Johannesburg
Discover Johannesburg
Johannesburg, the City of Gold, is South Africa's largest city and the gateway to Africa's greatest safari experiences. From the powerful history of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum to the vibrant arts scene of Maboneng and the lush Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, this dynamic metropolis offers an extraordinary blend of culture, history and modern African life. As the economic heartbeat of the continent, Johannesburg serves as the perfect starting point for unforgettable day trips to Pilanesberg, Kruger National Park and beyond.
Highlights at a Glance
What to See & Do
When to Go
The best time to visit Johannesburg is Year-round. September to November for spring flowers. May to August for dry winter safari season.. Our team tailors every itinerary to the season so you experience the very best conditions for wildlife, weather and value.
Peak Season
Year-round. September to November for spring flowers. May to August for dry winter safari season.
Talk to us for month-by-month advice and shoulder-season value.
Johannesburg Safari Packages
Hand-picked tours and safaris, each one fully customisable to your dates, pace and budget.
1-Day Red Bus & Soweto Combo
Combine two iconic Johannesburg experiences — hop on the famous Red City Sightseeing Bus for a panoramic tour of the city's landmarks, then head to Soweto for a guided visit through the township that shaped South Africa's history. Visit Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Memorial, and more.
Johannesburg Markets & Craft Trail
Experience the vibrant heartbeat of Johannesburg through its legendary markets. From the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein to the Rosebank Rooftop Market, Arts on Main, and the bustling Mai Mai Traditional Market.
Johannesburg Luxury Shopping Experience
Shop like a VIP across Johannesburg's premier retail destinations. From the opulent Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square to the vibrant Rosebank Mall and bohemian 44 Stanley.
Johannesburg City & Street Art Walking Tour
Discover the beating heart of Johannesburg on this guided walking tour through the inner city. Explore Braamfontein, Maboneng, and Newtown — uncovering world-class street art, urban culture, rooftop bars, and the stories behind Joburg's remarkable regeneration.
Johannesburg Foodie Walking Tour
Taste your way through Johannesburg's explosive food scene on this curated culinary walking tour. Sample biltong, bunny chow, pap & chakalaka, craft beer, Soweto street food, artisan coffee, and fine-dining African fusion.
Full-day Soweto & Apartheid Museum
Experience the soul of South Africa in one powerful day. Start at the Apartheid Museum with its 22 multimedia exhibition areas, then drive into the heart of Soweto to walk Vilakazi Street — the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners lived. Includes a local shisa nyama lunch.
Lion & Safari Park Adventure
Get up close with Africa's most iconic predators at the famous Lion & Safari Park near Johannesburg. Enjoy a guided game drive through predator enclosures, walk with cheetahs, interact with giraffe, and see white lions, wild dogs, hyenas, and more.
Apartheid Museum & City Highlights Tour
A deep dive into South Africa's complex history through the world-renowned Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and the vibrant Maboneng Precinct.
Sterkfontein Caves & Origins Explorer
Descend into the depths of the Sterkfontein Caves — where the famous "Mrs. Ples" fossil was discovered, dating back 2.3 million years. Explore the underground lake, excavation sites, and the story of humanity's oldest ancestors.
Hartbeespoort Dam & Cable Car Day Trip
Escape the city to the stunning Hartbeespoort Dam — Gauteng's playground surrounded by the Magaliesberg Mountains. Ride the Aerial Cableway to the summit, browse the vibrant craft markets, and enjoy a waterfront lunch with breathtaking mountain views.
Lesedi Cultural Village Experience
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of South Africa at Lesedi Cultural Village. Experience traditional Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele homesteads with authentic song, dance, storytelling, and a traditional feast.
Cradle of Humankind & Maropeng Tour
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Cradle of Humankind, home to the discovery of "Mrs Ples" and "Little Foot" fossils dating back millions of years.
Soweto Day Tour | Mandela House, Hector Pieterson & Local Lunch
Explore the vibrant township of Soweto, visiting Nelson Mandela's former home, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and enjoying an authentic local lunch. This powerful cultural tour reveals the heart and soul of South Africa's freedom struggle.
Ultimate Johannesburg Tour
See every side of Johannesburg in one action-packed day. From the sobering Apartheid Museum to vibrant Maboneng Precinct street art, the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge, Constitution Hill, and Gold Reef City. End with sundowners at a rooftop bar overlooking the Joburg skyline.
Handpicked Safari Lodges
World-class accommodation for every budget. Click any lodge for photos, amenities & booking.
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
5★Cascading down a hillside in the upscale Westcliff suburb, the Four Seasons Johannesburg commands sweeping views over the Johannesburg Zoo and the northern suburbs. This 117-room hilltop retreat features terraced gardens, two swimming pools, a world-class spa, and the acclaimed Flame restaurant. It's the definitive luxury base for exploring Johannesburg and the Cradle of Humankind.
12 amenities · 6 highlights
The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
5★An exclusive boutique hotel in the leafy suburb of Sandhurst, The Saxon is where Nelson Mandela completed his autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom." With just 53 suites, Qunu Spa, and award-winning dining, it offers unmatched privacy and sophistication. Every suite is individually designed, and the 10 private villas are among the most luxurious residential accommodations in South Africa.
12 amenities · 6 highlights
Where is Johannesburg?
Ready to explore Johannesburg?
Let our team craft the perfect safari for you. Every itinerary is fully customisable to your travel style and budget.
The Ultimate Guide to Johannesburg Tours in 2026
Johannesburg, the City of Gold, is South Africa's vibrant economic hub and gateway to unforgettable safari adventures. From the powerful Apartheid Museum and the vibrant streets of Soweto to thrilling day trips to Pilanesberg and the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg offers an extraordinary blend of culture, history, and wildlife.
Why Choose Johannesburg as Your Safari Base?
Johannesburg's strategic location makes it the perfect starting point for Southern African adventures. OR Tambo International Airport connects you to the world, while the city's proximity to Pilanesberg (2 hours), Kruger National Park (4.5 hours), and Sun City means you can combine urban exploration with Big 5 safari experiences. Our guided Johannesburg tours include hotel pickup, expert guides, and seamless transfers.
Top Johannesburg Tours & Experiences
Discover Soweto's soul with visits to Vilakazi Street — the only street in the world that housed two Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Explore the Apartheid Museum's powerful exhibits, visit Constitution Hill, ride the iconic Red Bus through Sandton and Rosebank, or venture to the Cradle of Humankind to see where humanity began. For foodies, our Johannesburg food tours take you through Maboneng's artisan markets and Braamfontein's street food scene.
Best Time to Visit Johannesburg
Johannesburg enjoys a subtropical highland climate, making it pleasant year-round. The best time for safari day trips is the dry winter season (May–September) when wildlife congregates around water sources. Summer (October–March) brings warm weather and lush landscapes, perfect for city tours and cultural experiences. Average temperatures range from 15°C in winter to 26°C in summer.
Johannesburg Safety & Travel Tips
With Bakubung Safaris, your safety is our top priority. All our tours include experienced local guides who know the city inside out. We provide hotel pickup and drop-off, travel in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, and our guides are certified by FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa). We're fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind.
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