What should I know before visiting Johannesburg?
Johannesburg has a high altitude
Johannesburg is located on top of a plateau. The city sits about 1,750 metres above sea level. When visiting the city on flights to Johannesburg, be aware of the effects that the lower oxygen levels can have on your body. Take it easy the first few days until your body has had time to adjust. Don’t over-exert yourself by walking too much, and make sure to stay hydrated.
Book onto a day tour of Soweto
Soweto is one of the most fascinating neighbourhoods you could explore in between your return flights to Johannesburg. It was the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, and it played an important role during the era of apartheid. Taking a guided tour with a local offers new insight into Soweto. You’ll get to see major landmarks in the neighbourhood and hear stories about daily life in Soweto during apartheid and today. There’s also some crime in Soweto, so sticking with a local will increase your level of safety.
Smoking is banned in most public places
Johannesburg has strict smoking laws that apply to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vape pens. If you smoke, spend some time researching the areas around the city where smoking is allowed when you book an airfare to Johannesburg. Smoking or vaping outside of designated zones can result in a harsh fine or even jail time.
What are Johannesburg’s most famous landmarks and monuments?
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill is one of South Africa’s most prominent apartheid-era landmarks. It served as a prison for activists opposed to the segregative policies of the time, and was infamous for its poor treatment of inmates and unsanitary conditions. Constitution Hill is most renowned for two inmates in particular: Mahatma Gandhi, imprisoned in 1906; and Nelson Mandela, in 1962. Constitution Hill was closed as a prison in 1987 and later reopened as a museum. People in the city on cheap flights to Johannesburg can visit for a tour and to learn about this period in South Africa’s history. Tickets to Johannesburg’s Constitution Hill cost 80 rand ($8.40 NZD) and include a guided tour.
Lesedi Cultural Village
If you’re interested in experiencing the traditional side to South Africa, consider taking a day trip out of the city in between your return flights to Johannesburg. Lesedi Cultural Village is nestled into the Cradle of Humankind archaeological area. People in the village live life in the traditional way and teach visitors about Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele cultures. While visiting Lesedi Cultural Village after your flights to Johannesburg, you’ll experience traditional music and dance, taste local foods, and admire colourful architecture.
Lindfield Victorian House Museum
Transport yourself back in time to the Victorian era at this popular museum. Lindfield is a Victorian-style house tucked away in the leafy Auckland Park suburb. It was built and designed in 1910 and has hardly changed since. Tour the house to learn what life was like for the upper class during the Victorian era while holidaying on cheap flights to Johannesburg,. When you enter, you’ll be greeted by a maid in Victorian-era clothes. Then, you can explore 18 rooms to admire the Victorian furnishings. People visiting Lindfield on flights to Johannesburg can even enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea overlooking the gardens.
What is the cost of visiting Johannesburg?
Along with booking your airfare to Johannesburg with Webjet, you can save some cash by booking your hotel and rental car too. Budget between $150 to $200 NZD per night for a nice hotel in central Johannesburg. If you choose to rent a car when you book tickets to Johannesburg, you can reserve one for rates starting around $40 NZD per day. Rental cars can be picked up from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Lanseria International Airport (HLA).
A major reason to book cheap flights to Johannesburg is for the city’s proximity to game reserves. Depending on the type of experience you’re after, safaris can drastically vary in price. If you want to spend a few days at a safari lodge, set aside about 7,000 rand ($733 NZD) for the experience. One-day game reserve visits are also an option. Take a full-day guided safari at Pilanesberg Game Reserve for 2,250 rand ($235.85 NZD), or do a self-drive through the Dinokeng Game Reserve for 250 rand ($26.20 NZD).
There’s so much to explore within Johannesburg as well. If you’re planning to visit many attractions between your return flights to Johannesburg, consider purchasing the Johannesburg City Pass. Passes start from 445 rand ($46.65 NZD) and include entry to places like the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg Zoo, and Constitution Hill. If you’re hoping to learn more about apartheid and its impacts on the city, consider taking a tour of Soweto. Several tours are available to visitors holidaying on flights to Johannesburg, and typically cost around 400 rand ($41.90 NZD).