Vacation rentals in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is Africa’s economic powerhouse, and the seat of radical social change that occurred just a generation ago. Find a vacation rental to suit your requirements – Braamfontein and inner city for night owls, Rosebank for hipsters and artists, Sandton for shopaholics, and Melrose for those wanting a base where they can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city!

Vacation rentals in Johannesburg are wildly diverse in terms of size – choose from tiny studios up to impressively sized mansions, and price, some great bargains are to be had as are some truly luxurious rentals. Johannesburg rentals are all about modernity, comfort, and security, with everything in place to make your trip completely worry-free.

Johannesburg is Africa’s second biggest city and home to the continent’s busiest airport, serving 28 million passengers a year. The rapid rail link, Gautrain, connects O.R Tambo International Airport to central Johannesburg and its districts. To move around the city, your best bet is an Uber, so if you don’t have an account now is the time to set one up.

Johannesburg is a smorgasbord of global cultures, and by far the most cosmopolitan city in Africa. Its culinary offerings reflect that diversity – Turkish shawarma sits by Somalia samosas, South Indian fried fish, Chinese duck, Portuguese rice, and English meat and two veg. They say that the best way to get to know this city is to eat your eat through it, and it is clear why!

Nelson Mandela’s home city, Johannesburg pays homage to his incredible life. The Apartheid Museum tells the story of social discrimination experienced in South Africa during the 20th century. A near compulsory attraction for visitors to the city, it helps us understand the terrible situation that black people lived throughout the country and how Nelson Mandela helped them in their struggle to overthrow apartheid. Nelson Mandela Square is another must-see, boasting a lovingly created 20-foot statue of Nelson Mandela

Soweto is the most historic township in South Africa, an independent town of Johannesburg between the 70s and 1994, where blacks lived. Today it offers a window into the real life of South African blacks and the hardships that they still face. Don’t miss the religious center Regina Mundi, the heart of social and cultural life in Soweto, you may even catch a rehearsal by the local theater group or choir! Keep in mind that Soweto is best explored with a guide.

The city of Johannesburg was formed by a gold rush in the 19th century, and at Crown Mine Shaft you can learn both how gold was mined all those years ago, and how it has evolved in the present day.

Estadio Soccer City is Africa’s largest stadium, with room for 94,700 seated spectators. It is now famous as the venue of the 2010 World Cup final, and as the setting for Nelson Mandela to make his first mass speech after his liberation, back in 1990.

Lesedi is a village located an hour by car from the center of Johannesburg. Experience first-hand tribal rites, dances, traditional food and rituals from five ethnic groups. For the most immersive experience, consider staying overnight!

If you are in love with amusement parks, Gold Reef City simply must be on your list. In addition to the most impressive roller coasters in all South Africa, you can enjoy seven thematic areas with myriad rides for all ages, you will always have the option of eating in one of its more than twenty restaurants or playing a pleasant game of mini golf.

Opened in the 1970s, the Carlton Center is the tallest building in Africa. Unremarkable for below, from the top you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Johannesburg from the highest of its 50 floors. The Carlton Center shopping arcade has an unchanged 1980's look and feel, so you will get a nice glimpse of what malls looked like in South Africa years back.