Johannesburg rewards travellers who do the work before they fly. Book 8 to 12 weeks out for the best fares from Europe and the Middle East; last-minute prices on long-haul routes can be brutal. The city suits history buffs, food-focused travellers, and anyone using Jo'burg as a gateway to the wider southern Africa region. Budget-conscious visitors will find their money goes far once they land.
What works well
- Strong hub connectivity
- Affordable on the ground
- Rich cultural depth
What to watch
- Book early Dec-Jan
- Visa rules vary widely
A cost-of-living index around 40 means mid-range dinners in Maboneng or Rosebank barely dent the wallet, which is the real story here, not just the flights. OR Tambo moves over 20 million passengers a year, sub-Saharan Africa's busiest hub, but that scale means immigration queues stretch during December and July, so build in the 45 minutes. Visa rules split by passport: a free 30-day stamp for many Western travellers, advance paperwork for others, so check the Department of Home Affairs site before you commit to that ยฃ620 London fare. Go for the Apartheid Museum and Soweto, stay for how far your money stretches once you land.





