Summary
Johannesburg is located in the northeast of South Africa and serves as the home to the country’s primary international airport. With an extensive metropolitan area that extends several miles, it is the most populated city in South Africa. Despite this, it does not hold the status of one of the country’s three capital cities. Unusually for a city of its size, once the sprawling suburbs and townships cease, open fields and picturesque countryside follow. Nevertheless, Johannesburg tends to be overlooked by tourists visiting South Africa due to concerns about its safety.
This perception is often exaggerated and seldom affects those traveling to the city. In fact, Johannesburg is the cultural epicenter of contemporary South Africa. Consequently, it presents a perfect starting point for exploring the abundant national parks and game reserves in the vicinity. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the richness of South Africa’s modern culture. A short distance away is the historic city of Pretoria, where visitors can gain insights into the nation’s complex history. Furthermore, Sun City is in close proximity, featuring amusement and water attractions for those seeking a different form of retreat from Johannesburg. Thus, numerous remarkable day trips can be taken from Johannesburg, representing the finest options available.
Here are my top recommendations for attractions that are easily accessible from Johannesburg. Having traveled extensively across South Africa multiple times, I possess firsthand knowledge of what merits your valuable time, and what does not.
1. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is arguably South Africa’s most renowned national park.
Additionally, it is one of the largest parks in the country, encompassing a vast area of nearly 8000 square miles. Johannesburg serves as a prime gateway for international tourists aiming to visit the park.
From Johannesburg, numerous companies provide day tours to the outskirts of Kruger. Here, visitors can experience the wild essence of South Africa’s savannas and observe iconic African wildlife, including the Big Five game species.
It can be challenging to view all five species (lions, elephants, rhinos, Cape buffaloes, and leopards) in one day.
However, with a knowledgeable guide, it is certainly achievable, and there are countless other awe-inspiring animals to admire, from giraffes to hyenas.
With such a vast expanse of wilderness to discover, you will likely find yourself wanting to return numerous times. After all, each day at Kruger National Park is a unique experience.
2. Soweto
Soweto is situated on the periphery of Johannesburg’s city center. Although now integrated into the city, this area was historically quite distinct.
This makes for a profoundly engaging day trip, as Soweto was the largest township in South Africa during the harsh decades of Apartheid.
The name indicates South Western Townships, and a tour here offers a glimpse into the Johannesburg that extends beyond its gleaming commercial districts.
Visitors can delve into the tumultuous history of the township while also experiencing the dynamic lifestyles present. The modern emblem of Soweto, the vibrantly muralled cooling towers of Orlando Power Station, exemplify this.
A visit to Soweto would be incomplete without exploring the Apartheid Museum. Its galleries provide a harrowing account of South Africa’s policies of racial segregation, along with much more to explore.
The Orlando area was the residence of Nelson Mandela prior to his incarceration on Robben Island. Now transformed into a museum and national monument, the modest red brick home where he lived contains remnants of its history, including bullet holes and burn marks from petrol bombs.
Additionally, guided tours include accounts of the Soweto Uprising, a pivotal event that resulted in the deaths of numerous school children protesting against the use of Afrikaans in local schools.
Together, these attractions make Soweto an intriguing destination, ranking among the best day trips from Johannesburg.
3. Sun City
After an immersive dose of history and politics in Soweto, one might seek something more lighthearted and enjoyable for their next day trip from Johannesburg.
Sun City essentially functions as a grand holiday resort. As the most well-known escape destination in South Africa, it is an excellent place to unwind, enjoy leisure activities, and experience amusement parks.
Imagine Las Vegas, and you will nearly discern the essence of Sun City. Visitors can indulge in everything from spas and water parks to bars and even a casino, offering entertainment for all ages.
It undoubtedly possesses a kitschy quality. Nevertheless, Sun City has a unique charm unlike any other destination in South Africa, and certainly nothing else within reach of Johannesburg.
Located only two hours from Johannesburg, Sun City is an ideal day trip; however, numerous hotels tempt visitors to extend their stay.
Furthermore, trips to Sun City frequently include a guided tour of Pilanesberg National Park, my next recommendation.
4. Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park is situated adjacent to Sun City, providing a distinctly different environment to explore.
Thanks to its proximity to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg serves as an exceptional venue for experiencing the diverse wildlife of South Africa without the need to spend extended periods in the bushveld.
The park derives its name from a prominent mountain formed by a now-extinct volcano. Primarily, visitors come to witness the extensive variety of wildlife inhabiting the area.
It is possible to witness all of the Big Five species, alongside nearly every species native to South Africa.
The volcanic landscape is truly stunning, especially around the Mankwe Dam region of the park.
To obtain a comprehensive view of the park’s breathtaking scenery, ascending in a hot air balloon serves as a fantastic option.
5. Pretoria
Pretoria is situated just an hour north of Johannesburg’s city center and is one of South Africa’s three capital cities (alongside Cape Town and Bloemfontein).
Consequently, it is home to numerous administrative offices and many architectural marvels that are remarkable in their own right.
The city is steeped in history, reflecting not only the Afrikaners who founded it but also the nomadic tribes that roamed the region prior to their arrival.
A wonderful starting point to grasp the essence of the city is the impressive Voortrekker Monument.
This grand monument commemorates the struggles endured by Afrikaners who migrated north to escape British colonization.
For a comprehensive understanding of this historical period, a visit to the Pretoria Forts, constructed to defend against British advances, is recommended.
Lastly, the Union Buildings atop Meintjieskop hill serve as the seat of the South African government, designed by British architect Sir Herbert Baker, who also played a role in the design of New Delhi.
6. Magaliesberg
Magaliesberg is an impressive mountain range located to the north of Johannesburg, providing a wild escape from the urban environment. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful.
The landscape is rugged and mountainous, teeming with wildlife, and presents numerous opportunities for exploration, including hiking to waterfalls and peak climbing.
Alternatively, visitors can take a ride on the Hartbeesport Aerial Cableway, which offers an effortless ascent to the summit of the Magaliesberg Mountains.
In other parts of the region, numerous farms and wildlife reserves exist, allowing visitors to engage with local life in this serene area, which is just a short distance from South Africa’s largest city.
7. Rustenburg
Rustenburg is a city situated two hours from Johannesburg, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Magaliesberg Mountains.
Translating to ‘place of rest’ in Afrikaans, this phrase accurately encapsulates the essence of the town.
While it serves as a gateway to explore the broader region, the town itself provides visitors with a glimpse into Afrikaner history.
A comprehensive museum illustrates the town’s significance, and numerous battlefields from the Anglo-Boer War lie nearby.
8. Hartbeespoort
Hartbeespoort is another town set in the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains.
This lakeside community is delightful to visit and is home to Hartbeespoort Dam.
It serves as an excellent venue for relaxation, offering opportunities for boating and scenic cruises on the picturesque lake.
However, Hartbeespoort has also emerged as a hub for adrenaline-driven sports.
White-water rafting on the Crocodile River (with no crocodiles present) is gaining popularity, while divers have the extraordinary opportunity to explore what was formerly a chrome mine.
Furthermore, enthusiasts of big cats should make their way to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Center, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of these magnificent animals.
9. Maropeng Visitor Centre
The Maropeng Visitor Centre, located within the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an extraordinary educational facility and exhibition center situated near Magaliesburg.
This center highlights the significant discoveries made by archaeologists in the region, who have uncovered human fossils and remains, contributing to the understanding of early human history.
It offers profound insights into the relevance of southern Africa to the collective evolution of humanity. Included in its displays are stone tools believed to be a million years old, predating our species by approximately 700,000 years.
10. Sterkfontein Caves
The Sterkfontein Caves can be found near the Maropeng Visitor Centre and are easily combined into the same day trip from Johannesburg.
These attractions are located only ten to 15 minutes apart, making it beneficial to ensure that any tour you choose coordinates shuttle services between both sites.
These caves are part of the broader Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for yielding significant early human discoveries.
Such discoveries include remains of early human species, such as Australopithecus bones that date back approximately three million years.
The most notable find is likely Little Foot, a nearly complete skeleton estimated to be 3.5 million years old. Little Foot was discovered as recently as 1994, with enough skeletal remains to indicate that it walked upright.
11. Krugersdorp
Source: Shiraz Chakera / Flickr
Krugersdorp is primarily a mining locality, established to exploit the abundant gold and mineral deposits in the Witwatersrand area adjacent to Johannesburg.
While the town itself may lack significant tourist attractions, its surroundings boast stunning landscapes and a multitude of subterranean cave systems available for exploration.
A popular site is the aptly named Wonder Cave, one of South Africa’s largest, descending 22 meters into the ground.
Visitors can access the cave’s depths via 87 steps, where an array of stalactites, stalagmites, and cave pearls await observation.
Another noteworthy attraction in Krugersdorp is the Bothongo Lion and Rhino Reserve, which offers game drives in open-sided vehicles on multiple daily departures.
12. Cullinan
Source: PretoriaTravel / Wikimedia
Cullinan is another mining township situated close to Johannesburg, generating interest for those eager to explore the area’s historical context and the mining opportunities that attracted numerous settlers.
Many buildings within the town date back to the early 20th century when the community was first founded. Strolling through the streets provides an experience reminiscent of a bygone era.
The town features several small museums worth visiting, along with options for horse riding and zip-lining in the surrounding countryside.
13. Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
The Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is a unique establishment, located less than ten miles from Johannesburg’s city center.
Given its proximity to the urban area, it is surprising to discover such rich wildlife and picturesque scenery close at hand, offering both an easy escape and an excellent opportunity to appreciate the region’s natural beauty.
While Klipriviersberg may not rival the stature of either Kruger or Pilanesberg national parks, it remains an excellent day trip option from Johannesburg.
The reserve hosts healthy populations of various ungulates and antelopes, such as zebra, wildebeest, and red hartebeest. However, Klipriviersberg is most recognized as a birdwatching destination, with approximately 230 identified bird species.
14. Skeerport
Skeerport is a charming small town located near Hartbeesport Dam, not far from Johannesburg.
This picturesque community is set in stunning surroundings and is known as one of the region’s best hot air ballooning destinations.
Experience the breathtaking scenery from above as the sun rises, provided you manage to depart Johannesburg early enough!
15. Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein offers a considerable day trip from Johannesburg; however, the journey is worthwhile to experience South Africa’s judicial capital in all its splendor.
The city center is bustling with legal professionals navigating from one attractive building to another.
Among these structures are several intriguing museums, including an extensive Boer War Museum.
The city’s Loch Logan Waterfront complex provides an excellent shopping experience, allowing relaxation by the lakeside with a drink as the sun sets on yet another perfect day.
