Luxury Johannesburg Tours made for you
Start PlanningSouth Africa’s largest and most dynamic city
Johannesburg is the economic centre of South Africa, an energetic city of contrasts. Also known as Joburg or Jozi, it was born from a gold rush in the 1880s. Today it’s home to a lively art scene, delicious and diverse street food, and moving museums exploring the city’s history.
On a luxury Johannesburg tour, you can visit the city’s most significant sites with a local guide. Be inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela and other key activists in the anti-apartheid movement at Constitution Hill, Liliesleaf Farm and the Apartheid Museum. And in the sprawling township of Soweto, visit the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
Johannesburg has been dubbed South Africa’s ‘capital of cool’. To see why, take a private street art tour to hear the stories behind the city’s striking murals. Taste internationally inspired street food at Market on Main. And visit the Maboneng precinct to stroll around artists’ studios, craft stalls and galleries.
Just outside of the city, journey deep into the Sterkfontein Caves at the Cradle of Humankind to gain an insight into our past. These subterranean limestone caverns are where some of the world’s most important hominid fossils were discovered, providing critical evidence of early human evolution.
You can combine a stay in Johannesburg with time in other cities like Cape Town, or a luxury rail journey across South Africa. And you’ll be well-placed to head out on safari in Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands. Contact us to start planning your bespoke Johannesburg tour today.
Experiences picked by our South Africa safari specialists
Admire Joburg’s street art
Join a private guide for a walking tour of Johannesburg’s murals to decode the stories behind the city’s eye-catching street art.
Step back in time at the Cradle of Humankind
Explore ancient limestone caves and learn about the origin of our species at the site where the largest concentration of hominin fossils in the world has been found.
Visit thought-provoking museums
Learn about Johannesburg’s history at the Apartheid Museum, Liliesleaf Farm and Constitution Hill, a former prison complex that once held political activists including Nelson Mandela and Gandhi.
Explore Arts on Main
Stroll around galleries, food stalls and craft shops at this converted warehouse complex in Maboneng precinct.
Luxury accommodation in Johannesburg
There are many incredible places to stay in Johannesburg. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Johannesburg example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
9-Day Trip
A Malaria-Free Family Wildlife Exploration to South Africa
9-Day Trip
A Malaria-Free Family Wildlife Exploration to South Africa
13-Day Trip
A Classic Cape, Kruger and Mauritius Beach Escape
13-Day Trip
A Classic Cape, Kruger and Mauritius Beach Escape
10-Day Trip
Sabi Sands Safari and Seychelles Family Adventure
10-Day Trip
Sabi Sands Safari and Seychelles Family Adventure
Discover more of South Africa
Cape Town
Vibrant and beautiful, Cape Town is an essential stop on any South Africa trip. Table Mountain dominates the skyline and offers exciting outdoor pursuits while the streets below are full of history, culture and buzzing bars and restaurants.
Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg mountains are an epic and exciting place to visit. Huge tabletops, massive ranges, ancient san rock-art sites and crashing waterfalls can be explored on hikes, exhilarating zip lines and expedition horse rides.
Durban
A subtropical climate, beautiful beaches and laid back atmosphere makes Durban a great city to spend time in. It also holds plenty of cultural and political importance as the capital of the KwaZulu Natal region.
Eastern Cape Safaris
South Africa’s Eastern Cape continues to win visitors over with its pristine coastline, accessible and malaria-free wildlife reserves, picturesque villages and surreal hinterland landscapes.
KwaZulu Natal
Known as the ‘Kingdom of the Zulu’, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s most north-easterly coastal province, quite literally has it all.
Limpopo Province
Known as ‘The Great North’ Limpopo is characterised by majestic scenery, ancient landscapes and millions of hectares of protected land. There are numerous outdoor activities including some of the best horse riding safaris in the country.
Luxury Rail Travel
Luxury trains cut through dramatic landscapes, enjoyed from the comfort of stylish carriages. Any journey through South Africa will be a beautiful one and taking the journey by train delivers a wonderful sense of calm or romance.
Madikwe
Madikwe, in the northwest corner, bordering Botswana and the Kalahari desert is a hidden gem for safari-goers. A great spot for families with little children as there are malaria-free areas.
Phinda
Phinda is a private reserve offering exclusivity, conservation-lead hospitality and exciting wildlife encounters. A varied collection of habitats attracts plenty of wildlife and with its proximity to the coast, beach and bush combine perfectly.
Pretoria
Located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, this handsome city is one of South Africa‘s three capital cities. Pretoria is made up of grand buildings, large, leafy green suburbs and wide, tree-lined streets.
Sabi Sands
A private reserve spanning 600,000 hectares and boarding the game-rich Kruger Park means safari experiences here are exclusive and full of wildlife. A place of leopards and wild dogs, luxury lodges and endless savannahs.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a place of magnificent natural beauty. The coastline is made up of small bays, beaches and quaint towns. In the distance rolling, green hills and forestland runs down to meet the coast, laden with marine life.
The Kalahari
The Kalahari showcases the massive diversity of the country's landscapes. Unique desert species roam the arid plains, waiting for the rains to bring dry land to life with a flurry of desert flowers.
The Kruger
A world famous national park, and for good reason. The wildlife in the Kruger is abundant, the big five reside here in large numbers. The park is home to many luxurious lodges for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.
The Western Cape Mountains
The Cape Mountains span the northern and southern capes, taking in the Cederberg mountains and most of the Karoo plateau. A perfect place for jaw-dropping road trips on the famous route 62 and all just a convenient distance from Cape Town.
The Whale Coast
On the Atlantic shoreline of the western cape there’s a beautiful collection of bays, towns and villages. Whale watching boat trips can be arranged to spot southern right whales and evenings are spent in fine restaurants and stylish hotels.
The Winelands
Pretty towns and villages punctuate the green rolling hills of South Africa’s Wine Region. Home to fantastic wine, restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities that make the most of the stunning landscapes.
Meet your Africa team
When to visit Johannesburg
The best time to visit Johannesburg is during the spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). In these seasons, the weather tends to be pleasantly warm and dry. Spring is especially beautiful as you can see the jacaranda trees bloom in clouds of vivid purple. Winters can be cold, while summer brings high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms.
Jacaranda flowers
October
Autumn foliage
April
Safari
May–October
Johannesburg travel guides
Plan your trip to Johannesburg
Whatever you want from your adventure in Johannesburg, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Ask our experts
Is Johannesburg worth visiting on a luxury South Africa holiday?
Yes, a Johannesburg tour is a fantastic addition to a luxury holiday in South Africa. The city is home to a thriving arts scene, great food and thought-provoking museums. Staying here also puts you in easy reach of sights like the Sterkfontein Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How many nights should I spend in Johannesburg?
We recommend spending two or three nights in Johannesburg. This gives you enough time to see the main sights without feeling rushed. You can combine a stay in Johannesburg with time in Cape Town, a safari, and a beach escape in Mauritius or the Seychelles.
Can I connect from Johannesburg to luxury trains and safari reserves?
Yes, it’s easy to connect from Johannesburg to luxury rail journeys and safari reserves. Many luxury trains like Rovos Rail depart from Pretoria, which is about 45-60 minutes north of Johannesburg. And a short domestic flight from the city will take you to world-class safari destinations like Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
