South Africa

Johannesburg

Business, history and the start of different routes all meet here. For many travellers, Johannesburg is where a self drive journey begins or ends.

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Discover everything about this location.

For many travellers, the road starts here.

Johannesburg, often called Jo’burg, is South Africa’s largest city and economic centre. It is known for business, major companies and the country’s import and export activity.

Different self drive journeys through Southern Africa start and/or finish in Johannesburg. Many travellers mainly use the city as the place they fly into and collect their vehicle.

If you spend time in Johannesburg itself, there are several places that offer a closer look at the city.

A city that has changed over time.

In the Maboneng Precinct, cafés and small shops sit close together. The area was once less safe, but different initiatives have transformed it.

You can spend time looking around or join a street-art walk.

Johannesburg is still known for crime. Safety has improved, but staying alert is advised.

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Gold changed the course of the city.

Until 1886, the Transvaal highveld that would become Johannesburg consisted of four farms: Braamfontein, Doornfontein, Turffontein and Langlaagte.

That changed when Australian George Harrison found the first gold at Langlaagte in 1886. Gold seekers soon arrived, and temporary tents gave way to permanent buildings.

Johannesburg owes its existence to the discovery of the gold mine beneath this area.

Bijzondere feiten over

Johannesburg

  • Johannesburg is also known as Jo’burg.
  • It is the largest city in South Africa.
  • Johannesburg is the economic centre of South Africa.
  • The city is known for business, major companies and import and export activity.
  • The Maboneng Precinct has cafés, shops and street-art walks.
  • The Apartheid Museum is mentioned as a place to visit.
  • Zoo Lake is a small lake near the zoo.
  • Johannesburg developed after gold was discovered at Langlaagte in 1886.
  • Different self drive journeys through Southern Africa start and/or finish in Johannesburg.
  • Many travellers fly into the city and collect their vehicle here.

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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