum, Johannesburgo, Yohannesburq, Йоҳаннесбург, Johannesburgu, ژوهانسبورق, جوہانسبرگ, Йоханесбург, Johanɛsiburugu, Jehannesburch, 𐌹𐍉𐌷𐌰𐌽𐌽𐌹𐍃𐌱𐌰𐌿𐍂𐌲𐍃, Yoxannesburg, জোহানেসবার্গ, جوهانسبرگ, Яганэсбург, Johaanisbergge, Γιοχάνεσμπουργκ, Joanesburgo, 约翰内斯堡, יוהנסבורג

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