Welcome to Johannesburg. We also call it Joburg, Jozi, and eGoli (City of Gold).
Joburg is full of rich history, exciting local culture, and a modern African vibe.
As your friends on the ground, we’ve put together suggested itineraries to help you get started. This city is the perfect, easy starting point for your South African adventure.
Whether you’re landing in Johannesburg just to catch a connecting flight to Kruger or Cape Town, or you’ve planned to spend a few days exploring, we’ve got you covered.
A Glimpse of Johannesburg
Top places to visit while you are in Joburg
Discover powerful contrasts from vibrant urban culture to raw African wilderness.
Soweto & Vilakazi Street
Soweto is the only place on earth where two Nobel Peace Prize winners (Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu) lived on the same street. We take you beyond the monuments to meet the people and feel the enduring, electric energy of this community.
Constitution Hill
A crucial stop on the journey to understanding South Africa’s democracy. This site is a former military fort and prison that once incarcerated famous figures like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Today, it is home to the Constitutional Court.
Maboneng Precinct
Experience the heartbeat of modern African creativity. It is an incredible story of urban renewal, bursting with independent galleries, vibrant street art, designer studios, and trendy rooftop bars. It’s the perfect spot to feel Jozi’s youthful and entrepreneurial soul.
Sandton and Mandela Square
Sandton is known as “Africa’s richest square mile,” home to luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, and the famous Nelson Mandela Square, marked by a towering statue of the former president, perfect for photos and a modern urban experience.
Pretoria: The Jacaranda City
Often called the “Jacaranda City” for the beautiful purple blossoms that blanket its streets in spring, Pretoria offers a distinct, calmer atmosphere compared to Joburg. We explore beyond the grand Union Buildings to discover the city’s heart.
Kruger National Park Safari
This is Africa at its most iconic. Nothing compares to the thrill of a Safari drive in Kruger. Our guided trips ensure you have the best chance of spotting the Big Five and witnessing the magic of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Pilanesberg National Park
The ideal choice if you have less time for your Safari. Located in an ancient, extinct volcanic crater, Pilanesberg is a geological and wildlife hotspot close to Johannesburg and Sun City. It offers exceptional Big Five game viewing without the long travel commitment needed for Kruger.
Sun City Resort
Need a break from history and nature? Sun City is South Africa’s premier resort and entertainment complex. It offers golf, water parks, casinos, and various activities—a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, often paired with a quick Safari in the neighboring Pilanesberg.
Panorama Route
If you choose our scenic ROAD trip option, you’ll be rewarded with one of the world’s most beautiful drives. The route offers spectacular views over the massive Blyde River Canyon (one of the largest canyons on earth), perfect for unforgettable photos before you settle into the bush.
How to Spend Your Time in Joburg
Flexible, Personalized Itineraries
by Your Local Friend
The journeys below are simply a collection of our most popular ideas, blending city life with the call of the wild.
Think of them as friendly suggestions, not fixed plans.
Experience the city like a friend would show you, covering the complex history, vibrant culture, and hidden corners all at a relaxed pace. We’ll show you the powerful history of Soweto, the creative energy of the Maboneng precinct, and introduce you to our favourite local spots for dining and coffee. This trip is perfectly sized for a memorable weekend.
This adventure gives you the perfect contrast: moving from the high-energy pulse of Johannesburg to the ultimate relaxation and thrill of the bush. Enjoy fun and entertainment at Sun City before heading out on an exciting Safari in Pilanesberg National Park for incredible wildlife viewing. Get to know both the urban scene and the African wilderness.
This is the ultimate road trip for those who believe the journey is as important as the destination. We take the scenic route, meaning we deliberately turn off the direct highway to explore the breathtaking views of the Panorama Route and the Blyde River Canyon on our way to Kruger. This option adds wonderful scenery to your trip and includes stops in charming small towns before you enter the park.
This complete journey tells the whole South African story. You get deep dives into Joburg’s culture (Soweto, Maboneng), a look at political history in Pretoria, and the unforgettable experience of a spectacular Kruger National Park Safari. There’s plenty of time built into the schedule to linger, explore, and discover spontaneously, giving you a full, rich experience.
Complete Flexibility is Our Promise
The four journeys we listed above are not fixed tours; think of them as expertly crafted blueprints. They reflect the best blend of what travelers seek in and around Joburg, balancing the city’s rich culture, South Africa’s stunning landscapes, and a desire for an immersive road trip experience.
Please view these options as powerful concepts, not limitations. Every Ekuseni itinerary can be fully tailored to your specific wishes:
Duration: The number of days is completely flexible, it can be easily shortened or extended. Want to spend an extra night on Safari or add a few more hours exploring a neighborhood in Joburg? We will adjust it effortlessly.
Focus: We can deepen the focus on history, art, adventure, or wildlife, depending on your core interests. For example, we can dedicate more time to the Panorama Route for photography enthusiasts.
Accommodation: We will adjust the properties to fit your exact budget, whether you prefer cozy mid-range guesthouses or a luxurious high-end safari lodge.
If none of these four options perfectly match your vision, simply tell us your ideal trip duration and interests. We will be happy to craft a brand-new, completely unique itinerary just for you. This commitment to full personalization is what Ekuseni is all about.
Ready to Plan Your Johannesburg Trip?
Let’s begin crafting your bespoke Joburg Trip. Contact us today for a personal conversation, and let us take care of all the arrangements and logistics, just as a friend would.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where should I start my Safari: Johannesburg or Cape Town?
Most travelers start their Safari experience from Johannesburg (Joburg). The city is the main gateway to the iconic Kruger National Park, as well as closer destinations like Pilanesberg and the Panorama Route. We arrange seamless transport from Joburg to the bush, whether you prefer a scenic road trip or a quick domestic flight.
Are the Soweto and Maboneng tours included in the itineraries?
Yes, all of our Johannesburg-focused itineraries prominently feature deep-dive tours into the historical and cultural heart of the city, including Soweto and the vibrant arts district of Maboneng. These are essential, guided experiences we believe every visitor should have.
What is the best way to get from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park?
Our primary recommendation is to fly from OR Tambo (Joburg) directly to an airport near Kruger (like Skukuza or Mbombela), as this saves significant travel time. However, for those who love the journey, we proudly offer a direct road trip to Kruger.
Can I change the number of days or destinations in an itinerary?
Absolutely. All of our suggested itineraries are fully flexible. If you want to shorten the trip, add an extra day at a safari lodge, or swap out a city stop for more time on the Panorama Route, we will tailor the itinerary and logistics to fit your personal pace and interests.
Will Ekuseni arrange domestic flights for me?
Yes, we manage all necessary domestic and regional flight logistics, particularly the essential transfers from Johannesburg to other distant hubs like Cape Town or directly to your Safari camp, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
Like any large city, Johannesburg requires awareness, but it is safe to visit, especially when traveling with a reputable partner. By booking with Ekuseni, your transport, accommodation, and activities are pre-arranged and managed by local experts who ensure you stay in secure areas.
Are your tours only for luxury travelers?
No. While we offer high-end, bespoke experiences, we are not exclusively a luxury company. We cater to the individual budget of our guests, offering high-quality arrangements for both mid-range and high-end comfort levels. Our focus is on flexibility and experience, not just expense.
What is the ideal budget range for a typical 6-day Joburg and Safari itinerary?
Costs are highly variable based on your accommodation choice (mid-range vs. high-end) and transport (flying vs. road trip). We provide detailed, FREE customized quotes for the mid-range and high-end tier, ensuring the proposed trip always aligns with your specified budget.
Can I combine a Johannesburg trip with Cape Town or Zanzibar?
Absolutely. Johannesburg serves as the perfect starting point for longer Southern and East African adventures. We specialize in creating seamless, multi-country itineraries that easily link Joburg with our other operational areas, including Cape Town, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg and the surrounding areas?
Johannesburg (Joburg) is fantastic to visit year-round, as its climate is temperate. However, the best time largely depends on whether your focus is on the city or on your Safari experience:
For City Exploration (Joburg): The shoulder seasons—March to May (Autumn) and September to November (Spring)—offer the perfect balance. The weather is warm and sunny, with low humidity, making it ideal for exploring Soweto, Maboneng, and enjoying rooftop views.
For Wildlife Viewing (Kruger/Pilanesberg Safari): The Dry Winter Season (May to September) is generally considered the best. The vegetation is sparse, and animals congregate around limited water sources, making game viewing easier and more predictable. Joburg itself remains mild and sunny during this time.
In short, there is no bad time, but if you are aiming for the ultimate Safari experience, the cooler, dry months are ideal for spotting wildlife.