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.
This self-drive journey crosses three countries and combines camping with fixed accommodation. Walking, game drives, diving and snorkelling are all part of the possibilities along the way. You travel from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, continue into Mozambique, then return to Johannesburg via eSwatini.
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South Africa
West Cape and Namaqualand hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
This 14-day route starts and finishes in Cape Town, combining rugged landscapes, the Atlantic coast, active days and 4x4 tracks. The first days are based in Stellenbosch, close to Cape Town. From here, hike in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The route then runs north to the Cederberg, where Wolfberg Cracks, Wolfberg Arch, Maalgat and Maltese Cross are all listed as walking options. Tankwa Karoo National Park changes the setting completely.
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South Africa
Garden Route and Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Addo gives the journey a safari opening. Then the road changes. Baviaanskloof calls for a 4x4, and the pace drops to match the tracks and the terrain. On the other side lies the coast. Storms River Mouth, Harkerville and Wilderness bring together ocean, forest and river. George and Swellendam then lead into Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
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